Image Courtesy: bit.ly/14e4Sp4 The scenario of education is changing with such rapidity that universities offering full-time courses are now facing serious threats from those universities that are offering online courses. According to researchers, the British universities have expressed fears in getting “swept away” owing to the steady rise and contributions shown by the online universities.
Online Learning – a real threat
A report prepared in regard to the future of higher education named, “An Avalanche is Coming” said that the universities in the United Kingdom are facing tough times and their future prospects have also been weakened with the rising popularity of online universities. Pearson’s chief education adviser, Sir Michael Barber said in an asserting tone that online learning will not only appear as a threat but will also act as a grand opportunity for institutions to grow with time.
The avalanche that is being talked about here might put middle-ranking universities on the verge of danger, and even if they want to survive, it will not be easy. In this context, the Downing Street adviser said that a lot of universities are trying the same thing. Instead, he would be quite surprised if this doesn’t consequently lead to the closure of other universities in the next 10 years.
Online universities to play a role model for brick-and-mortar institutions
Sir Michael however said that the gradual development towards learning online does not necessarily mean that the days of the traditional British universities will come to an end. In fact, they can take it as an opportunity to adapt and thrive in a better and modernised way.
What universities must do today is acquire the potential to revise their learning materials and modify their teaching patterns. Moreover, they must necessarily emphasise on bringing a more revised financial model so that students can find it easier to pay tuition fees. As per the current undergraduate finance model, students are now seeking financial assistance from the government, especially for 3-year study courses. Now, it’s high time to reform the course fee structures. Source: bit.ly/1djhNu4
Now, let’s have a look at some factors that make online learning institutions score higher than the traditional ones:
- Constant interaction with tutors and other students
- Overcoming study problems at anytime of the day
- Use of new technologies to learn and update
- Initiating discussions and attending workshops
- Receiving Constant feedback on workLearning through multimedia tools
- Liberty to work and study at the same time
- Easy access to library resources
Besides, the Higher Education Funding Council for England produced a report stating that the number of mature and part-time candidates has gone down by 40% due to tuition fee hikes since 2010-11.
In fact, if an accredited online university gives you easy financing options, would you still prefer wasting time and money in a full-time institution? Think about it!!
RSS Feed
