Throughout the past 50 years, online learning has evolved to offer a majority of undergraduate degree programs and advanced degree programs. In 1976, the University of Phoenix was founded to give working adults flexible higher education options. In 1994, the first completely on-line curriculum was introduced by CalCampus, by 2014, 98% of colleges and universities offered online programs (Dumbauld). With these continuing advances in education, more people are able to pursue a college degree. On-line education is geared towards working adults with full time jobs, families and busy lifestyles. By fulfilling the needs of our society and offering classes on-line, colleges now allow for barriers to be crossed economically, socially, geographically and professionally. Today, we are facing more expensive education options along with a higher cost of living. The dream of attending a 4 year university may be unattainable for many Americans. The effects of on-line learning have both direct and indirect influences on our economy. The ability to directly offer jobs and careers within the field of online learning and make jobs open to thousands will have a positive impact on our economy. Indirectly, having a more educated workforce will help our societies, communities and country as a whole excel. On-line education allows the opportunity for more of our young adults to attain higher education and better prepare themselves for careers. Educated members of society not only make higher wages for themselves, but bring in higher revenue for their companies. Having access to higher education can promote a healthy lifestyle and futures for many students. The use of technology in on-line learning enables the student to learn and excel in communication skills and the written word. Participation in their own education helps raise the student’s self-esteem, become independent thinkers and make better life choices. Attainable education can help students achieve their social goals by lowering the need for state aid and preserving personal morals and beliefs. Educational institutions offering on-line courses can not only help a student become a better member of society, but allows that student the ability to help their own community become better members of society as well. Being able to receive an education using technology opens up many new possibilities. If the degree a student is looking for is offered from a school not geographically accessible to them, the internet can now connect them. One no longer has to live on a campus, pay for room and board or travel to and from a school. On-line learning has closed the divide between earning a degree and the student. Using new technologies and programs like Blackboard, Moodle and skype, students can connect with faculty, tutors, and fellow classmates. The ability to bring the course to the student allows for flexibility and make location a non-issue. Being able to live where you want and study where you want can make earning a degree you desire a possibility. Most jobs and careers have opportunities for advancement. A high school diploma does not make the cut when trying to climb the ladder of success. Management positions requiring a bachelor’s degree is the new norm, and in many cases, employers are looking for master degrees. Most adults have financial responsibilities that don’t allow them to leave their jobs and attend a traditional classroom environment. Managing the required course work at non-conventional times may be the only way someone can attend classes. Having the opportunity to study with on-line courses may be the best way to work towards your goals. Participating in online education has never been easier and areas of study are vast. Blue collar, white collar and no collar employees can all use the on-line education platform to turn their jobs into careers and careers into financial
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Whenever there is a need for a service, society comes up with a solution. While on-line learning has been in existence for years, the demands on our time and the need to be able to compete in a changing world make on-line study a necessity. Prospective students can review degrees offered from universities across the country, compare costs and accreditations, and attend a college hundreds of miles away while never leaving their living room. On-line education filled a need and has become a necessity in higher
Whenever there is a need for a service, society comes up with a solution. While on-line learning has been in existence for years, the demands on our time and the need to be able to compete in a changing world make on-line study a necessity. Prospective students can review degrees offered from universities across the country, compare costs and accreditations, and attend a college hundreds of miles away while never leaving their living room. On-line education filled a need and has become a necessity in higher