WSU heads for Cyber Space, by Jiquanda Davis in The South End

WSU heads for Cyber Space
by Jiquanda Davis in
The South End (Tuesday, November 9, 1999)

“Everything is in Cyber Space,” said Moti Nissani, associate professor, Interdisciplinary Studies Program, Lifelong Learning. The ISP and other departments at Wayne State University are offering online classes.

Some students question the quality of taking courses in cyber space. “There’s definitely pros and cons,” said Brian Staley, MSIE, engineering management. “The online theory brings about the integrity of the education, however, it is a forward way of thinking.” David Bowen, associate professor, ISP, Lifelong Learning, said he anticipated the quality of education from online classes being questioned. “They (students) were asked to learn a lot,” said Bowen. “They ask me, why is there so much work in the course?” Bowen gives his online students a challenge in hopes of protecting the integrity of online teaching.

According to Nissani, there are disadvantages when taking online courses. “When the server is down, the class is down,” said Nisanni. “Each one of us is sitting in a cubicle; there is no intermediate interaction.”

In Bowen’s courses, the quizzes are given online but the final exams are handed out and taken in person. “I think there should be monitoring stations. A student could take the exam (by) showing ID within two to three days,” said Bowen.

Monyell Pagiel, graduate program, College of Education, is concerned for the lack of social interaction. “I don’t think that’s good, you don’t have interaction. You have to be present to get that feedback and the full effect.” Paige also said that online classes will not allow students to network, as well as face-to-face interaction. In order to avoid the total lack of social interaction, Nissani and Bowen allow students to meet -- at their request -- but Bowen said all students do not prefer face-to-face interaction. “People who might not speak up in a class will feel less intimidated in a (online) discussion,” said Bowen.

Online classes may be a convenience for some students. Melissa Caudle, public relations graduate program, said, “I would love it. I live in Flint.” On the other hand, Caudle realizes the lack of face-to-face interaction. “You’re missing the hands-on with someone right there with you. In reaction to the quality of education of online classes, Caudle said, Who’s to say that (traditional) in-class work is good quality work.”

According to “News to Use” Dr. Edward D. Goldberg, chief executive of Seton World Wide, Seton Hall’s Online University, suggests — to determine credibility, a student should

Ask whether the program offered by a college or university is certified by a recognized and impartial academic evaluation association;
Determine whether complaints or praise have been filed with the appropriate education office in the country, state or province where the program is located; and,
Communicate with students who have taken or are enrolled in the online degree program.

“I was going to teach one traditional section and one online section. I told the people they could register for the online class; the third week, all of them were in the online class. Everything is in Cyber space. Wayne State is a little behind,” said Nisanni.

There are other departments offering online classes. The Department of Anthropology, with the “E-Curriculum Project,” will offer a series of online classes in anthropology. Through “E-Curriculum,” lecture materials will be available on the web, plus quizzes and assignments. Even though it is a web-based program, it will allow students to meet with the instructor and other members of the class. Other institutions like Seton Hall and University of Phoenix are offering full-degree programs through cyber space. According to Penelope Majeske, associate professor, ISP, Lifelong Learning, WSU will offer full-degree programs online in the future.

Staley said, “It (online education) would have to be proven. It would have to be accepted by the corporate world. If it is so easy to understand online, you have to question it.” Nissani also mentioned some advantages in taking online courses. “They (students) don’t have to buy a text for that class. Everything is online. “People from the Third World who can afford Wayne State classes can take them and get a better education,” Nissani said.

If students are interested in online classes, Bowen suggests that they check with the department to see what is being offered as a web course and find out the site address.