7 Fascinating Distance Learning Facts

By: Justin Ferriman • December 18, 2013
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distance-learning-jpgIt is becoming pretty common place these days for people to take the majority of their courses online (or at least some portion of them). Most K-12 districts even have learning management systems in place for online learning programs to supplement the classroom.

The evidence is there: elearning is gaining in influence and being recognized as a legitimately way to earn a quality education.

I can recall 10 years ago when getting a degree online from University of Phoenix was not seen in the same way as physically attending a four-year program. Today, I would argue that a University of Phoenix degree is quite desirable in the workplace.

The new “gizmos” and “gadgets” produced by folks like Apple, Samsung, etc. are helping in the growth of online learning programs all over the world. With physical barriers removed, the elearning revolution is in full-force. New entrance to the workforce are more prepared than ever before to do business remotely, and to do it well.

If you ever had any doubts about online learning programs, below are some facts that support its increasing popularity:

  1. In 2013, more than 6 million students took at least one online course.
  2. In 2014, it is predicted that 18.7 million students will take at least one online course.
  3. By 2019, nearly half of all classes worldwide will be done online.
  4. The U.S. and Europe account for over 70% of the entire global education industry.
  5. Asia Pacific’s use of online coursework is growing the quickest, with revenues expected to increase by 20%.
  6. Roughly $100 billion is to be spent on online education by 2015.
  7. Current enrollment of Univeristy of Phoenix online programs is 319,000.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that online education is going to gain in popularity in years to come. It will be interesting to see what happens to the traditional educational institution as earning degrees online becomes more of the everyday norm.

 

References:
onlinecourses.com
semesteronline.org/schools
usnews.com/education/top-world-universities/articles/2013/10/08/explore-the-worlds-top-universities
independent.co.uk/student/news/uk-universities-to-offer-free-online-courses-8823835
openeducationeuropa.eu/en/find/institutions
huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/25/university-of-phoenix-accreditation_n_2762168

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter