Online Higher Education Gaining Traction Despite Naysayers

http://www.educationnews.org/online-schools/online-higher-education-gaining-traction-despite-naysayers/

This article was about the increase in online courses offered at universities in the United States and abroad.  It was stated that currently, somewhere between 5.5 and 7.1 million people are enrolled in at least one online course.  The article noted that this particular form of education is valuable for scholars wanting to earn degrees in order to compete "at an international level."  In addition, non-traditional students, ones who are homebound, parents, disabled, and others can still receive the same quality education as those who are traditional.  Also, schools have quotas, and specific numbers of students to attain, and online courses make it more achievable.

Some people, particularly instructors are having struggles incorporating this type of instruction into their teaching repertoire.  Many instructors have taught the traditional way and are unsure how to change their methods.  Another negative aspect is that these classes tend to be independently monitored.  Meaning, each person must make him or herself do the work on time without reminders.  This can prove quite difficult for some students.  And, conversely, there have been students, particularly African Americans, who feel that they learn more in face to face classes.


This could become an excellent way for students here to work collaboratively with students in other countries.  This may lead to working relationships and global cooperation.  I think that with many of our students, the multi-tasking aspect of their lives would make this attainable, however others would lack the self-discipline it would take to complete these courses.  I would love to see more of my students gaining college degrees and for many, this would be the only way possible.