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On the Rise: Online Education (Part I)

Rising Popularity

There is no doubt that online learning is growing in popularity. Between 2003 and 2004, according to the Sloan Consortium study "Growing By Degrees: Online Education in the United States," overall online enrollment increased 18.2%, from 1.98 million to 2.35 million. This is over 10 times the rate of increase for the general postsecondary student population!

During the fall term of 2005, nearly 3.2 million students were enrolled in online courses offered by higher education institutions. At a growth rate of 35% and increase of 850,000 students, it was a record-breaking jump. The online student population now represents 17 percent of all higher education students.

Response to Mounting Costs; Increased Internet Usability

There are multiple factors that contribute to the trend. As the costs of traditional education continue to rise and potential students are discouraged from further study by the fear of financial commitment, they look for alternative sources. The "brick and mortar" schools have to include the added cost of physical classrooms and campuses to their tuition fees. Other added costs of campus-based education include vending, dining, and bookstore operations and other university-related programs like athletics.

Simultaneously, the Internet is becoming progressively more widespread among both Americans and the international community. As a tool in the social, political, and business world, it has become invaluable, so it is no wonder that is has spread to the world of education. With pervasive broadband wireless networks, more portable and affordable computers, and enhanced visual, audio, and multimedia functions, the environment for online learning is improving. New developments in software technology also provide greater flexibility and efficiencies for online classroom functionality, as well as user friendliness and evaluation.

Higher Demand on Schedules: Busy, Busy Bees

Like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, the modern student and worker often finds themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities and commitments. Adhering to others' schedules can be difficult and often downright impossible. For some, the addition of a 2-4 hour block of predetermined class time into their week is unfeasible. They may be a busy office worker who is booked on a Monday through Friday, 9-5 schedule that does not allow for large blocks of time in the middle of the day, or a high school dropout for whom it would take over an hour to commute to the night school location of GED class.

Online learning levels the playing field and allows people to create their own schedules and premium times for learning. Rather than attending classes at inconvenient times and/or places, online learners can create personalized, ideal environments for learning, anytime, anywhere. In addition, course material is accessible to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A parent can take a class after putting their child to bed; a world traveler can sit down to a lesson while "on the road" – anywhere there is internet access.

More Emphasis on Teamwork and Group Skills

One of the great anomalies of online education is the combination of independence and teamwork. Academic culture has been traditionally characterized by independence, with each student is working to reach their own personal goals. Online learning is no different; many students take advantage of the freedom with which they can create their own educational experience. However, tools that are an intrinsic part of the online experience like chatrooms, newsgroups, and online meetings, encourage participation and group work. Lines that are usually drawn by physical presence, such as gender, race, and age are simply not present in an online environment, thus students feel less intimidated to contribute to the discussion. Instructors are more approachable, and there is a spirit of continuous dialogue that leads to further dissemination of new knowledge and innovation.

Continue to Part II...

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