Expectations of Internet Education: Casper College's Experience

The Internet Based Distance Learning (IBDL) classes provided in Wyoming's Casper College have the potential to benefit all involved. The "Cyber Semester," which began in the spring of 1997, consisted of four typical freshman classes (Physical Geography, Precalculus Algebra, English Composition I, and Political Science) that were offered entirely on the Internet. Wyoming politicians expected it to save money, the college administration expected greater educational access, and the faculty expected ground breaking teaching innovations. Enrollment far surpassed expectation. The average IBDL student was a 29 year old female computer owner in her second year of college. Other groups included high school and college juniors and seniors, as well as those nearing completion of a Bachelor's program. Surveys were conducted to reveal the students' expectations and experiences with the program, as compared to traditional classes. Findings indicated that: (1) students had to do more work than was expected; (2) students felt that they had learned more; (3) the cost of the program met expectation; (4) convenience was slightly lower than expected; (5) average computer knowledge was required; and (6) accessibility and convenience were main reasons for participation. IBDL classes are not intended to save money by having one instructor serve hundreds of students, because they provide accessible one-on-one interaction through the Internet. (YKH)