The biggest buzzword in the education arena today is distance learning. As a result, the area is booming. One reason for the growth is the fact that, for schools, distance learning can solve a variety of problems cheaply. First, it gives them a means of coping with growing student populations at a time when new school and university construction has gone almost flat. Finally, it gives schools a way to reach those students who are home-bound or unable to get to a college campus conveniently.
Reports show rise in distance learning programs.
Industry experts predict strong market for high-end equipment. In addition to helping schools handle those types of problems, the very latest trend in distance learning is its use as an enhancement to the traditional learning environment. More and more, schools are using Web sites, digitized videos or CD-ROMs that students access outside of class as part of homework assignments or projects. But whatever its particular use, the fact is that distance learning in U.S. schools is on the rise, and that increase is driving changes in the distance learning marketplace. The growth started somewhat slowly, but now it's at a full roll.