I was disappointed after reading the comments expressed by highly-ranked educational figures in the Kingdom such as Dr. Muhammad Areef, dean of higher studies at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, on distance education programs. (Arab News, Aug. 13).
In Dr. Areef’s view, long-distance correspondence courses are simply out to make money and do not provide an adequate education to those who subscribe to them.
As a proud University of Phoenix Online graduate I had to present my argument on the subject. There are some universities which are out to make money, regardless of whether they offer education through physical classrooms or through online classes.
But examining the benefits of online education, we need to acknowledge that the Internet provides individuals with access to more information than ever before. Thanks to this new technology, traditional learning is changing from its single profile of the classroom-student-teacher, to include additional profiles of individual-Internet-self study, and individual-mentor-practical experience.
Technology has erased traditional barriers of time, space and place and represents the capacity to fundamentally change the standard for transmitting knowledge and skills from master to learner.
Accreditation provides assurance to the public and prospective students that an institution, whether online or traditional, has been found to meet the association’s criteria. The accredited process also provides an opportunity for a critical self-analysis to enhance improvement in quality. Online universities that gain accreditation are committed to provide qualified degree students who meet and in most cases exceed the qualifications of traditionally accredited institutions.
Most people realize that getting a degree not only boosts their education and skills, but it also improves their ability to earn a good living. Companies, especially here in the Middle East, place enormous value on Western-obtained degrees no matter whether they have been obtained through physical attendance or not. In fact, many reputable companies fund and sponsor their employees’ education, especially the online ones, since they do not require them to leave the company while acquiring new skills. Rarely do we find employers requiring the job applicant to hold a Ministry of Higher Education-accredited degree.
From personal experience, having worked for three different employers who are all listed among Saudi Arabia’s Top 100 companies, I have never been asked to verify that my online degree has been accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education. As long as it is from a reputable international university and the individual applying demonstrates proper education, knowledge and skills the employer will be more than happy to employ the job applicant.
As for the benefits of online education, these are reflected in the many advantages offered. For the individual, the benefits lie in the fact that online education allows a person to study while working; this provides the opportunity for more people to obtain their degree who otherwise would never have had the chance to continue their education. Most employees need to ensure a monthly paycheck for the family which they cannot give up under the circumstances and yet do wish to obtain a higher degree to develop themselves. Online education is, therefore, ideal for them.
Online education presents benefits to us Saudi women, too, who are required to be accompanied by a guardian if seeking education abroad.
Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can’t be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
In addition to the pedagogical benefits of online learning, there are also several time- and money-saving advantages. These are reflected in the reduced institutional expense for both the cost and time associated with copying, collating, and distributing educational materials. Students benefit because they have immediate access to course materials at any location. They do not have to spend time walking across campus to the instructor’s office or searching for a reading in the library. Instructors too can minimize time spent in office hours, and address student concerns online.
According to a recent research undergone by a consulting firm in the United States, nearly half of higher education institutions currently engage in some type of online learning. This fact should make our education officials think twice before expressing such negative feelings they have about such a great educational breakthrough achieved.
To all those who still hold negative perceptions, I recommend you to give online courses a try and stop judging a book by its cover.
(Hala Alturki is a senior media and marketing manager. She is based in Alkhobar.)