Getting an online degree is a relatively modern affair. It was created by the confluence of two symbiotic concepts, Long Distance Learning and, obviously, the Internet. How the two have since turned into a major force in education is a story in itself.
The transformation was caused by the introduction of the online college. Getting an online degree was created by the application of something old, long distance learning, to something brand spanking new, the World Wide Web and the internet.
Actually, the business was quite legitimate. Back in 1958, the University of Wisconsin offered over 450 different courses, teaching 12,000 students annually, all done through the mail. Like modern online schools, it was a great way for working people, many then on the GI Bill, to improve their economic position. For more information about pell grant, check out the web.
It was the ARPA and its greatest creation, the Internet, which pushed colleges online. The net was created to pass information from one point to another, at the speed of light. The first organizations to jump on board, in fact did most of the primary research, were universities. Many of these institutes of higher learning had long distance learning wings. With the advent of the personal computer back in the early 80s, it didn’t take these ivory tower rocket scientists much to put it all together.
Now it’s the 21st Century, and the online degree is quite common. 67% of the students are women, primarily working mothers. Another growing sector are active military personnel, who want to continue their education while serving their country. Don’t forget the white collar worker who just doesn’t have the time to go on campus.
Where there were once only a handful of school, the number of accredited institutions has expanded to approximately 250. Some of the best material is now provided from the most amazing sources, such as the former member of Monty Python, John Cleese and his Video Arts studio. . The Federal and state governments, as well as many other organizations have recognized online education since the 90s, and will even provide financial aid for needy students. There is a vast amount of information about pell grants for college on the internet.
The number of courses offered has also multiplied astronomically. At the onset of online colleges, the main fields of studies were in such areas as science and finance. These days, it can involve many such trades as nursing and computer forensics, to the fine arts. In other words, if there’s a field of discipline out there, there no doubt is an online degree for it.
The introduction of e-books such as the Kindle is expected to have an incredible effect on online education, the same for the iPad, Blueberry and other easily transportable devices. Satellite communications makes it possible to take courses anywhere from the Appalachian mountains to the hot springs of Finland, and financial aid makes possible for most.
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