Taylor University is navigating a period of significant growth, marked by an increase in both student population and class sizes. The surge in enrollment has shifted the student-to-faculty ratio from 12:1 to 14:1, posing challenges in maintaining the quality of education. Discussions have emerged about the best ways to meet the educational needs of the expanding student body. One solution under consideration is the expansion of foundational core classes offered online. This move is designed to cater to diverse learning preferences and make education more accessible to a broader range of students.
Embracing Online Education
Current Online Course Offerings
Taylor University currently offers 75-85 online courses, encompassing essential subjects such as ENG 110 (College Composition) and ART 172 (Art Appreciation). The demand for online classes saw a notable increase after the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive student feedback has been a key driving force behind efforts to expand these online options. In fact, the university introduced its first winter term online during the 2024 academic year. This term spanned six to seven weeks, extending through the Christmas break and into January, providing students with the flexibility to continue their studies during the holiday season.
Despite the appeal of online classes, they are not a universal solution for all students. Many individuals prefer the interaction and relationships fostered in face-to-face classes. Thus, the challenge lies in balancing the expansion of online education with ensuring high-quality face-to-face interactions. As the university contemplates increasing its online offerings, maintaining the quality of education remains a top priority.
Ensuring Quality in Online Education
One significant challenge in expanding online education is the need for additional faculty who are capable of delivering high-quality courses. Professor Jeff Groeling highlights that creating and maintaining effective online classes requires considerable effort and dedication. The development of engaging and comprehensive online courses involves careful planning and the use of appropriate technologies to facilitate learning. Effective instructors can excel in both online and in-person formats, but the transition demands a significant investment in training and resources.
Moreover, the kinesiology department at Taylor University has already begun to add online sections to its core classes, demonstrating the flexible application of online education across various disciplines. This aligns with the university’s strategic goals of accommodating the increasing student population while preserving the quality of education. The expansion of online offerings is seen as a means to support diverse learning preferences and offer more flexible scheduling options for students.
Balancing Growth and Quality Education
The Transformational Taylor Experience
Matt Renfrow, dean of the school of natural and applied sciences, acknowledges the importance of preserving the transformational Taylor experience while expanding online education. The essence of this experience lies in the close-knit community and the personalized interactions between students and educators. Maintaining this dimension is crucial even as the university explores new avenues for growth. Renfrow stresses that the expansion of online education must not come at the expense of the unique aspects that define Taylor University.
Expanding online offerings is seen as an integral part of the institution’s strategy to accommodate rising enrollment. However, this must be done thoughtfully and in alignment with the university’s educational values. The challenge lies in ensuring that the online education experience is as transformative and impactful as the on-campus experience. This will require ongoing assessment and adaptation to ensure that the essence of the Taylor experience is preserved in both online and on-campus formats.
Strategic Considerations and Implementation
As Taylor University continues to grow, the implementation of online classes must be carefully managed to support the overall educational mission. This means not only increasing the number of online courses available but also ensuring that these courses meet the high standards of quality expected at the university. Faculty development and support are crucial components of this strategy. Instructors must be provided with adequate resources and training to excel in online teaching.
The university must also address the technological infrastructure needed to support expanded online education. This includes reliable and user-friendly platforms that facilitate learning and engagement. Additionally, student support services must be adapted to cater to the needs of online learners. This holistic approach is necessary to ensure that the online education experience is comprehensive and effective.
Tailoring Solutions for the Future
Taylor University is currently experiencing a significant phase of growth, reflected by an upswing in the student population and expanding class sizes. This increase in enrollment has adjusted the student-to-faculty ratio from 12:1 to 14:1. This change poses challenges in preserving the high quality of education that Taylor University is known for. Consequently, discussions are ongoing regarding the most effective strategies to address and fulfill the educational needs of the growing student body. One promising solution being considered involves the extension of foundational core classes available online. This initiative aims to accommodate varying learning preferences and enhance the accessibility of education to a wider array of students. Offering more courses online could also help to alleviate the pressure on physical classroom spaces and faculty resources. Overall, this strategy is expected to ensure that Taylor University’s educational standards remain high while adapting to an increasing number of students.
