The online student population is 500 times what it was just seven years ago. Many local colleges and universities are adopting the new technology. Some, like the State University of New York and Dobbs Ferry-based Mercy College, embraced its potential early. Others, like Manhattanville in Purchase and Iona in New Rochelle, are exploring the possibilities, as the competition for students increases. Online learning's great advantage is increased access to education for people who cannot reach a college campus or make the same time commitment week after week.
Online students tend to be adults with families and jobs.
Students and teachers have since found other pluses, including enhanced discussions and easy access to the rich resources of the World Wide Web. But they are also aware of disadvantages, including issues of time, motivation, isolation and quality control. Online learning will supplement, but never replace college campuses, experts say. Some worry that access to an online college education may become more limited if students cannot afford to keep up with technological advances. So far, however, the rapid evolution of the technology has been matched by online education's explosive popularity.