The Library & Information Science courses offered at the College of Southern Idaho are completely online. Take a look at the classes we offer: http://www.csi.edu/liis/ . Offering these classes online is very beneficial to students working full-time jobs, parents with small children, students who do not live close to a college campus and many others who find studying online better suits their needs. Currently, we have students from all across Idaho and even other states enrolled in our classes.
Speaking as a student instead of an instructor, I prefer taking online classes to sitting in a classroom. You don’t have to spend the time and money (don’t get me started on the high price of gas) to drive to campus. You can work on the classes around your work schedule. You don’t have to uproot your family and move across the country to attend the college. You trade a hard, uncomfortable desk for your recliner. You can take your time to extensively study pertinent points and gain a full understanding of a concept before you move on.
Now, I have to agree that online classes aren’t for everyone. You have to be a self-starter. You have to be motivated to log in to your classes on a regular basis. You can’t be afraid of technology and you have to be willing to dive in and try. And, it helps if you prefer to learn by reading rather than by hearing. You have to want to learn and want to soak up the knowledge. Online courses are definitely not for anyone looking for that easy “do-nothing” class. How much knowledge you gain directly relates to the extent of the effort you put towards learning. But I guess this is true with any class that you attempt whether it is face-to-face or online.
With the technology today there are many different means of communication to accomplish the learning activities needed to hone your skills. Blackboard, discussion boards, chat rooms, phone calls, and email are just the beginning of communication modes available. Even though there are others that do not agree, I feel an online education is just as valuable as a face-to-face education!
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