Online courses (also called distance learning) are a hot new trend in American education. According to the nonprofit Distance Education and Training Council,
about 400 US colleges and schools offer some portion of their programs on the Web. At the university level, they cost the same as traditional classes and require similar weekly assignments and textbook reading, the difference is in class participation.
Generally speaking, students congregate(使聚集) online throughout each week to explore topic with the professor, but these discussions occur “asynchronously(不同时发生地)” rather than in real time. (You read others’ comments and post your own whenever you get a chance.) Written assignments are posted, youemail in your work periodically, and you’re required to takea proctored exam in order to receive degree credit. Careerboosting business administration and information technology programs are the most popular, but you’ll also find a variety of literal arts offerings, from film theory to medieval history and foreign language study. While you still can’t get an Ivy League degree online, a growing number of elite(卓越的) institutions, including Stanford and New York University are beginning to offer online courses.
The benefits for busy people are obvious. “I always get a frontrow seat,”says one student studying at the State University of New York Learning Network.
“I can get up in the middle of class, grab a cup of coffee. The class is waiting for me when I get back, and I haven’t missed a thing.” On the other hand, some students miss the facetoface interaction that often sparks interest and involvement.
36.Generally speaking, online education costs ____.
A.more than the traditional one
B.less than the traditional one
C.as much as the traditional one
D.the author hasn’t mentioned
37.The major way to hand out assignments of online students is ____.
A.to hand out them in person
B.to post them
C.to email in them
D.to let the teacher enter into their personal main pages
38.Which kind of program is probably NOT welcomed by most of the students?
A.Software development. B.Decoration and design.
C.International trade. D.Company management.
39.The closest meaning of “Ivy League” (Par. 2) ____.
A.famous universities in USA
B.famous business colleges in USA
C.famous companies in USA
D.universities with a long history
40.It is implied that in USA ____.
A.online education will take the place of the traditional one soon
B.there are only a few online programs until now
C.one need not take part in the exam in order to receive a diploma by way of online education
D.one can not receive a degree certificate of New York University through distant learning