Ask HN: What are the problems with online education?

[bromquinn]

I've spent quite a lot of time learning online, both through ad-hoc self study, and through degree programs (Georgia Tech OMSCS). I have my own list of problems, but I'm curious to know what other HN'ers feel about learning things online. What's the biggest pain point? What do you love most?

[Irongirl1]

Until the Industry-very broadly, I'm including the Dept of Education, random course creators, gurus etc-in that description agree on a course of conduct, I don't believe we as a country will ever reap the full possibilities of online learning. Kids in poorer communities don't get access to the full range of courses that are available...and if you are buying courses for your own learning and run into the constant "we only sell to people we like" paradigm then it becomes obvious that the fractures are only holding the industry back. I've seen research from cos. in China and the UI is sleek and makes you want to investigate the courses and their providers. I don't generally have that feeling here. I look at every offering with deep-seated suspicion and I doubt that I'm going to get the results touted. The materials are generally short sighted (ie: not focused on context) and only focused on being the "shiny new thing." We need more than that...and they should all want a structure to grow within.

[caryd]

It's mostly problematic for children who don't realize the importance of education.

As someone who runs a team, the biggest problem is the lack of proper social skills. It gets worse every year.

[bromquinn]

To what do you attribute this decline in social skills?

[caryd]

The decline is from not being in person to experience and take part in normal social interactions. Group work, being patient, knowing when to speak, being on time, etc. Soft skills are arguably more important than anything else for an entry level position.