On-Line Classes Hold Hidden Advantages

To the Editor:

I read with interest your article about learning on line (“Internet Classes Click for Charities,” March 11).

I was one of the first students in the George Mason University non-profit certification program’s on-line classes. Russ Cargo taught the introduction to non-profit management. I was not exactly a big user of the World-Wide Web before this class, but it made me use the Internet, and now I feel very comfortable with the Internet and the emerging technologies. I subscribe to several electronic mailing lists due to my research for this class.

I do miss the human interaction, but I met with Professor Cargo and some of the other class members at the end of the semester. On-line classes are great for me, as I am an “at home” mom looking to re-enter the work force this year as my youngest child goes to school. It is a great asset in balancing the demands of my family and my husband’s schedule not to have to be in class for three hours one night a week. I feel very comfortable in picking up the phone and calling my professors if needed, or meeting with them.

The on-line courses also do give you more time to prepare your remarks and think a little bit about what your assignment is for the week. The biggest drawback is if the class is too big; then you can’t keep up with the postings, as was mentioned in the article.

It’s great to see an article about something that I believe will greatly enhance the work of non-profits.

Martha Ryder
Fairfax, Va.

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To the Editor:

I am in my second semester of a degree program in non-profit management through the University of Maryland that is being conducted entirely on line.

I wanted to mention two things that I didn’t see in your article. First, the on-line experience can be richer than a typical classroom, simply because your classmates may be flung over the far reaches of the earth. Last semester, one of my classmates was participating from Spain. The diversity of this environment has helped me learn more than I had expected.

Second, anyone considering on-line learning needs to evaluate their writing skills and personal discipline. Both are essential to succeeding in an on-line environment.

Thanks for publicizing what is a growing trend.

Kristine Steakley
Planned-Giving Coordinator
Prison Fellowship Ministries
Reston, Va.