Primarily, there are some …show more content…
Opponents of distance education may agree that it is possible for some learning to occur through this medium, but that isn’t enough. They stress focusing on the fullness of learning (Fox, 1998).
The educational technologies challenge the notion that education needs to take place in a classroom (Baker 2004). One force driving these educational technologies is the demand for a well educated and skilled workforce. Another force is older, more mature students. Akker and Plomp (1996) and Gray, Vernez, and Rolph (1994) have found that that the composition of the student population has changed dramatically since the 1980s. Today’s college students are older, more diverse, and display varying degrees of academic readiness. Many are well above traditional college age and, due to various commitments, cannot relinquish their current jobs for the sake of education.
Further, some people are disadvantaged due to geographic remoteness or restricted by their work schedule and need distance learning methods. Overall, distance learning provides learners a more flexible way to further their education.
As such, distance learning, with its attendant technology, is the fastest growing educational modality (Carnevale, 2000). Distance learning has the potential to affect colleges and universities, businesses and industries, and personal lives. An obvious impact is the growing number of individuals seeking advanced education and training as a result of the