I’m writing this letter in reference to the article that was published in the Jan 27 issue of La Voz Weekly entitled “Online classes not revolutionary” by Krystal Alvarado. I feel that the author had a negative experience with a single online class, and has dismissed the entire online education system at De Anza because of it. I want to offer a separate perspective regarding online courses at De Anza. I am currently taking a class online, and absolutely love it.

I don’t understand why people feel that taking a class online should make the coursework any easier. Online courses still have a structure to them, even if they don’t meet in person. Weekly contributions are often still required, be it homework, forum posts, quizzes/tests, etc. Forums allow for students to discuss subject matters between themselves and their professor. I’ve had far more intelligent conversations on the forums of my current online class than I have had in any of my current quarter’s physical classes.

I understand that online education isn’t a perfect fit for all students. I feel that some students have inaccurate expectations of what an online class is, and what is expected of them when they enroll in one. Online classes still require a serious effort on the part of the student.

This is a subject that I am very passionate about.

I’ve heard that the Foothill-De Anza district was recently selected to lead an effort to redefine California’s online education system, called the Online Education Initiative. If you have an idea on how online education can be improved please contact Sandoval Chagoya, the Statewide Programs Manager of the Online Education Initiative at [email protected].

More information can be found at www.ccconlineed.com.

Jamie Johnson, De Anza Student