No more ‘public’ in public speaking

To cut costs, the University will offer an online version of a common core class this spring, but some students are skeptical that public speaking will not be as valuable in the privacy of their own homes.

“I do appreciate the technology of the 21st century, but without a specific live audience, you’re removing the skill,” student Roba Robbinson said.

Students who sign up for online sections will fulfill the traditional requirements, said Janet Shiver, public speaking course coordinator. She said student costs would be minimal, but that they will be required to upload videos to submit their speeches.

“We are dedicated to reaching people across the state who may not otherwise be able to pursue a college education,” she said. “…Online does not mean that the requirements are different. It just means that students will go about fulfilling the requirements in a different way. The online students will be required to have a live audience. It just won’t be their classmates.”

Shiver said the University will offer eight online sections.
Graduate student Jason Short said offering public speaking online misses the point.

“I can see how it may be easier for undergrads, but I don’t think you would learn much,” he said. “You have to learn to get over the fear (of public speaking). This is one class they should not offer online.”

Instructor Marisa Garcia Rodriguez said she helped create an online public speaking course while she was at California State University, Northridge. She said the Communication and Journalism department already encourages instructors to use WebCT.

“It is definitely doable,” Garcia Rodriguez said. “We are being encouraged to do things online more often to save paper.”

Kristen Cole, who will teach an online section, said she expects students might have trouble accessing technology and acclimating to the online environment when taking the class. She said students will still have to give five speeches, have weekly quizzes and lectures and meet on campus once during the semester.