In recent years, online education has been growing in leaps and bounds, and with the current economic and employment outlook, more and more people are looking to the Interest to expand their educational horizons.
During the 2006-07 academic year, an estimated 12.2 million students were enrolled in college-level, credit-granting distance learning courses, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Additionally, many traditional "brick and mortar" school have added online courses to their curriculum - in fact, 66 percent of two-year and four-year Title IV degree-granting postsecondary institutions offered online education courses during the same academic year.
So, why has online education become so popular? It's simple, really. As many of those looking to secure advance degrees have discovered, online education offers many benefits compared to more traditional, classroom-based courses.
Distance Learning Offers Convenience and Flexibility
Among the top reasons cited by students who chose to enroll in an online program of study is the convenience and flexibility that distance learning offers. From working professionals to stay-at-home moms, online education provides a convenient environment that students can tailor to their schedules. Whether you need to take classes on the weekends or during the evenings, chances are you will be able to find an online course that fits your needs.
Distance Learning Focuses on Education
For those who have attended traditional colleges, they know that college life involves more than just getting an education. In addition to hitting the books, many students enrolled at traditional schools also partake in a school's social activities that can range from participating in student government to attending football games to joining student clubs and organizations.
While those fresh out of high school might be attracted to such events as student elections and "rush" week, this social element might not appeal too much to a 30-something-year-old returning to school to advance their studies. Students looking to focus on their education, and only their education, can find that focus with distance learning.
Distance Learning Provides Individualized Instruction
Each person learns in his or her own way, and while traditional "brick and mortar" institutions try to meet the unique needs of their students, there is only so much that can be done. At traditional schools, most classes are delivered in the same manner - the instructor gives lectors and assigns general reading assignments while the students follow along as well as they can.
With online education, however, there is often greater variety and flexibility with the educational format. Online instructors can present materials in a variety of format, accommodating students who might learn better by listening or others who prefer to learn by reading the material. Additionally, many online courses allow students to work at their own pace.
Distance Learning Helps the Environment
Every year, millions of students head off to college. While many might move to another state to attend the college of their choice, many students - especially professionals returning to school - choose to attend a school within driving distance. Just imagine if the 12.2 million students enrolled in an online education program during the 2006-07 academic year had attended a traditional, campus-based school instead - that would add up to a lot of emissions into the air.
Additionally, the technological nature of distance learning leads to significantly less use of paper than a traditional classroom. And finally, online education helps decrease energy costs by reducing the need for a physical campus. Every year, traditional U.S. colleges spend more than $2 billion on energy costs to maintain their campuses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Online education does away with the need for the physical classroom and the energy it would require.