subject: Online Education: The Crest Of The Digital Wave [print this page] Online Education opportunities and student populations have exploded in the last decade as digital technology becomes increasingly more prevalent and sophisticated. The definition of distance learning has actually been compressed due to this phenomenon since all one needs is a laptop or internet access to 'attend' a class. Curriculums continue to expand as do degree offerings either partially or solely taught through online education tools.
How do we know this?
In the third quarter of 2011 the Pew Research Center conducted several surveys of which some of their findings follow below. Readers will be interested to learn how great the predictions (based on substantiated current figures) are for ever-increasing distance learning and the tools used to deliver online education.
Some key findings
While approximately 30% of the public view online education as having the same value as public or private higher learning centers, college presidents beg to differ. Just over half, 51%, of college heads polled believe educational value of online education is no different from attending a 'brick & mortar' classroom. An astonishing 77%, more than three quarters of college presidents confirmed that their institutions offer online courses, some with full online degree programs. Interestingly, there's a difference between four-year public institutions and private online education offered. A whopping 89% of public colleges and/or universities offer online classes, with it dropping to 60% for private schools. One-in-four students say they've attended an online class. This number doubles to 46% of students' surveyed who say they have participated in online education within the last 10 years. It should be noted that certain curriculums have greater course offerings than others. Some medical programs, for example, do not lend themselves to entire virtual course work.
The crest of the digital wave
Of college presidents surveyed, 50% predict that 10 years from now most of their students will take classes online, with the potential to earn a degree in part or entirely through 'distance learning'. And, 62%, almost two-thirds of college leaders expect that half of all textbooks used by their undergraduate populations will be entirely digital textbooks. Even recent college graduates (57%) report that in-class participation is facilitated by laptop usage, tablet computer (iPad) or smartphone.
Presidents are leading digital and online wave
A whopping 87% - that's nearly nine-in-ten - of college presidents use a smartphone every day. Additionally, 83% of them are using a desktop computer, with 65% of them using a laptop daily. Nearly half (49%) of college presidents use a tablet computer (iPad) daily and 42% of them use a Kindle or Nook device to read, at least part of the time.
In short, online education is here to stay with course offerings and full degree programs only expanding in the future.
