Teaching Principles of Economics without “Chalk and Talk”: The Experience of CNU Online

Abstract

The age of the virtual university has arrived as computer technology, specifically the Internet, offers increased possibilities for higher education. No longer are students necessarily required to come to campus to obtain an education. With computer technology, the education comes to the student; students are freed from the time and space constraints of the traditional classroom. In addition to offering courses via computer, administrative services such as admissions, registration, advising, financial aid, and bookstore orders can be handled by computer, phone, or fax. In the United States, virtual universities have been developed by numerous private and public entities. For example, the University of Phoenix (www. uophx.edu) is a private distance-learning franchise company that provides educational opportunities for approximately 48,000 adult students. The University of California (www.california.edu) has a virtual university that coordinates all of the distance-learning opportunities offered through the state's accredited colleges and universities. Regional bodies, such as the Western Governors' Association (www.wgu.ed) and the Southern Regional Education Board (www.srec.sreb.org), have also entered the virtual university market. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is currently studying the idea of a virtual university within the Commonwealth. As a step in that direction, five Virginia institutions of higher education are offering courses through the Southern Regional Education Board's electronic campus. This electronic campus is a consortium of 50 colleges and universities throughout the South that enables students to enroll in courses whose credits can be transferred among the member institutions. At Christopher Newport University (CNU), we have been offering courses via computer since the spring 1993 semester. The CNU Online program (www.cnuonline.cnu.edu) began as a pilot system developed by CNU faculty members. In September 1994, the on-line program was formally approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia. At that time, 8 courses were offered on-line to 138 students. Gradually the program has grown to include 50 courses from 15 departments offered to over 500 students (as of the fall 1997 semester). Students can complete their general education required courses on-line and can earn four-year undergraduate degrees without ever coming to campus.