Blog Reflection:  What do you think Sierra College will look like ten years from now and what will be the role of the online program?

After reading "What College Will Be Like in 2023" at http://online.wsj.com/news/articles , I am inclined to be even more hopeful for the future of not just Sierra College, but all formal educational institutes as we grow in the ever expanding technological landscape that is academia.  I have to confess that I have had my worries (and don't get me wrong they haven't disappeared), but I like the idea of using technology as a tool for enabling our students and connecting in new and flexible ways. These ideas about changing both the materials and time frames of how education works suit me well! I like the image of a world where I have more creative tools at my disposal and students are more able to take the reigns on their education--both in reaching out to me as an instructor, and in setting their own time tables, getting help on assignments, and etc.  So I guess my picture of Sierra College, and all the colleges that use these tools and mind frames is one that is not purely rosy (I do still worry about issues of non-motivated students, cost cutting techniques I have seen implemented in other workplaces that degrade the quality of education, and other such worries), but one of great potential. I think the role of the online program will be tremendous, but I do think the in person feel of a classroom will still be very necessary...however, whether technology may then be able to offer that in ten years remains to be seen (I don't want to get too science fictiony, but, anyone watch Star Trek? Who know, we could have holodecks by then!). I guess what I really mean to say is that I remain hopeful, optimistic, and curious to see where all this technology will take us. But it most definitely will be a vital tool in one way or another.