The Proliferation of Distance Education

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The Proliferation of Distance Education

Postsecondary education facilities, such as colleges and universities, are becoming increasingly aware of the needs of working students. Distance education, comprising of online, telecourses, or correspondence not requiring students to appear in traditional classroom settings, are becoming commonplace amongst colleges and universities nationwide.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 56% of all postsecondary education institutions offer distance education programs, with higher percentages of online, or distance, programs being offered by public institutions. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in the public postsecondary education sector, 90% of public two-year colleges, and 89% of public four-year colleges, offer online programs.

While the overall percentages for distance course availability are higher at the public institution level, private institutions are increasing their course offerings substantially. The number of private colleges and universities offering distance education has effectively doubled between 1997-1998 and 2000-2001, skyrocketing from 19% to 40%, respectively. The percentage distinction between public and private institution narrows somewhat regarding the availability of online degrees. Roughly 30% of institutions already offering online courses have instituted degree plans online, and 16% of institutions have certificate programs available as exclusive online programs.

Regardless of the availability of such programs at the public or private institution sector, online degree programs are becoming increasingly popular. Since 2000, over three million students have enrolled in online degree plans, with over 63% of online course enrollees working full-time or raising children. Online courses are perhaps the most common distance education offered to students, comprising the fastest-growing segment of distance education course and degree plan offerings. A recent study conducted by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges revealed that online course availability increased 147% between 1994 and 1998 alone; the overall proliferation of online courses and degree plans continues to rise with each passing year.

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