Academic Research

Forbes Magazine is running an essay in which the Vice President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, is extolling the benefits of a community college education. This is a trend I have witnessed myself in working with students over the past 10 years. The number of older, none-traditional community college students seems to be increasing and the stigma of community college is decreasing. I’m pleased to witness this trend and excited at the possibilities of upping the quality of community college education.

Dr. Bidden’s recognition of the importance of community colleges is in line with the Obama administration’s recent focus on making education more accessable for all. Obama’s American Graduation initiative is further proof of the administration’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities.

The technology revolution has made it possible to teach almost every aspect of every discipline via distance education.  Utilizing this technology, several post-secondary institutions have begun to develop certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs utilizing virtual classrooms and education.  Eastern Oregon University, Emporia State University, Kutztown University, La Salle University, the Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and Virginia Tech are among the many institutions integrating distance education as part of their curriculum.

With colleges and universities alike jumping on the “distance education bandwagon” it would seem that the traditional classroom would be fast becoming an antique.  Despite the fact that distance education has many supporters worldwide, there are a number of opponents in the field of education that feel distance education carries with it some inherent problems that could ultimately effect the quality and standard of education for all students: traditional and distance bound alike.

Interesting idea…make online education free and ubiquitous with socialist views on providing for community college and more affordable educational outlets via the internet. Free online classes, free e-textbooks – what’s the problem with this? Hmm…what to call it…how about National Skills College.

Well, I can think of a few things…Americans for one. The American work ethic isn’t quite the Protestant work ethic or even the Obama work ethic (the driving force behind the creation of a National Skills College). Part of what makes our educational system work post-secondary is capitalism. The more you pay, the better your education is. Are our public high schools evidence of a working socialist system of education? No, absolutely not. What is the best community college you can think of? Um…probably none because teachers generally don’t like community college duty. It is something akin to hall monitor or recess patrol.

I’ll be interested to watch how this idea develops. Would love it but…Don’t think so, not in America. China maybe…Americans wouldn’t know what to do with the ability to better themselves on their own.