By Cal State University students have discussed and published their collective opinions about online education in a document called the “White Paper.”
The California State Student Association released the document which published an official student opinion about online education for the first time.
California State Student Association created the White Paper after a discussion about online education among state legislators, according to the document. An official student opinion was missing from the discussion of the implementation of online education in schools, so a committee was created to pool student opinions.
Anthony Gibson, CSSA chief of staff and a student representative from Cal State University Sacramento, helped to start the committee for the White Paper. He was appointed to head the committee in July and began work on the White Paper shortly after in August.
Gibson said the White Paper has two goals: to establish an official student opinion about online education and publish it so students have a voice in the ongoing discussion, and to better inform state legislators about online education and what it can provide for students.
“It’s not about what it has been like; it’s about what [online education] can be,” Gibson said. “Our goal is to turn bad experiences around.”
He said that what makes him proud is being able to publish a document such as the White Paper and receiving a huge response for it.
“When [it’s] done right, [online education] can be very beneficial. We have the opportunity to improve the quality of the classroom experience,” Gibson said. “Technology allows for new ways of presenting material to give students a better overall experience.”
The CSU system has looked into implementing online education to help students who have trouble enrolling in bottleneck courses, classes that are in high demand and often fill quickly.
CSU spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp said the CSU has reviewed the White Paper but has not established a view or comment on it.
Kayce Perkins, a junior psychology major, said he agrees with Gibson’s view on online education.
“I think that offering more classes online would be beneficial for students who either work a lot or have families,” Perkins said. “It would allow them flexibility to continue their education while balancing other responsibilities that may not allow for them to physically go to class.”
However, other students, such as junior liberal studies major Anna Asanidze, are skeptical of online education because of past experiences with problematic interface issues.
“I think it’s important to have face-to-face interaction with a teacher and fellow students,” Asanidze said. “I feel personally that if I am not physically in front of a teacher, I am less likely to ask questions, hindering my learning experience.”
Although the White Paper does not list any specific changes, Gibson said faculty and administrators have begun to redesign curriculum to better conform to student needs. New implementations look to expand among already popular features such as online grades and notes.
