Web-based distance education programs have grown dramatically over the past ten years. Believe it or not, the majority of the nation’s colleges and universities now offer online education in one form or another, whether through certificate programs, individual courses or full fledged degree programs. Many public, private, and for-profit institutions alike have dramatically increased their online offerings so students, young and old, can now earn a degree in a variety of disciplines, without even stepping foot on a campus. And the learning experience and learning outcomes remain consistent with those who attend brick and mortar campuses.
The internet-delivered educational phenomena is even transcending itself to the elementary and high school levels. In fact, in my current role at Liberty University, we have just launched an online academy for grades 3 - 12. Universities like Texas Tech, University of Miami, and Stanford each have online programs for young people. Other organizations like Keystone High School and Florida Virtual School boast enrollment into the tens of thousands.
The basic value proposition of online distance education - access to quality higher education offerings removed from the limitations of time and location - is growing the demand for higher education in the U.S. and worldwide. With markets no longer defined by geography, the trend toward internet-delivered distance education is leading a new era of growth and competition in higher education as the quality and supply of online distance-education courses grow.
Where is your school in this mix? Better yet, how do you see yourself adapting to this growing trend?