Online, Faculty-and-Staff-Stories
Online Learning in the Spotlight!
September 15, 2022
Take the leap! You are the best thing you could possibly invest in. Invest in yourself!
Rev. Dr. Gerard BollingAssistant Professor of Leadership & TheologyThe academic world has seen many changes in how students learn and engage in the classroom in recent years. Today, 1 in 3 University students enroll in at least one online course. In addition, with the current trajectory of University program development, more people will have opportunities to earn a degree online.
The perks of online learning? Students can easily study from the comforts of their chosen learning environments while online. Online learners do not need to be concerned with commute times or relocate to the surrounding areas of the University of their choosing. Balancing life becomes easier when considering the ability to complete asynchronous tasks at your own pace and learn at the best time of day for you.
Are you aware of the advantages that come from online learning programs?
- Added Flexibility
- Refined Time Management Capabilities
- Demonstration of Self-Motivation
- Improved Virtual Collaboration
- Heightened Global Perspective
- Expanded Network
- Cultivated Critical Thinking
- New Technical Skills
Q & A With Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling
Q: What value do you see in being able to teach those from across the state or country
while they are in their home areas?
A: “Online learning is something that can connect many people across state lines, time zones, life positioning, work function, and even personal barriers! The innovation of the online classroom gives the student flexibility to learn while giving the instructor flexibility to teach. Natural connections are made between students and professors that end up being professional connections that can last a lifetime. And most of all—the application of what is learned by a student is nearly immediate. This encourages a student to become a continuous improvement learner in a more immediate way.”
Q: Do you see value in Higher-Ed continuing to expand its online learning capabilities?
A: “ With a growing number of jobs switching to online/hybrid formats, it would make sense that the higher ed community would make a natural shift in the way in which we learn as well. While there is certainly value in traditional classroom education, the online learning space gives the student the ability to go to class on their own time within the parameters of the virtual space. I see Higher Ed expanding its learning capacities to fit the needs of the market, and to qualify those who are already called/hired to their positions rather than simply attempting to hire those who are already qualified. In addition to this, online learning fills a significant equity gap in higher education. For the student that cannot make it to the classroom, or simply PREFERS to learn online, they can step into the online space to learn and be enriched by the content.”