Introduction to Online Education

Throughout the 1990s, online education evolved from basic corporate computer-based training programs to be embraced by colleges and universities across the country. As technology continues to advance, so does the nature of online education.

The Basics

Online education is a form of distance learning that emphasizes the use of a personal computer. Students take courses via the Internet and utilize a variety of audio and video technologies to enhance their electronic communication with instructors. Of course, there are some hybrid education courses that allow students to complete a portion of their work online, but also require in-class sessions.
Web-based higher education is growing quickly, according to a recent study by the Sloan Consortium, a nonprofit organization that analyzes online learning trends. The number of people taking advantage of online education is increasing by about 13 percent each year. In comparison, enrollments at traditional colleges and universities are growing by only 1.2 percent a year. Additionally, more and more private and public colleges and universities are offering online courses. In the fall of 2007, more than 3.9 million students were taking at least one course online.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to taking online education courses. Full-time workers, hospitalized individuals, and others who are unable to attend traditional, in-class sessions can benefit greatly from the flexibility of online courses. On the other hand, it is an unfortunate reality that the quality of education one receives at an online school can be mediocre in comparison to the quality of education one receives at a traditional school.
Also, to be successful in an online school, students must be able to work independently, or else they will fail. According to an SRI International evaluation of virtual high schools, the “stop-out” (enrolled students who have stopped completing their assigned coursework) and drop-out rates are higher for students enrolled in online courses than for students in traditional face-to-face courses.

Popular Online Formats

If you’re interested in taking an online course, there are a variety of formats. The following are the most common types of online education courses:

• Adult Online Education: The U.S. Department of Education’s Division of Adult Education and Literacy promotes education programs that “ help American adults get the basic skills they need to be productive workers, family members, and citizens.” It’s easy to find such programs online. Adult online education is geared toward teaching basic math, science, reading, and problem solving skills. They often focus on fighting illiteracy and teaching language skills.
• Hybrid Education: A hybrid education combines the use of online coursework and materials with traditional in-class education. In hybrid courses, students can learn from teachers in a face-to-face setting as well as via the Internet.
• Online Continuing Education: This type of online education offers an array of different classes for students who already have a degree but need (or want) to take one or two specific classes in order to advance their skills in a certain area. Continuing education courses do not lead to a degree upon completion.
• Online Distance Education: With online distance education, a student who is pursuing a degree at a traditional school may take some courses online rather than taking all face-to-face classes. By offering some courses through distance education programs, schools give their students a little more flexibility when establishing their course schedules.
• Online Higher Education: This type of online education is for students who want to attend college but for whatever reason (e.g. time constraints, family responsibilities, health issues, etc.) cannot attend a traditional school. Online higher education programs result in associate’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, just like their traditional counterparts.