The Benefits Of Online Distance Education

Recalling the hefty printed encyclopedias at your local library, the digitized Encyclopedia Britannica CDs, and the, near ubiquitous, search engine one can see the rapidly changing environments of modern classrooms. Education has forever been changed by this access to the information super-highway. The internet, when used for education, allows students to develop the skills to navigate vast amounts of information, think critically, and determine credibility; this empowers students while preparing them for the future. Ensuring that all students have equal access can be troublesome, however, when successful, the resulting generation is more properly equipped to advance their lives. With nearly a third of students in higher education taking at …show more content…
According to Claire de la Varre, Julie Keane, and Matthew J. Irvin rural schools educate about 29% of United States students in K-12 programs (193). These schools face many difficulties, such as hiring exceptional teaching staff and providing additional learning opportunities to their students. With the aid of online distance education (ODE) these rural students gain access to a higher quality learning experience that can be tailored to their specific needs, struggles, and learning preferences. Students are no longer limited by geography or happenstance; they can take control of their learning path and customize the experience to facilitate deeper understanding of topics that are relevant to them. Equipped with a first-rate education, students are given a chance to improve their economic status, contribute to society, and change their lives for the …show more content…
For example, traditionally printed textbooks are now becoming available in digital versions as e-books at a fraction of the cost for students on a tight budget. The flexible nature of online degree programs also allows students with conventional nine-to-five jobs to maintain their regular income, and study at times that works best for them. Online education allows students who can 't afford room and board on-campus, or daycare for their children an opportunity to get their degree. The evidence of cost reduction is obvious, and this means that smart students, from diverse economic backgrounds are getting equal access to advanced education. With a larger amount of people having access to higher education our country 's economy can grow to new heights and give talented students an equal chance to contribute to society, no matter where they live or how much money they