Saturday, 28 May 2011

How Online Education is Changing the Way We Learn

Distance learning is no longer an unknown concept. Increasingly, educators across the country are turning to distance learning to fill in the gaps where traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms are falling short.
In fact, a proposal before the Michigan legislature would make online education a requirement for graduation from high school. Advocates of distance learning believe that if the proposal passes, it would set a precedent for other states: to prepare students to conduct certain aspects of their lives online.

Distance Education Continues to Grow

The numbers speak strongly for the popularity and utility of online classes. According to a story in the Detroit Free Press, enrollment in the Michigan Virtual High School distance learning program has grown from 100 students in its first year (1999) to 5,959 students in the 2004-05 school year.
For education experts, distance learning is often viewed as a highly flexible solution to solving education issues. For instance, online classes are a great option for struggling students who may not work well in a traditional classroom environment, whether they face family, monetary, social or other obstacles.
Because online learning does not typically require too many additional resources, such as more classroom space or supplies, distance education becomes an even more appealing option. After all, there's plenty of room for more students in an online class.

Distance Learning Reaches New Levels

The benefits of online classes are certainly not limited to the high school level. According to a survey conducted by the nonprofit Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, almost two-thirds of brick and mortar colleges offer distance education as well. Enrollment in online classes at these schools has increased by almost 20 percent since 2003, according to the survey.
It seems clear that the option of online education is poised to grow by leaps and bounds, with distance learning entering realms from primary school to doctorate programs, and beyond.
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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