Attend Class Online

by Matthew S. Schwartz

Computer Books are expensive. The average computer programming book runs anywhere from $20 to $60. Such a high cost prevents many University students from learning a programming language, a beneficial skill in today's digital world.

The Information Technology Department (ITD) now provides an alternative to expensive books: free online courses.

"They are free because we want to support this kind of learning for all members of the University community," said Elaine Cousins, Manager of ITD Education Services, in an e-mail interview. "It is important for our students, faculty, and staff to continuously learn new computer skills and we want to support their learning."

To get to the site, users access http://www.itd.umich.edu/education in their web browser, and click the "online training service" link near the top of the page. A U-M uniqname is required to access the site. Once logged in, the site displays an overwhelming list of dozens of sections containing hundreds of courses, beginning with C++ and C, arguably the most widely-used programming languages.

Users can learn much more than just how to program. Section headings run the gamut from "Web Server Administration," which instructs the user on implementation and maintenance of a web server, to "Microsoft Office 97," which offers free training in the world's most popular office suite, to "PC and Windows User Fundamentals," which instructs novices in the fundamentals of computer operation.

For each course, the user can take a short quiz to see if that particular course can teach him something. This is useful in that a user won't inadvertently waste time taking a course in which he is already proficient.

After choosing a specific course within the section, the user is shown a detailed overview of the course and its approximate total learning time. For example, the course entitled "C++ Programming Advanced Techniques - Part 1" has the following description: "The series covers advanced language features, implementing object-oriented constructs in C++, and effective C++ programming techniques. Learners will gain a greater understanding of C++ capabilities and the potential pitfalls of the C++ language, and will be more able to use C++ language features to write good object-oriented software." The total learning time for part one is eight hours.

The C++ online course looks very similar to a course offered by the Computer Science department, "EECS 280." Can one learn the same things online as in the classroom? According to Cousins, "while the online courses are good additions to the classroom offerings, they are not a replacement for them. The classroom offers a richer, more rounded learning experience," she said. "The classroom experience offers the opportunity for interaction with an expert in the field, other students, and the opportunity to engage in projects under an instructors guidance."

"The online courses are a good starting point, a way of learning a specific topic, or a good source of review," said Cousins. "Some individuals have reported learning enough from the online tutorials to pass system administration certification exams."

Students can save a significant amount of money with on-line courses. "Individual non-credit training courses for the subjects covered by our online tutorials range from $30 to $2,000," said Cousins.

Learning programming languages online is not for everyone, however. "You can't learn to program over the Internet," said Ryan Peterson, an Engineering junior. "Who are you going to ask if you have questions?"

"I'm old school," said Peterson. "I go to classes and fall asleep. Old school." MR

This article was published in the 9 December 1998 edition of The Michigan Review (Volume 17, Number 5).
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