Saturday, January 21, 2012

College for the Non-Traditional Students and it's benefits

I will try to rush this write up as I feel like there is much to discuss and edit. and..GO

I was listening to NPR on my way home from work and they were talking about bringing back college drop outs to the classes. The part that interested me was when they talking about how the current college model does not cater to the current college student now. Many college students commute or  work while attending college unlike what universities (and societies) expects the average student to be (living in the dorm and having no other responsibilities aside from school work). Many of these (new aged) students will have to choose between work or school. On of the options will put food on the table so it is easy to drop out of school. I am hoping that this will change in the future with the introduction of the internet and online classes. Here are my reason on why non traditional students will can have a better education:

1. An early work force experience.
Sure, There is no trade of for the crazy social life in school with all of its highs and lows. But there is no trade off for the work force experience either. Having a job or two on the resume will mean a lot especially if the job is related to your dream future job that you are applying for.

2. being your own teacher.
Online classes demand a lot of self-taught skills. It could feel like cheating sometimes by attending a class and trying to find what the teacher assumes is going to be on the test over learning the actual material. I knew students who did not read the book and never heard of a UML diagram before even that it was on the 2nd chapter in a book for a 1st year Computer Science class. Teachers can not go over everything in the 45 min class time so they will only try to pick what they want the student to pass knowing.

3. Time management skills.
 If you work and attend school at the same time, then you will force yourself to get the best out of your study time and develop good study skills.



 The model of college education is outdated and it will be long before it become effective to all students. But I also think that those who are not in the target could benefit a lot more if they can survive their way through.


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 I just hope that it helps some internet surfer looking for opinions.