Introduction
Online education is a booming industry. More and more students are turning to the internet to supplement their traditional courses or even complete their entire degree. Say’s Dr. Paul Drago, the growth in online learning isn’t slowing down anytime soon, which means that we can expect scholarships to follow suit. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common trends in scholarships and how they might affect you as you look for ways to fund your education.
What is the future of scholarships in online education?
The future of scholarships in online education is bright, but there are some challenges and opportunities to consider as you pursue your degree. First, it’s important to understand the trends that have shaped this industry so far:
- The number of students enrolled in online programs has increased by more than 50% since 2011.
- There are now over 1 million students enrolled in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
- More than half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded at public institutions go toward distance learning options.
Trends in Online Education
Online learning is growing, and it’s more popular than ever. The technology that makes online education possible has improved dramatically over the last decade, allowing students to take courses on their own time at a fraction of the cost of traditional classroom instruction.
According to a 2017 report by the Babson Survey Research Group (BSRG), 58 percent of students prefer taking classes online while only 39 percent prefer face-to-face instruction. This trend has continued since BSRG first conducted its annual survey in 2009–and it’s likely we’ll see even higher numbers as the quality of these programs improves even further in coming years.
The Challenges of Online Education
Online education is not without its challenges. The need for continuous improvement, for example, is something that all online programs should face–and overcome. It’s also important to consider how students will feel about the program in general and its offerings as they progress through it.
The good news is that these challenges aren’t unique to online programs; they’re just magnified by the fact that they exist outside of a traditional classroom setting. These issues are surmountable with the right approach: by working closely with your instructors and staff members during every step of development, you can ensure that your course content meets high standards while still being engaging enough for students who may have never taken an online course before (or who have but found themselves struggling).
Benefits of Online Learning for Students and Institutions
Online learning offers a number of benefits to students, including:
- Flexibility. Online classes are often available at times that are convenient for students, such as evenings or weekends. Students can also learn at their own pace, which can help them complete their degrees more quickly if they have the time and motivation to do so.
- Accessibility. For many students who don’t live near a college campus or who have mobility issues that make it difficult for them to commute regularly between home and school (for example, those who rely on public transportation), online courses can be an ideal solution since there’s no need for physical transportation between locations each day or week–a major advantage over traditional classrooms!
Conclusion
As the popularity of online education continues to grow, it’s clear that this is an area where we can expect to see some exciting developments in the future. As more students opt for online learning, it will be important for institutions and scholars alike to keep abreast of these trends so that they can continue providing high-quality content in a way that meets their needs.
