It’s not that I think online learning is going to replace face-to-face class time in all cases. It’s just that it is becoming an accepted part of a relevant education.
You get to choose how much of your education you get online. For some, it will be a large percentage. For others, just a class or two. The point is that it’s a viable option that is growing rapidly, and ALL students need to be familiar with what’s available at the education smorgasbord so that they can create the best combo platter for themselves.
According to the fifth annual study conducted by the Sloan Consortium, a group of institutions and organizations dedicated to improving the quality, scale and breadth of online programs, we can expect a continued focus on the development of e-learning options.
Their report, based on responses from more than 2,500 colleges and universities, revealed the following nuggets:
**Almost 3.5 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2006 term; a nearly 10 percent increase over the number reported the previous year.
**Much of the past growth in online enrollments has been fueled by new institutions entering the online learning arena. This transition is now nearing its end; most institutions that plan to offer online education are already doing so.
**Institutions that are the most engaged in online education cite increasing the rate of degree completion as a very important objective; this is not as important for institutions that are not as engaged in online learning. [Note: most four-year institutions--including the most expensive ones--are in no hurry to help you graduate early.]
**Virtually all (83 percent) institutions with online offerings expect their online enrollments to increase over the coming year.
I found it interesting that most academics believe the biggest barrier to online learning is a lack of discipline on the part of online students. This was the same response that showed up in last year’s survey.
Students love the idea of studying online, but not all of them have the motivation to check in regularly, keep up to date with readings and assignments, and get their work turned in on time.
Apparently, some students need a bit of nagging. Perhaps someone will develop a virtual Eve (see below) that will cajole students who need an extra (virtual) kick in the pants.
Read the full Sloan report here.
