Why Online Education is So Popular

The number of students enrolled in online education programs in recent years has skyrocketed, and with the current economic troubles faced by millions of Americans, the popularity of distance learning is showing no signs of slowing down.

In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics found that during the 2006-07 academic year, an estimated 12.2 million students had enrolled in credit-granting distance learning courses provided at the college level.

In response to this increasing demand, many traditional, campus-based schools have started adding more online courses to their curriculum. During the same academic year, 66 percent of two-year and four-year Title IV degree-granting postsecondary institutions included online education courses as part of their overall programs of study.

While several factors have played a role in the increasing popularity of online education, many students choose this form of education because of the benefits afforded by distance learning compared to classroom-based study.

The Benefits of Online Education

Students who take online courses and the institutions that offer them often cite four primary benefits associated with distance learning.

Benefit 1: Online education offers students flexibility and convenience.

The flexibility and convenience offered by distance learning courses is among the top reasons to enroll in an online program of study.

You will find many atypical college students - from working professionals to stay-at-home moms - enrolling in online education programs because these programs often provide a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to students' busy schedules.

While the courses at many traditional schools are offered during the weekday, online courses provide an outlet for students who need to take classes on the weekends or in the evenings.

Benefit 2: Distance learning often provides a greater focus on education.

Traditional colleges often provide students with an exceptional education, but they also offer students a whole lot more. Many students who enroll at traditional institutions not only attend classes, but they also participate in the school's social scene, which can include participating in student government, attending football games or pledging to a fraternity or sorority.

In contrast, distance learning provides an environment focused solely on education, which appeals to many older students who are returning to school.

Benefit 3: Students taking online classes can take advantage of individualized instruction.

Every student learns in his or her own way. Traditional brick-and-mortar institutions try to meet the unique needs of their students, but there is only so much a school can do in a classroom environment.

Traditionally, college and university courses are taught in a large classroom, led by an instructor who will give lectures and assign homework. This format does not leave a lot of room for individualization.

In contrast, online education often offers greater variety and flexibility when it comes to the educational format. Materials can be presented in a variety of ways, allowing instructors to accommodate the different learning styles of their students.

Benefit 4: Online courses actually help the environment.

If you have ever visited a college campus, you know that most campuses are overflowing with students - students that often used some type of vehicular transportation to get to the campus in the first place.

Every year, millions of students commute to their schools. However, online education reduces the need for students to drive to campus, significantly decreasing the amount of emissions released into the air by these students' vehicles.