the briefing room

Ontario universities need to cut undergraduate degrees from four to three years, offer classes year-round and allow students to earn more than half their credits online, says a government paper obtained by the Toronto Star.

The proposals would get students through university or college cheaper and faster — the report says college diplomas should be two years at most — while still offering a quality education.

“The ultimate goal of this strategy is to improve student choice, maintain the quality of the system and to refocus the system on a flexible and forward-looking set of teaching and learning options,” says the paper, which is to be sent out for discussion in March. “(It) will improve the existing productivity of publicly funded resources.”

But critics have their doubts, saying three-year degrees won’t be recognized in other provinces or the U.S., online learning is no replacement for on campus education, and that students need summers off to be able to afford tuition.

Besides, online courses aren’t always less expensive, said James Turk, executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

“That it’s a cheaper way to provide education is an illusion if you think you are going to maintain the same quality,” said Turk, who had not seen the report.

As well, “the experience of going to school sitting in your home bedroom is different than being on campus interacting with other students and faculty.”

Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray said the report is a look at trends around the world and presents possible areas for change… Read More