New Jersey Assembly Bill A1854

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to study prevalence, cost, and quality of certain on-line courses compared to traditional classroom courses offered by institutions of higher education.

Impact

By mandating this study, A1854 seeks to gather critical data that could influence educational policy and funding in New Jersey. The outcomes are designed to provide insights into student participation rates in online courses compared to traditional classes, the cost-effectiveness of these courses, and any savings resulting from their implementation. The findings could affect how institutions structure their online offerings and financial aid policies, potentially benefiting students through reduced costs if savings are applied effectively.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1854 directs the Secretary of Higher Education to perform a comprehensive study on online courses offered by institutions of higher education. The study's scope is explicitly limited to for-credit online courses that require a fee, comparing various aspects with traditional classroom-based courses. This includes analyzing the prevalence, costs, and quality of these online courses in a systematic manner, highlighting significant differences between the two modalities of instruction.

Contention

The bill highlights several points of contention regarding the quality and effectiveness of online education versus traditional classroom settings. Proponents of online learning may argue for increased investment and support for these programs, citing improved accessibility for a broader range of students. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the varying quality of online courses, including completion rates and overall educational outcomes. The study aims to address these concerns comprehensively, paving the way for informed discussions on future legislation surrounding online education.