The bad economy is driving demand for online courses, according to a new study released by Babson Survey Research Group and sponsored by Pearson Learning Solution. DC institutions such as Potomac College have taken steps to revamp their online course offerings. Potomac College plans to launch a new online platform next month, according to Marcus Palmore, director of student affairs. “When it comes to change,” Palmore stated in an interview for Examiner.com, “we embrace it.”
The study shows that 75% of private-sector colleges and universities see increased demand for online programs due to the economic downturn. Sixty percent of private-sector colleges and universities report that online education is critical to their long-term strategies. In addition to Potomac College, private institutions such as American University and George Washington University offer online courses and program.
"Online student enrollments continue to be the fastest growing sector in higher education. Private sector colleges and universities are meeting these students' unique needs by virtue of their ability to enact rapid deployment and take full advantage of innovations and new technologies," said Dr. Anthony Pina, dean of online studies for the Sullivan University System.
The study also shows that chief academic officers are showing increasing faith in the quality of online courses. The survey pointed out that 57% of chief academic officers believes that online courses were as good as face-to-face classes.
The 2011 study reveals that more than 66% of chief academic officers believe that online courses are as good as, or even better than, face-to-face classes. However, the report observes “while the steady increase is good news for those that champion online education, it should also be noted that one-third of all academic leaders polled continue reporting the learning outcomes for online courses are inferior to those for face-to-face instruction.”
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