Over 40 million people in the United States have at least given online dating a try. The growing popularity of this phenomenon that was once scoffed at by practically everyone has defied conventional thoughts on romance. Can online education follow in its footsteps? Already, online education enrollment is growing much faster than the overall number of students seeking higher education is growing. The past five years have seen millions more students signing up for online coursework than there were half a decade ago. Some of the reasons that online education is growing so quickly are the same reasons online dating has become a popular practice, while others are unique to the education world.
When compared to rigid class schedules and requirements of traditional higher learning institutes, online education is just plain convenient. Students do not have to find work that will adjust to a course schedule. Rather, they schedule their online class work around work and other duties.
Online education is also highly accessible. With the prevalence of internet access in homes, businesses, and public spaces (like libraries), practically any person from any demographic can study online. Students can work at their current jobs and attend school, where they might have to move and find new work to participate in a similar program at a traditional school.
3. Cheaper Overall Cost
Because of lower overhead costs, online schools and programs are typically less expensive than the degree programs at bricks and mortar universities.
4. Technology-Savvy Generations
As more children and teens grow up into adulthood with access to computers and internet training and experience, more and more college students will be comfortable with the online format of this growing education option. The wide-spread increase in technology know-how will also make more professors willing to teach this way, and more companies accept hiring online graduates.
There is no way to get around the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day. When students have families, work commitments, volunteer/church duties, and friends, there is little time left for weekly classes and drive time. Being able to schedule coursework into the cracks of a day makes online education very appealing.
6. Finishing Faster (or Slower)
Online education can often be accelerated to finish degree programs in a shorter amount of time than a traditional degree onsite. On the other hand, students who have numerous commitments elsewhere can take their time completing the program at their own pace.
7. Globally Connected World
As internet access continues to spread globally, students can connect online with a huge variety of resources, from experts in their field to classmates online. The opportunities in online education are expanding as the world becomes more connected. At the same time, with added technology, the social connectivity is reducing with every generation. Many students today do not feel the need for face to face instruction when they can get it more conveniently via technology.
8. Growing Number of Sources
More and more traditional and fully online schools are creating degree programs. As more sources for a wider range of degree programs are offered, more students will be enrolling in online education as a whole.
9. Shift in Mindset
The more popular online education becomes, the more students are graduates with excellent skills and preparation. This is causing a shift in the thinking of employers (who might have looked down on online diplomas in the past). Now, business leaders are realizing the resourcefulness and self-motivation of online graduates. There has also been a shift in the mindset of many reputable, traditional universities. They are now offering online courses and degree programs in addition to on-site classes.