Distance Learning in the 21st Century

Distance learning is more about convenience than anything else, and as an option it has come a very long way since the early days when distance learning was all about television offering instruction in the 1940s. Although distance learning has been going on in some form since the late 1800s there was never an efficient medium for two way distance learning engagement until the advent of teleconferencing in the 1980s. Hot on the tails of teleconferencing was of course the global availability of personal computers which changed distance learning forever.

Distance learning in the 21^st century is globally available and across a greater range of fields than anyone ever would have imagined. Today a growing number of institutions offer complete college degree programs via the Internet. In addition to the courses offered through individual colleges and universities a number of organizations have cropped up to facilitate offering multiple degrees from multiple institutions from a single online venue. For example California's Virtual University lists a wide range of community college, college, and university courses offered online thereby facilitating access to distance learning. Another alternative is the Western Governor's Association which sponsors the Western Governor's University (WGU). It too offers online college degrees and courses from multiple universities.

International Distance Learning

Non-traditional and traditional facilities are stepping up to fill the niche where higher education is inaccessible in various parts of the world. Through this availability people who previously would not have experienced opportunities to achieve and attain higher goals now can. In addition, the provision of distance learning, even in first world countries like the US, means that the traditional barriers to education such as poverty, location and work are becoming irrelevant. By extension the increasing ease of distance learning means that many people are choosing to study for longer or to return to school. In fact the average age of the distance learner is 33 years old.

Distance learning has given millions of people around the world a fantastic opportunity to become better qualified, enhance careers and to experience positive change in their lives. Around 4 million people in the U.S. alone have already seized this opportunity to become distance learners and millions more worldwide have made the same decision to take advantage of distance learning.

The Quality of an Online Degree

As all of the big universities and colleges come on board with distance learning programs the options and the standards are becoming better all the time. Students considering distance learning have as many options today as student’s have traditionally had only through in-person study at a particular facility.

It is no longer true that degrees achieved through distance learning are inferior to those achieved in person. Again, this is evidenced by the fact that even the Ivy League universities are offering distance learning. As more people enroll in distance learning courses, certificate and degree programs, the need for a universal standard of quality has increased importance. Currently, distance learning programs adhere to specific standards, yet the level of academic rigor and quality offered differs from one college or university to another and from one instructor to the next.

Recent research has shown that distance learning is just as effective as in-class instruction. That said, the challenge today is to enhance consistency and excellence through government institutions, advocacy groups and student demand to make distance learning universally consistent and of a high standard.

Technology has transformed distance learning so that millions can now embrace education and the impact of distance learning continues to expand. Solid frameworks for distance learning in colleges and universities will undoubtedly improve outcomes and opportunity even further.