Columbia Shutting Down Online Learning Venture
from the so-much-for-that dept
During the early years of the tech boom, universities kept exploring ideas having to do with online and distance learning. Many universities even launched distance learning projects, but most haven’t really caught on. Now, Columbia has decided to give up on their version and shut down their online learning venture, Fathom. They say that they want to concentrate on digital learning techniques for on-campus education, rather than worrying about those off-campus. I still think that distance learning for general education was too big of a mind-shift for many people to feel comfortable with. While it makes sense for training and specific educational needs, thinking that it would simply replace the college classroom didn’t make sense.
Comments on “Columbia Shutting Down Online Learning Venture”
Distance
The real point is that distance learning does not work. Where you have to do it (the outback), then OK, but most people simply are not well motivated enough to learn without interaction with real people who can answer their questions whatever they are.