Online Education on the Rise

Online education is an enterprise that offers accredited programs for students of all kinds. For the student who wants to "earn while you learn," (hattos.com) online degree programs are beneficial and convenient. The New York Times explains in the article entitled "Online Enterprises Gain Foothold as Path to a College Degree."

"As Wikipedia upended the encyclopedia industry and iTunes changes the music business, these businesses have the potential to change higher education."

Whether it's for certification, post-bachelor, masters or doctoral, online universities are changing higher education for what most can agree, the better.
For years now, technology has increasingly crept into education, adding a touch of innovation and a new method of teaching and learning. With the rise of full online universities, higher education becomes more accessible to a greater population; however, online courses are not going to replace the traditional four-year university any time soon, but merely provided a different means of obtaining a degree. Some education professionals commented on the rise of online universities adding that they're not as "rigorous" and that there is more room to cheat. The Times quotes Johann Neem, a historian at Western Washington University professional saying,

"Taking a course online, by yourself, is not the same as being in a classroom with a professor who can respond to you, present different viewpoints and push you to work a problem," 'Professor Neem said.' "There's lots of porn and religion online, but people still have relationships and get married, and go to church and talk to a minister."

Despite opinions, online education is making strides and with harsh economic times, the online degree will continue to prove its worth.

Online Education: Infographic

The infographic below from the "Surprising Facts About Online Education" (degreescout.com), outlines some surprising facts about the enterprise that could reshape higher education.