Long distance learning has become more popular with colleges across the country. According to a 1995 report by the US Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 33 percent of all post-secondary institutions in the country offered distance education, either through audio, vide or Internet mediation. An additional 25 percent reported that they planned to offer such programs within the next three years. However, while schools have started to offer alternatives to the classroom, in 1995 only 26 percent offered more than 25 courses and 24 percent offered only one to four courses. This indicates that while technology has made its way into the heart of the educational system, it has not yet taken on a dominant role.
Students use e-mail to communicate with their professors as well as turning in assignments.
They also have class discussions with other students using chatrooms and message boards. For students who are not entirely comfortable with computers, there are free online tutorials offered by many universities to help beginning students. Despite the many uncertainties about the future role of the virtual university, it is an issue that must be discussed and preparations must be made to accommodate the growing demand for Internet based education. Student Advantage, Inc. Inc. All Rights Reserved.