Published on May 18th, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi
0Online Training and the Modern Classroom
Colleges and universities these days find themselves offering more and more courses like online paralegal programs to meet the increasing demand for eLearning. Course offerings range from organizational development, law, information technology, and even personality development. Platforms are very diverse, with webinars, live lectures, computer-based correspondence, chat rooms, DVDs, and various text materials.
School administrators believe in implementing and expanding online course offerings to boost their market reach, income, and reputation. Let us take a closer look at the factors that drive colleges and universities to immerse in this remote classroom practice.
Cost
Students can participate in classes using any device connected to the Internet. Schools do not have to provide the venue, shoulder utility expenses, or provide different facilities such as clinics, washrooms, or libraries. Remote learning eliminates the cost of building maintenance as well as wages for employees running them. Indeed, cutting operational expenses is more than a compelling reason for schools to diversify.
In the perspective of students, enrolling in online courses eliminates travel and textbook costs. Classes are taken in the comfort of one’s home, and materials are readily available online.
Expansion
Most colleges and universities are deterred from expanding due to the unavailability of physical and technological infrastructure. They lack the resources to put up new buildings to accommodate an increase in the student population.
Market
Offering more courses is directly proportional to getting a more significant chunk of the market. Many students abroad have always been eager to earn a degree from a U.S. college or university but are discouraged by the difficulty to obtain student visas. The availability of online degrees has become popular among international students, who can now avail of high-quality education and be mentored by top-notch professors.
The potential market is not limited to tertiary-level students. It also includes current employees who work part-time or full-time. Most professionals aim to receive job promotions, change career paths, or learn new skills. There are also members of the labor force who wish to earn their degrees later in life but are too shy to attend traditional schools or do not have the time to commute and sit in a classroom all day.
Remaining on Top
In this age wherein everything is a click away, colleges and universities opt to do the same to be on top of the game. As the demand for these programs increases, it is not a wise business decision to turn away students because of the unavailability of such a modern approach to education.
Credits
If students wish to take summer classes or extra credit courses but have full-time jobs, they can opt to earn credits remotely and have them accredited to their primary college. This happens almost all the time, which is why schools nowadays are quick to take advantage of this market.
In the end, studies have shown that students who have taken online courses believe that the experience has encouraged them to improve themselves. This is true because a significant level of self-discipline is required and honed.