Glimpse into the future of online education

The digital disruption of higher education: College is going online, whether we like it or not theatln.tc/12hgKBZ
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) May 17, 2013

I came across an excellent article in a recent Sunday Boston Globe focusing on what some area colleges and universities are doing to enhance their online offerings.  Specifically when it comes to earning graduate degrees and the challenges that many face in finding the time to actually attend classes.

Having recently completed an online graduate program and working in higher education for nearly 20 years, this certainly piqued my interest.

Professionals have realized the need for advanced degrees to not only move up the proverbial corporate ladder, but it is almost a must as we face an ever-changing and advancing workplace in all areas such as law, corporate taxes, and international relations, and technology. 

But the challenge again lies with finding the time to do so.  Many of us are already working full time, which really means to six to seven o'clock, and balancing family responsibilities with our working spouse who is also likely to be occupied with a full-time work schedule. 

Limitations also extend into the physical location of available graduate school offerings. If you live in a metro area, such as Boston, there are several excellent choices within reach.  School's in remote areas are limited to a radius of potential applicants who could physically attend a class two or three nights a week.

Technology has changing that. Or should I say, is changing the way many school's are looking at making access that much easier and available. Many, according the Globe's report, are offering a "hybrid" program to allow flexibility of learning online, and face-to-face interaction on campus. 

Online education that fits your schedule.

While a majority of the work is done online, there are requirements to meet at least one weekend a month or even in some cases, twice a year.  This greatly expands the reach for many schools to draw from outside the region and even in some cases, from around the country. 

My experience was wonderful and was all that I expected, and even more. There were very little barriers to communication and the interaction and learning process was quite intense and beneficial, and fit my busy schedule perfectly. 

As technology continues to improve with better broadband service and video conferencing capabilities are made available to just about every desktop, laptop, iPad and smart phone, school's can only benefit by being a leader in this new offering.