RE: “Letter: Online university does not offer the same experience,” Nov. 22 – 29
We live in a world where able-bodied, privileged people, whether intentionally or not, refuse to acknowledge their unconscious biases. Tim Austen’s opinion piece, in which he asserts that “online universities are not universities,” is an example of this.
The idea that online university is inherently less valuable overlooks people with disabilities. Some people physically cannot attend university because of the lack of support university provides them. This is a far more important issue than where one gets their diploma from. Who are we to tell people their choice is, as Austen puts it, a “dumbed down” version of the one inaccessible to them?
I disagree that university is here to give us a diploma that we can use to get whatever job we’re aiming for. It’s a cute, but naïve idea. It also puts the university experience on an undeserved pedestal.
There are so many great reasons for attending a traditional university but here’s the thing—universities are businesses.
It’s up to each and every one of us to decide which business we want to deal with. If you can learn while on the job instead of a classroom, why not do it? If you can learn better online, why not go for it? Stop buying into the idea that there is a right way to do things—there isn’t.
Then, there is the discussion about class. If your main problem while at university is having to do your own laundry, you’re not looking hard enough. University is hard. It’s expensive.
I know too many people working intense and long hours to make ends meet while also trying to attain a piece of paper that provides no guarantee of making life easier. For some of us, university doesn’t represent excitement, fun, and growth—it represents a risk that might not pay off.
If your personal finances do not grant you the possibility of attending university, it can be difficult to find affordable, quality alternatives. This shouldn’t be the case. In the age of information, we shouldn’t be arguing which way to obtain it is better, but the fact that everyone should have access to it.
Knowledge is power. Abusing that power to undermine people who are merely trying to do what is right for them is not the way to move forward as a society.
Admitting the fact that universities are set up to make money first and educate second could help direct our collective energy towards more pressing issues. And there are many.
Let’s not pretend that simply attending university is all that’s required to gain skills.
Many people do not wish to be part of 15 societies and attend every event. People want different things from their university experience, and that should be okay. We shouldn’t try to put people in boxes.
Universities should aim to build character without forcing people to sacrifice their mental and physical wellbeing, and online university helps.
Let’s stop glorifying the traditional university experience and instead turn inwards to ask ourselves what’s really bothering us. Is it people getting an education? I doubt it.
Change is good. Options are good. Using a platform to spread opinions without considering your own inner biases—not so much.
Let’s work hard to make sure everyone gets an education—no matter the format—because that’s what should be at the heart of every university student.
