Online learning has picked up so much steam after the pandemic that institutions are shifting their priorities to match the rabid demand. However, new research from West Point may suggest leaders should move with a degree of caution.
Researchers compared the outcomes of over 550 students randomly assigned to either online or in-person sections of an economics course and found that those assigned online were about 22% of a standard deviation lower than their traditional counterparts. Furthermore, a post-course survey revealed that online-only students felt less connected to their instructors and peers.
“Our study reveals that online education, while a necessary adaptation during the pandemic, may not always deliver the same quality of learning and student experience as in-person instruction,” said the authors. “These results should prompt educators and policymakers to carefully consider the potential drawbacks of online learning, especially for students who may already face educational disadvantages.”
How poor online learning outcomes at West Point affect you
The report’s authors noted that this gap may vary—or even be wider—at institutions that do not stress discipline as intensely as West Point, which accepts 12% of applicants and trains students to maintain peak physical fitness. Its students are also deeply connected to their active service after college.
In addition, student-faculty relations may not be as strong as larger universities. West Point’s classes are smaller and more individualized than at the average state universities.
Kamala Harris: Down with the degree
U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris vowed to cut “unnecessary” college degree requirements for certain federal jobs if elected. Instead, Harris advocated for increased CTE programs and apprenticeships.
“And I will challenge the private sector to do the same,” she added at a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, according to Reuters.
More from UB: How micro-credentials are spurring deeper collaboration between community college and employers
Colleges and universities have fought to squelch the disillusionment with higher education over costs and time commitment. Some institutions have eliminated tuition sticker prices and increased merit-and need-based aid. Others are challenging the four-year degree altogether by initiating reduced-credit degree programs, embracing stackable micro-credentials and improving online learning modalities.
Nutritious food, safe student housing becoming federal law?
U.S. senators and House Representatives have reintroduced the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act, bicameral legislation aiming to ensure students’ basic needs are met while enrolled in college. It aims to establish a $1 billion competitive grant that would go toward enhancing data sharing between federal agencies responsible for managing public assistance programs and increasing allocated funds to meet student needs.
Members of Congress want to ensure students can access nutritious food, safe and secure housing, mental and physical health care, high-quality and affordable child care, technology, transportation, personal hygiene and other necessities.
Last year, the University of New Mexico discovered that 60% or more of its college and university system students suffered from basic needs insecurity.
“For far too many students whose families aren’t able to help them cover tuition or rent, a return to campus means having to figure out how to juggle classwork and jobs while affording everything from meals to housing to health care,” Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator (D-Calif.) and bill co-leader. “It’s not enough just to get our kids to school. We need to create a student social safety net that sets them up for success.”
Another prominent university recommits to institutional neutrality
The University of Virginia has adopted a position of institutional neutrality following recommendation by a six-member committee made up of public policy experts. As a result, neither the flagship school nor its leaders will comment on any newsworthy events that do not directly affect campus life and operations.
“Once you start commenting, you’re going to have to figure out when you are going to comment and when are you not,” University of Virginia President Jim Ryan told the UVA Board of Visitors Friday.
This follows earlier decisions by Harvard University in May and the University of Minnesota in August. The latter institution’s decision applies specifically to investment decisions regarding its Consolidated Endowment Fund.
