Introduction
Before we delve into our module topics, let's look at the current state of online instruction in higher education, to give you an idea of what's happening at colleges across the country. The 2007 Sloan Consortium Survey of Online Learning was conducted to find answers to some key questions about online education delivered by U.S. higher education institutions. In the Consortium's report of their findings, “Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning," significant evidence supports the assumption that students as well as institutions are embracing online education as a delivery method. The report reveals: - Nearly 3.5 million students took at least one online course during Fall 2006. This means that "nearly twenty percent of all U.S. higher education students were taking at least one online course in the fall of 2006." In Fall 2002, this figure was 1.6 million students.
- "The 9.7 percent growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 1.5 percent growth of the overall higher education student population."
- The most commonly cited reason for offering online courses is to improve student access.
Online education is growing rapidly, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offers many opportunities for online learners. This tutorial will help you to successfully join this growing field.
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