The number of students pursuing an online learning education is increasing 30% yearly, according to a CBS report. Approximately 4 million students are involved in some form of distance online learning at U.S. colleges and universities. And in a 2005 National Adult Learning Survey in the UK, 14% (up from 6% in 2002) of respondents said they had used learndirect, a nationally recognised e-learning network.
So what makes online e-learning so attractive and why are increasing numbers of students flocking to it?
Accessibility and Flexibility
An Internet connection is all that is needed and students can “attend class” at anytime from anywhere without having to commute to campus. Because some students study best in the day and others in the dead of night, this allows for individual arrangements that maximise their learning preferences.
Since course material is accessible around the clock, students can download notes and lectures at their convenience. Adult learners can complete their family chores before settling down to study, and working students have the option of scheduling their learning time around their professional commitments.
Cost Saving
Off campus students save on commuting costs and parking fees while those who would otherwise pay for university hostels or halls of residences can use the money elsewhere. Likewise those with children can study from home and reduce their childcare expenditure.
Overseas students keen on a foreign degree but who baulk at the exorbitant flying, lodging and living expenses can still benefit from an international education through an online learning degree. Such privilege can similarly be enjoyed by those whose family commitments require their physical presence at home.
Individual Attention and Contribution
Online students often enjoy more personal attention as a result of increased one-on-one interaction with their professors than students in a classroom. Email correspondence and online chats play a major role in this particular learning environment and it is probable that professors will know more about their students’ development.
In an online environment, classroom discussion is not dominated by the louder and talkative individuals. Everyone gets the same opportunity to contribute his opinions and shy introverts may feel more comfortable in expressing ideas and questioning discrepancies. Such increased student interaction and the diversity of opinion serves to enhance the quality of the learning experience.
Quantity and Quality
In 2006 The Washington Post quoted a study funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which reported that 65% of universities offering face-to-face graduate courses also offer web based degree programs. This proliferation of graduate courses online translates into consumer power and prospective students can take their pick of universities and colleges.
And the quality of such institutes is not to be scoffed at. Many top tier universities including Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, Duke and the London School of Economics offer online courses ranging from hospitality management to business and economics as well as the much coveted MBA.
While "brick and mortar" institutions serve a vital purpose, it is easy to see why a growing number of people are attracted to cyber classes. In fact it can also be argued that elearning courses complement traditional education. Whether you are a working adult or a student for whom flexibility, cost or format is important, be sure to do your homework and ascertain that online learning is for you before taking the plunge.
Thaddeus Lawrence - A trainer and facilitator for youth and corporate workshops, Thaddeus is a former Economics lecturer and English teacher whose areas of ...
