Online classes gain favor at region's universities

Caitlin Fienzle, a senior history major at Seton Hill, recently took an online World War II history class.

Logging on to the class anytime of the day or night from her dorm room, Fienzle said the class was a great experience.

"I was so into the class," Fienzle said. "I got so involved sometimes I lost track of time."

Fienzle was especially taken by an e-discussion group that involved two "armies" fighting -- debating, really -- over questions posed by class professor Dr. John Spurlock.

Her favorite point of contention: Did the demand by the U.S. for the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan help or hinder Allied war aims?

Spurlock said the discussions reflected the greatest strength of online education: the depth, richness and inclusiveness of student participation in class.

Dr.Spurlock and I will be presenting a workshop on teaching with simulations and games, as part of a faculty workshop next semester.