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With the advent of the Internet, the accessibility of information has exploded. To keep pace with the Age of the Internet, colleges have had to step up to the plate and restructure their academic programs. Individuals who want to earn a college degree can now do it as long as they have access to a computer and an Internet connection. This is good news for individuals who need to work a full time job, take care of a family, or are economically strapped and cannot move near a college campus.
Today’s college extends beyond four walls. With the increased accessibility of information comes the increased thirst for knowledge. There just isn’t enough room to house all the incoming students, so colleges and universities are designing virtual classrooms to accommodate the influx of new students.
The economy directly influences college enrollment. When the economy suffers, student enrollment grows. This is particularly true for two-year colleges who specialize in short-term industry-specific degrees, college transfer credits, and the needs of the ever-growing population of non-traditional college students. To accommodate the desire for a higher education to this growing population of students, colleges have been pushed to find other ways to deliver academic content. One of the options is the emergence and growth distance learning college degree programs.
Distance learning refers to any type of classroom that extends outside of the teacher’s classroom. This can include televised lectures that are available on television or lectures that are delivered to specific locations in the education network equipped with monitors that students can view. However, when a student cannot attend classes at a satellite campus, distance learning via online class shells offers a solution that bridges the distance gap.
One of the reasons that distance learning has exploded is because many colleges are incorporating technological readiness into their degree programs. Online students must learn to navigate through online class shells, upload assignments, and take advantage of digital downloads to succeed in their courses. This gives students hands-on experience, thereby increasing their confidence in their use of technology. This technological finesse will be an added benefit when they apply for jobs after graduation.
Institutions of higher learning are becoming more learner centered. To succeed, students must take a proactive, self-directed approach to their education. This puts the student in the driver’s seat, requiring more accountability of individual learners. Retention rates are of high concern to college administrators, and online students tend to stay in class longer because they can attend class around their daily routines. Because online learning offers more flexible scheduling options, it has become a preferred method of taking courses for busy adults.
Distance learning is not just an educational fad that will fade away. It’s here to stay. With more and more students pursuing college degrees, getting an education online opens the doors for just about anyone who has the desire and tenacity to earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral degree.
