TO THE EDITOR:
As Director of the Friday Center for Continuing Education, which provides important opportunities to a wide range of learners through Carolina Courses Online and other programs, I share the concern expressed in your editorial of October 8 (“Online hike lacks class”) regarding increases in tuition in online courses. At the same time, I am troubled by your characterization of online learning as “sub-optimal” or having “less educational value.” With a considerable track record on which to draw in an instructional method that is now well established, there is abundant research to indicate that online courses can provide a learning experience that is equivalent to that of the classroom in terms of content, quality, and educational outcomes.
Courses offered through UNC’s distance education programs are an important part of the University’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, and they are subject to the same careful academic and administrative review as campus-based courses. At the Friday Center, we work closely with the University to ensure that all courses offered through our programs adhere to UNC’s high standards. While it is disappointing to see tuition increases impacting broader access to our programs, our online courses represent an excellent educational value and serve an important part of the University’s instructional program.
Norman Loewenthal
Director
Friday Center
