ONLINE EDUCATION

Online education is a flexible instructional delivery system
that encompasses any kind of learning that takes
place via the Internet. Online learning gives educators an
opportunity to reach students who may not be able to
enroll in a traditional classroom course and supports students
who need to work on their own schedule and at
their own pace.
The quantity of distance learning and online degrees
in most disciplines is large and increasing rapidly. Schools
and institutions that offer online learning are also increasing
in number. Students pursuing degrees via the online
approach must be selective to ensure that their coursework
is done through a respected and credentialed institution.
RATIONALE FOR CONSIDERING
ONLINE EDUCATION
Online education has become a viable and exciting
method for instructional delivery in the global business
society that runs on a 24/7 schedule (24 hours a day/7
days a week) because it provides students with great flexibility.
With the increased availability of the Internet and
computer technology, students are able to access information
anytime and anyplace that would normally be available
only through a traditional classroom. Studies have
shown that students learn just as effectively in an online
classroom as they do in the traditional classroom.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS
OF LEARNING ONLINE
Online education offers many positive benefits since students:
• have flexibility in taking classes and working at their
own pace and time
• face no commuting or parking hassles
• learn to become responsible for their own education
with information available at their fingertips
• find the submission of assignments easy and convenient
• are more apt to voice their own opinions and share
and debate issues with other students, as well as
learn from other students during the group discussions
Possible negative effects of learning online are that some
students:
• may miss the face-to-face interaction with the
instructor and among students
• may prefer to attend traditional classes with an
instructor who teaches and guides them through the
course
• find access to the necessary technology challenging
and the availability of technical support limited
In addition, some administrators and instructors who do
not understand the workload may display a negative attitude
toward online education.
FUTURE OF ONLINE EDUCATION
Online teaching is here to stay. Many students prefer the
online classroom since it offers flexibility in their busy
schedules. With the proliferation of information and
knowledge, students must become lifelong learners in
today’s world, and online education plays an important
role in helping individuals access the learner-centered and
self-directed instruction.
With enhanced software, hardware, and Internet
access, more options for online education will become
available. With student enrollments increasing faster than
classrooms can be built, students becoming more proficient
with technology, and students pursuing an education
that meets their needs, the future of online education
will continue to grow. Online degree programs will
become more widely accepted as they become a more
common practice.