Distance Learning: A Growth Industry
Distance Learning has been around since the 1700's. At its earliest beginnings in New England, mailed instructions training for shorthand courses were sent through the mail. Now new and emerging technologies have dramatically changed all that with courses delivered at a student's fingertips. Online education continues to expand at an ever-increasing rate due to internet availability, smart phones, email and video and audio recordings that provide sophisticated curriculums to students.
There are additional powerful technological tools that offer tremendous advantage in distance learning capabilities from colleges and universities. Of benefit to the student looking to attend a class or obtain a degree from an accredited institution in the field of their choice there are the two primary styles of online education.
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning is a delivery method whereby all students are present at the same time. It is most like a traditional classroom in this regard with the exception of geography and physical presence. Common technological tools synchronous distance learning relies on may include video conferencing, web conferencing, web-based VoIP, internet radio, direct-broadcast satellite and phone and live streaming tools.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous learning is offered as prepared material by an instructor or educational institution that is accessed on a student's own schedule. Typically, it relies on such technologies as email, video and audio recordings, print materials, voicemail and the like. Students do not all meet at the same time but instead is accessed individually. Information is obtainable conveniently and often is available for repeat learning as well. There are strong advantages in both flexibility and repetition for students with full time jobs or other time-consuming commitments in their lives.
The New Normal
Since its earliest beginnings, it is clear that distance learning has advantages for students not living near an educational outlet that offers the ability to access education that might otherwise not be available to them locally. Between 2000 and 2008, undergraduate enrollment of at least one (or more) online course has grown 20%. A whopping 96% of very large university systems offer online classes, with 3.2 million students taking at least one class or graduating with full degrees earned online.
Cost and Accreditation
Many institutions of higher learning offer pricing breaks for online classes and generally, online education can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of traditional 'brick and mortar' attendance. This places distance learning on a flexibility and cost-effectiveness grid that is entirely advantageous to students. As a consequence, colleges and universities can also benefit by reaching new student markets as well, thereby increasing revenues.
One aspect of distance learning to request from any higher education source offering full degree programs or certificates, however, is that of accreditation. When conducting a search of an online education program, you'll want to ensure accreditation from reputable governing bodies before attending.
There are additional powerful technological tools that offer tremendous advantage in distance learning capabilities from colleges and universities. Of benefit to the student looking to attend a class or obtain a degree from an accredited institution in the field of their choice there are the two primary styles of online education.
Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning is a delivery method whereby all students are present at the same time. It is most like a traditional classroom in this regard with the exception of geography and physical presence. Common technological tools synchronous distance learning relies on may include video conferencing, web conferencing, web-based VoIP, internet radio, direct-broadcast satellite and phone and live streaming tools.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous learning is offered as prepared material by an instructor or educational institution that is accessed on a student's own schedule. Typically, it relies on such technologies as email, video and audio recordings, print materials, voicemail and the like. Students do not all meet at the same time but instead is accessed individually. Information is obtainable conveniently and often is available for repeat learning as well. There are strong advantages in both flexibility and repetition for students with full time jobs or other time-consuming commitments in their lives.
The New Normal
Since its earliest beginnings, it is clear that distance learning has advantages for students not living near an educational outlet that offers the ability to access education that might otherwise not be available to them locally. Between 2000 and 2008, undergraduate enrollment of at least one (or more) online course has grown 20%. A whopping 96% of very large university systems offer online classes, with 3.2 million students taking at least one class or graduating with full degrees earned online.
Cost and Accreditation
Many institutions of higher learning offer pricing breaks for online classes and generally, online education can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of traditional 'brick and mortar' attendance. This places distance learning on a flexibility and cost-effectiveness grid that is entirely advantageous to students. As a consequence, colleges and universities can also benefit by reaching new student markets as well, thereby increasing revenues.
One aspect of distance learning to request from any higher education source offering full degree programs or certificates, however, is that of accreditation. When conducting a search of an online education program, you'll want to ensure accreditation from reputable governing bodies before attending.