This academic design is not for everyone or even most learners and might never substitute the traditional university or fix many of the issues about the costs of college in the United States. But then, why is this micro-trend even important? Distance learning systems show an overall satisfaction with performing much of one’s life online. It is simply another edition of telecommuting, e-commerce, and social media, by enabling learners to work from wherever they might be, with others and with access to faculty and course materials entirely through the internet. Most of the elements of the academic experience, apart from rock climbing walls and dormitories, have been digitized for quick accessibility. As the brick-and-mortar retail store outlet decreases in significance, so too does the physical university for an essential community of American learners.
This, in turn, changes the potential structure and variety of the post-traditional university student population, in interesting ways. Without the pressure of relocation, learners can come from anywhere in the United States and throughout the world and bring their viewpoints and experiences to the exclusive academic office. This makes an opportunity for connections and cooperation across geographical limitations novel for part-time adult studying. America’s colleges have an especially poor record of graduating learners. Many begin, withstand high educational costs and have large debt, only to then drop out when life otherwise intervenes. Distance learning systems become an essential means for resolved adults to now complete their degrees.
Others well provided by online studying are those who want to further the degree and studying beyond the bachelors degree and enhance their professions without risking their work and income. Many travel regularly, work long and irregular hours and balance this with complex and challenging home lives. They can carve out the twenty hours or so every week to learn online, provided that they can do so when and where they want. They can tap educational costs assistance from their companies, so their out-of-pocket costs will be minimal.