Online classes ease students' scheduling and tuition concerns

By Julie Jenkins

December 16, 2004 | Tuition is expected to rise next fall, and this means students will be feeling the pinch. Out-of-state tuition has students pulling their hair out, and looking for ways to cut back on school costs. The Extension Center at Utah State University provides education through three means, and this may be helpful to students who are looking to cut corners. The Extension Center provides college-level courses available through extension sites, online and independent study. Taking courses through the Extension Center offer students a way to tackle issues related not only to the cost of education, but also in scheduling.

Elisa Taylor, from the Extension Center at Utah State, says students who sign up for independent study and distance education courses pay a flat fee, no out-of-state tuition. "That's what attracts out-of-state and international students, because it's a lot cheaper," says Taylor.

A common myth among students is that classes through the extension center are more expensive than those taken through the university. "The classes aren't necessarily more expensive," says Taylor.

When taking a look at the tuition requirements of taking a class through the Extension Center, there are both pros and cons. Taylor says there is no plateau in the cost of tuition, as there is when taking regular university courses. Students can take from 12 to 18 credits at the university, and still pay the same tuition. Those taking courses through the Extension Center must pay per credit. Even so, Taylor says students taking courses through the Extension Center do not have to pay student body fees.

Taking classes through the Extension Center gives students the opportunity to save more than just the money from student body fees and out-of-state tuition -- it saves them time. Rachel Moritsen, a senior, says she's taken a class through the Extension Center every semester since her freshman year.

"The reason I keep doing it is because I can set my daily schedule," says Moritsen. "I did a whole semester just through online courses and an internship, which allowed me to stay home and save money," says Moritsen.

Taking classes through the Extension Center saves students time and money, but are they as effective as face-to-face instruction? "I think some classes are more effective with face-to-face meetings; however many of the courses I took were still effective," says Mortisen.

Moritsen says whether face-to-face contact is necessary is dependent upon the course.

"Most of mine were for generals or for my business minors," says Moritsen. "I had really great faculty to help me in the business department if I ever had a problem."

Ted Andra, an online-education professor through the Extension Center has been teaching online classes for four years. He teaches five English courses and has between 80-100 students per semester. "I still prefer face-to-face contact teaching," says Andra. "I miss the personal contact.

"I taught an on-campus course last spring and enjoyed it tremendously," says Andra.

According to a study done by Shannon Fite at Texas A&M University, learner-learner interaction is a necessary part of online classes. In order for students to have a satisfying learning experience, there must be some form of interaction between learners.

Taylor, from the Extension Center, says many online classes incorporate class discussions into the curriculum to simulate the classroom experience. Students post to discussion boards, and respond to class discussions prompted by the teacher.

In another study conducted by Diane Martinek from the University of Wisconsin, it was found that students who are highly motivated when enrolling in an online course, can be just as successful as students taking classes in a traditional format. Her research supported the idea that interaction between instructor, student, and fellow students is central to the successful completion of an online course.

"We all learn differently and in different environments," Moritsen says. "I happen to thrive better when I can work at my own pace and in my own home. Online courses have allowed me to achieve balance."

The Continuing Education program at Utah State enrolls over 11,000 students per year. Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc., rated the program as one of "America's best buys." The Extension Center provided its services to more students fall semester of 2003 than Snow College, the College of Eastern Utah, Dixie State College, or Southern Utah State University. The center has programs from each of USU's colleges. There are 321 faculty members teaching by extension, including campus faculty, continuing education faculty and adjunct professors.

For more information about the Extension Center and its continuing education program, see the extension website.

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