lawyer

Online learning is on the rise. According to a report by the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6.7 million postsecondary students were enrolled in at least one online class in , compared to only 1.6 million in 2002, and higher-education institutions continue to refine and enhance their online curriculum. In 2002, about 72 percent of these schools offered some form of online learning, and that number has steadily increased to nearly 87 percent in . Colleges also have emphasized the creation of fully online degree programs, and 62 percent of the schools surveyed now award degrees entirely through distance education.

Student demand is among the many factors contributing to the growth of online learning. Students are also seeking the opportunities for flexibility of scheduling and cost efficiency that online studies can offer.

Matching School Ads

Learn more about online degree programs offered at these universities:

Opportunities for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and student enrichment are just some of the variables that have contributed to online learning's growth. Distance education has gained steam in these areas, and advocates are continuously looking to improve upon these as well as other facets of the experience.

One concern is the lack of face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow classmates. Students may experience a disconnect with the rest of the classroom, but schools are proactively looking into ways to alleviate the issue. The adoption of video conferencing technologies, and even free-to-use group chats, for example, can help students interface with teachers and other students.

Another worry is that online degree programs are viewed as less optimal instruction for students, with no real standards to regulate the curriculum. However, online instruction is subject to academic scrutiny like on-campus schooling. Accrediting bodies exist to review and accredit online institutions as well as traditional colleges and programs. It's always a good idea to check that a school has been reviewed by an approved accreditation organization.

Student plagiarism and dishonesty are areas of concern as well. Some critics feel that it is easier to plagiarize or share answers because of reduced surveillance and increased connectivity. Institutions have begun to find ways to fight against these concerns with technologies to tackle cheating, like Turnitin and iThenticate.

Distance education has come a long way since its beginnings, and more advancements are likely to come. Advocates are finding ways to tighten up the perceived shortcomings of e-learning. and new technological developments continue to add to the advantages that online learning may offer for students.

Interested in learning more about online education? Check out some of our school listings .

"Apple's New Math. Or: Why a $15 E-Book Equals a $75 Paper Book," AllThingsD, January 19, ,

allthingsd.com/2019/apples-new-math-or-why-a-15-ebook-equals-a-75-paper-book/

"Changing Course: Ten Years of Tracking Online Education in the United States," Babson Survey Research Group, January 30, ,

www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/changingcourse.pdf

"Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning," U.S. Department of Education, September ,

www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

"The Evidence on Online Education," Inside Higher Ed, June 29, ,

www.insidehighered.com/news//06/29/online

"Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, ," Babson Survey Research Group, ,

www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/reports/goingthedistance.pdf

"More Pupils Are Learning Online, Fueling Debate on Quality,"www.nytimes.com//04/06/education/06online.html?pagewanted=all _r=1

"Online Education Programs Tackle Student Cheating," U.S. News and World Report, November 26, ,

www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles//11/26/online-education-programs-tackle-student-cheating