New Jersey Senate Bill S2581

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/22
• Refer: 5/12/22

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

The findings of this study are aimed to benefit not only the institutions of higher education but also the students enrolled in these programs. The bill requires a thorough assessment of whether the potential savings from online courses are utilized by institutions to lower costs for students. Additionally, it will measure completion rates, average grades, and the long-term graduation rates of students engaged in online courses versus those in traditional settings, thereby impacting policies around student support and curriculum development in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2581 mandates the Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the prevalence, cost, and quality of online courses offered for credit by various institutions of higher education. This investigation focuses specifically on online courses as compared to traditional classroom-based courses. The bill emphasizes the need for the study to gather data on several aspects, including the variety of online courses available, enrollment statistics for part-time and full-time students, and cost savings incurred by institutions when offering these online courses.

Contention

While the bill fosters advancements in the educational landscape, it may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of online education compared to traditional methods. Critics could argue that online education does not provide the same level of engagement and support as in-person classes. Moreover, the efficacy of utilizing cost savings to directly benefit students may garner scrutiny, especially if the report does not show significant benefits to student costs or educational experiences.