Distance education and the use of related technologies is currently a major topic of discussion within higher education. The accumulation and rapid changes of information and technology necessitate on-going education and professional development within the work place. Local industry has stated a need for their employees to receive additional education. Employees need to complete higher education degrees in times other than the usual class hours. Recommendations include week-end classes, correspondence classes or computer based instruction to allow employees the opportunity to take courses that would not interfere with their working schedules.
Convenience is of utmost importance.
An increasing percentage of students are commuters to the state's colleges and universities and fewer live on campus. Texas has developed institutions throughout the state to provide opportunities for those unable to relocate to attend college. Western Governors' University was founded in 1995 in response to the growing concern that the coming wave of students will exceed states' abilities to find sufficient non-traditional schedules and modes of delivery in conventional colleges and universities for post secondary education. Sharing of Resources Instructional resources at one school can be used to teach courses to students enrolled at another. Through shared resources and improved access, small group instruction is feasible and affordable.