Online courses still some way from being university of the future
ONLINE higher education is part of the future, but not 'the' future, Education minister Robert Sillars has said.
As part of a review into the longer term of higher education costs, embracing online improvements and 'attending' courses via the internet – potentially at a lower cost to the island – are likely to make up a portion of the budget, but staying in the island has risks.
'Where possible, going off-island has benefits. It is well worthwhile and people maybe would appreciate that Guernsey has pluses,' said Deputy Sillars, pictured.
'This is all about giving choice and for those who don't want to leave, why deprive them of the chance to study further education?'
The development of Massive OnLine Open Courses – Moocs – provides a different dynamic for students who could, for instance, from the comfort of their own home take part in a course which was based in a different country.
However, Deputy Sillars said that these courses needed to become more established before they were taken seriously and could hold their own against traditional universities.
'Without doubt there will be more online stuff in the future, but the credibility has to increase. There are some good online courses, but there are an awful lot that aren't.'
