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Online Education and the Adult Student

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Online Education and the Adult Student

Never before in the history of academics has it been so easy to attend an institution of higher learning. With advances in technology, people are interconnected on a global level. This capability to communicate over vast distances has enabled educational institutions across the world to offer what was once thought impossible… A college degree earned by way of online learning. This unprecedented offering would now offer an educational opportunity to adults who were previously unable to find the time or the necessary resources needed to complete a resident degree plan. However, with the dawning of online education came the realization that the subject matter and workload of traditional curriculums would have to be altered to suit online learning. In addition, online students would experience both the benefits and difficulties presented by this new and unique atmosphere.
In today’s society, a college degree is more common than ever before. In fact, in 1982, only 58.3% of High school graduates attended college right after graduating. Today, more than 79% of high school graduates continue on to attend college. (http://www.besteducationdegrees.com/, n.d.). A major contributing factor to this jump is the availability of higher education by way of community colleges, on-line learning, and other distance learning methods. Adults who desire a college degree no longer have to worry about putting their lives on hold in order to do so. In fact, with the on-line tools and resources offered, it is now common place for many to continue with their day to day lives all while attending college classes at their convenience. All that is needed is a computer with an internet connection and the desire to learn. Another huge factor that plays a role in higher college attendance rates is the financial aspect. “A 2011 report produced by the

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