Online Learning Taking Over? Why Students are Choosing Virtual Programs over In-person College
By: CHLOE STEPHENS
Years after the COVID-19 lockdown forced schools to shut down and sparked a surge in e-learning, students are choosing to get an online education over attending traditional-in-person college.
“The lockdown helped students adapt to an online environment quickly, which they ultimately found to be more convenient,” said Hannah Rieger, Director of Student Support Services at the University of Oklahoma.
The convenience of online programs and the ability to avoid fees associated with traditional college are some of the reasons students are switching to virtual learning. Students who opt for online degree programs can save thousands of dollars each semester on housing, transportation, parking, and other costs.
Online degree programs have continued to grow in popularity since the pandemic highlighted the shortcomings of traditional higher education, including the high cost and inflexible schedules.
According to recent data, enrollment in virtual classes across the United States increased by 170% during the 2020-2021 school year, then jumped to a 176% increase during the 2021-2022 school year. Coursera, an online course provider, has had a three-fold increase in online course registration since the pandemic hit in 2019. Before COVID-19, there were 44 million students registered for classes through Coursera, but as of 2021 there were 92 million.
Julie White, an OU graduate completed her psychology degree through a mix of Coursera courses, OU online, and traditional classes.
“I loved having the flexibility to create my own schedule and complete coursework from the comfort of my own home. Taking online classes also allowed time for me to get a head start on my career,” said White.
White graduated a semester early from OU and then took online classes through WorkSooner to learn in-demand skills for her future job as a caseworker. WorkSooner and Coursera have a partnership which allows students to take 100% online courses to help them grow personally and professionally in order to become job-ready post graduation. She believes that taking online courses allowed her to get more out of her college experience at a faster pace, which made integration into the work-force an easy transition.
With the quality of online curriculum improving each year, it is clear that online learning is here to stay, says the Director of OU Online Steven Lee. This fall, OU Online will be launching two bachelor level degree completion programs that will hold the same value as a traditional degree.
As universities and colleges continue to expand their virtual offerings by launching new online degree programs, students have more options than ever before when it comes to pursuing higher education. To learn more about OU Online and how to apply for admissions, visit: https://www.ou.edu/online/programs.
Julie White explaining how COVID-19 forced her to take online classes, but once the lockdown was over she continued to take them because of the benefits. VIDEO: Chloe Stephens
College advisor Suzanne Shaffer sharing personal stories and explaining why online college is a better option for some students. AUDIO: Chloe Stephens