University finds free online classes don't hurt enrollment

http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2010/02/university-finds-free-online-classes-dont-sap-enrollment.ars

by hypersoar • 16 years ago

32 11 16 years ago

axiom• 16 years ago

Well of course. The vast majority of students are there to get the piece of paper that they can then staple to their resume. You don't get that by auditing open course ware.

pgbovine• 16 years ago

yup, i hope this encourages other universities to invest in opening up their resources too. it doesn't at all dilute their 'brand', and it helps spread free education to people across the world who can't afford to attend in person

jrockway• 16 years ago

What about people that can afford to attend, already know the material, but need a piece of paper?

gprisament• 16 years ago

>> The vast majority of students are there to get the piece of paper...

And, in BYU's case, to meet other Mormons.

psawaya2• 16 years ago

I thought the standard argument was that online courseware doesn't reduce class enrollment, but attendance. Not that either is a good reason to stop putting course materials and lectures online.

dagw2• 16 years ago

Is reducing attendance really a problem for Universities though? Universities get paid by enrolment, not attendance. I don't know if there is any drawback for individual lecturers if attendance to their lectures drop, but if there is then online material is the perfect incentive they need to up their game.

psawaya2• 16 years ago

I'd say it would be a problem if half the class just doesn't show up, figuring they can just watch the lecture online later. Some professors think this will make undergrads lazy about showing up to class, and more likely to fall behind.

University finds free online classes don't hurt enrollment

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