Many of us have read and talked about the use of distance learning in the colleges and universities of today and many of us know about how much it is being used. Some of us are also using the same in our day to day lives. But how does distance learning and technology fit into the whole scenario of education? Are we really moving towards a world full of people knowing only to sit in front of their TV or Computer and never having to go to the "campus" at all?
Arizona State University (ASU) has about 6 studios (rooms) that are currently being used by the college for its distance learning program. It has about fifteen to twenty classes being offered over the internet streamed directly to people's homes. The numbers of classes have increased over the years and have led to the recent completion of two new studios (The number increased from 4 to 6).
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Distance Education - Impact on Practice 069Although not confirmed it can be deduced that ASU will increase the number of classes by about 30%-40% in a few years to accommodate this growing demand.
What demand? Well the people who are most interested and currently using streams the most have been identified to be mostly professionals already working at many high and moderate posts in their respective companies and wished to increase their knowledge. These people are too busy to suddenly leave their way of life and start college all over again. Many Bachelor's graduates wish to make some money before they begin graduate studies however by the time they want to pursue the same it is usually too late since they are so well settled or don't have enough money to afford full college semesters." There are not enough brick and mortar buildings out there" as said by Edwards,