Gaining Popularity of Online Education

Today, there are more working adults heading back to school either to gain new skills or to complete their degrees and online degree programs for many, is simply the only way to do so. Online education is gaining popularity simply because of the flexibility and convenience it offers. For those with family obligations and work full-time jobs, the flexible schedule of an online degree program can look appealing. Online education has now made it easier for a lot of people who could not attend traditional classes to be able to once again pursue their dreams of earning a college education.

Online Education – Success towards Degree Completion

"We need to reach them where they need to be reached, rather than come to campus. There is a lot of renewed attention at the state and national level, and I think this will be an exciting time in the next few years and online will be a significant player for success towards degree completion, said Bruce Chaloux, director of student access programs and services and the electronic campus for the Southern Regional Education Board.

"There is a huge adult population with some college and no degree, leaving them without credentials," Chaloux said. "There is a growing emphasis to get students to return and get degrees. A large portion of that enrollment growth is occurring in distance education, he said. Enrollment in online classes at universities has grown 20 percent annually over the last five years and it has now become a commonly accepted way of delivering instruction," he said.

Online Education Meeting the Needs of Many

The availability of online degree programs is also another factor that made online education more popular as well. In the beginning stages of online programs, only a few colleges and universities were offering a select number of courses from their traditional campuses on the internet for students. However, over time the need for online courses began to increase, and before you know it, many colleges and universities are now catering to the increase in demand for online education and they are now offering complete degrees on the internet without students ever needing to step inside a traditional classroom. Because of the wide range of online degree programs, diplomas and certificates even courses to improve your current career without receiving a degree, there is an increase in the number of students that are turning to the online format to meet their academic goals and are very pleased with the new online delivery format.

Are you in an online degree program yet? Please share your opinions and experiences about why you think online education is gaining popularity.