Burgstahler, Sheryl [1997]. Teaching on the Net: What’s the Difference? THE Journal, Vol 24, Issue 9, p61.

A Review of

Teaching on the Net: What’s the Difference?

By Mindy Lawson

            Computers can enhance the lives not only of students, but of the disabled as well. The article deals with the first time teacher of an internet course. The class was open to nation-wide students and lasted 6 months. The final was emailed to the students when requested by the students toward the end of the class. The students were given several days to complete the exam and email it back to the instructor. The feasibility of the class for disabled individuals was beneficial to all. The instructor could continue a career which led her to many out-of-town trips. She could continue to evaluate student performance through emails and chatrooms created by the students. No excuses were made for missed classes. One weekly email to a chatroom which seemed similar to Blackboard was the only timed requirement. All other assignments could be completed at the pace of the individual. The tools of the class remained similar to that of a regular on campus class. Students were required to read from a textbook, watch videotapes, and participate in discussion through email. However, students in wheelchairs did not require any additional considerations and no interpreters were needed to accommodate the “attending” deaf students. Guest speakers could still be used by engaging in the email conversations. The library component of the traditional classroom was met by requiring internet research on specific topics. Students were still required to make a site visit which qualified as field experience. However, each student could participate at a time convenient to their schedules at sites in their region. As with all new programs, there are bad points to go along with the good. There will always be those students who take advantage of the system and abuse it. Students must also have internet access which may not be available to all persons and adds additional expenses. Students must also be somewhat proficient with the internet so the instructor does not spend endless hours answering technical questions. Overall, the author believed there is a real advantage to having some class taught through the internet.

            I had some reservations reviewing an article written in 1997. However, after reading the article I was given a different perspective on the necessities of online classes. Although I have a special interest in handicap accessible environments, I had never given much thought to the benefits of online courses to those people who might otherwise need special services in order to attend a traditional classroom. Flexible schedules can benefit almost everyone in todays’ hectic lifestyles. Other than the internet requirement, the other downside for some people may be the independence. Many people tend to procrastinate and if there are no set time schedules (such as in this class) people may wait until the end of class to do all the work. Fortunately, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.