Embracing Flexibility in Higher Education
Higher education institutions are continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of students. As the landscape of learning changes, many universities are exploring new ways to stand out, with a growing emphasis on online learning. One such institution, Davenport University, has taken a proactive approach by launching a campaign titled “Online: On Your Time.” This initiative aims to challenge common misconceptions about online education and highlight its benefits.
According to Kate Barch, the Director of Marketing at Davenport University, the campaign is designed to address the increasing demand for flexibility among students. “We really see that more and more students are looking for the flexibility that online courses can offer,” she explained. The university emphasizes that whether students are taking classes in a classroom or online, they receive the same level of support, career-focused curriculum, and adaptability that define the Davenport experience.
What initially seemed like a challenge during the pandemic has now transformed into an opportunity. More students are choosing online courses because they provide the ability to pursue higher education regardless of their personal circumstances. This shift has allowed individuals to balance their studies with other responsibilities, such as work or family commitments.
Matthew Gaydos, who recently graduated from Davenport, shared his positive experience with online learning. He completed almost all of his education through online classes, which he found to be the best option for his lifestyle. “I was out of East Lansing and starting all the way back from high school, I still wanted to be living at home,” he said. “Being able to take classes online versus commuting to Grand Rapids was much more convenient but also gave me a lot more flexibility.”
Gaydos appreciated the financial savings that came with online learning. “I didn’t have to commute; I wasn’t paying for gas. I also did not have to deal with housing or dorms.” He noted that the flexibility allowed him to manage his time effectively, even working late at night or during unconventional hours. “I had an internship pretty much all the way through college that I was able to hold because of the flexibility that was offered.”
The ability to create a personalized path is one of the key advantages of online learning. Gaydos emphasized how this format allowed him to focus better and avoid distractions that might occur in a traditional classroom setting. “You get that ability to kind of go at your own pace for a lot of things. You feel like you don’t do well in a normal environment or in person, you take a class with a friend and kind of talk the whole time…with online classes you can be more focused.”
Davenport University has been offering online classes for nearly 20 years, so the transition to virtual learning during the pandemic was not entirely new. However, the university felt it was necessary to change the perception surrounding online education. “We wanted to break down the stereotypes that are associated with online learning, there are misperceptions that online learning is easier or it’s for students that aren’t really engaged in school, that the degrees are easier,” Barch explained. “We wanted to show that Davenport really takes a unique approach to online learning.”
By focusing on the quality and structure of its online programs, Davenport aims to demonstrate that virtual learning is just as rigorous and valuable as traditional in-person education. The university’s commitment to providing a supportive and flexible learning environment continues to attract students who value the convenience and adaptability of online courses.
