Some courses offer two-way video links, which may be acceptable for remote areas where access to the instructor is the primary obstacle, but not so effective for busy professionals who can't be tied down to a specific time and place. Lectures provided through videoconferencing eliminate the trips to campus, but most of these courses still require that students participate at a certain time, rather than having lectures available on demand. High-speed Internet access is critical for streaming video, and even then the picture quality is often poor. And, once again, it is generally a one-way learning process with little interactivity. In fact, research shows that participation in class discussions is often much higher online than in a traditional classroom setting, where many students are reluctant to speak out.
Online education is also extremely flexible.
Downloading courses to a CD enables students to study on the plane, in the car, or wherever they find themselves with free time on their hands. Through online learning, it's possible for virtually anyone, anywhere to do the learning they need to compete successfully in the Internet economy. Today's business environment demands life-long learning. Fortunately, the Internet technologies that are fueling the rapid pace of change are also helping to provide the solution by bringing new educational opportunities to a wider audience. LaVonne Reimer Young is president and CEO of Cenquest, an Internet firm delivering accredited industry-responsive graduate business courses, degrees and programs over the Web through accredited business schools.