Saturday, 28 May 2011

Distance Education Gains Popularity

The Internet and technology in general are reaching out to touch nearly every aspect of modern life, and education is certainly no exception. Although the concept of distance education has been around for quite some time, the widespread use of the Internet has ensured that a vast array of online classes is available via distance learning.
In fact, a recent survey titled "Growing by Degrees: Online Education in the United States, 2005," conducted by the nonprofit Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, states that almost two-thirds of all traditional schools now offer online classes. It's a figure that's grown by almost 20 percent since 2003.

A Boost in Online Class Enrollment

More and more students are taking advantage of the convenience of distance learning to further their education without maintaining a strict schedule or worrying about transportation time and costs. According to the Sloan survey, enrollment in online class went from 1.98 million in 2003 to 2.35 million in 2004.
The numbers speak volumes about the importance of distance learning to the future of education in general, and school administrators are apparently taking note. The Sloan survey states that a majority of education leaders agree that online education "is critical to their long-term strategy."

The Future of Distance Learning

It's clear that distance education has taken hold, and it seems certain that online classes will continue to grow in popularity and availability. Colleges and universities are taking note, and the available distance learning programs are growing more diverse.
If you're looking to take your learning to the next level, do not exclude the option of online education. If you have family or work commitments, you may find online classes especially appealing, as it is often possible to participate in distance education when and where it works for you, from a home computer or a laptop.
Check out distance learning programs today, and join the leagues of students who are already taking advantage of the growing availability of online class.
Source:
eSchool News
BJ Fairfax holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She writes for a variety of print and online publications.

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