Online Education
According to a recent survey by the Babson Survey Research Group, about thirty-three
percent of college students are taking at least one course online. Another survey done by
Learninghouse and Aslanian Market Research shows that eventually one-third of college
students expect to study online, one-third expect to study only on campus, and one third will do
both (“Online College Students by the Numbers”). As America is evolving technologically, so is
our learning system. Last generation did not even think about using devices such as a computer
to assist with their education. However, this new generation is going into the world with a
completely new option: Online education. Although taking online courses saves money on a
commute and is more convenient for those with busy lives, it also requires a substantial amount
of self-discipline, exposes the student to more distractions from learning, and takes away a
fundamental amount of social interaction that is critical to many college lives.
Distance learning saves money for both the college and the student. In her article
“College is Just a Click Away: E-learning Systems Help State Schools Meet Demands, Cut
Costs,” Mary Mosquera states, “The professor can supplement resources at the course site, such
as online discussion groups, self-assessments and other materials. These would otherwise be
costly or cumbersome to distribute to such a large class” (Mosquera). Online classes save money
on paper because professors do not have to print multiple copies to hand out, they can just upload
assignments for students. Another way online learning saves money is on a commute. Since they
are taking classes online, the student does not have to drive to a campus thereby saving money
on gasoline. Without having to take the time to commute to a separate location, it allows more
time in the student’s schedule as well.
Online education is easier to manage for those with busy lives. Writing in the article
“Online Education: Does Online Education Help Students?” the authors point out that “Distance
learning…makes college classes more convenient for people, often older than traditional college
students, who seek to balance school with work and family and have demanding schedules.” The
authors are pointing out that students who take online courses have more control over their own
schedule. They have the ability to include other necessary elements into their life that otherwise
would be nearly impossible if the student had to be on campus all the time. The article goes on to
agree with this idea, stating that “Students who, as young adults, are forced to work full time to
support themselves might not be able to attend classes in the traditional fashion” (“Online
Education”). Those involved in distance learning are able to attain more knowledge because they
have the ability to take a larger number of classes. However, taking more classes allocates for
