Over the last decade, distance learning has leapt from the scripts of science fiction fantasies to become a growing trend in higher education. It has moved from correspondence classes that relied on video and mail-ordered text books to a virtual classroom that allows students to earn diplomas, undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Distance learning has evolved from a less than reputable way to complete a college education to being the system of choice to attend college for more than a million people. The Distance Education and Training Council predicts that distance education will grow 30 percent annually over the next few years.

Perhaps no school understands the potential of distance learning better than the University of Phoenix. As the largest private university in the U.S. with 145,000 students and more than 63,500 of which are online students, the University of Phoenix has seen an 80 percent growth in enrollment between 2001 and 2002.

"It is my belief that as the growth of online technology continues, the number of students earning degrees online will continue until the preferred method for continued education is just a click away," said James Chitwood, Vice President and Director of the Milwaukee-based University of Phoenix campus.

The unprecedented growth in distance learning can be attributed to a number of factors ranging from advances in telecommunications technology to increased numbers of adult learners lured back to the classroom by the flexibility that distance learning offers to education costs spiraling out of control. Whatever is driving the growth of distance learning, it is showing no signs of slowing in the near future.

According to the second annual Alfred P. Sloan Foundation report on online education in the U. S., there is no statistical evidence that online enrollment has reached a plateau. In fact, enrollment in distance education increased 24 percent between 2003 and 2004. Of the 90 percent of colleges and universities offering distance education programs, the majority report that students are at least as satisfied with their online courses as those taking face-to-face courses. That is due in large part to the technology involved in distance learning.

Technology Makes Worldwide Learning a Reality Technology has continued to affect the way we do things. Education is no different. In the past, it was technologically impossible to participate in classroom lectures without physically being in the classroom. Now students can participate in real-time classroom lectures from any location through teleconference technology. They can schedule virtual meetings with their advisors through private chat rooms and they can exchange homework and other files through online posting boards and file cabinets. Distance learning has made it possible to enjoy a truly academic experience without the academic building.

The Federal Communication Commission reported that roughly 32 million people utilized broadband lines to connect to the Internet at the end of June 2004. This is a 38 percent jump in the number of users in 2003. Broadband is becoming more widely used as consumers want faster access to the Internet for research, shopping, watching movies, downloading music and gathering information. The popularity of broadband Internet service has resulted in more Americans being equipped to take advantage of distance education.

One of the selling points of distance learning is that it "removes barriers of distance and time so students can study at their own pace and at any time," said John Evans, Regional Director of RDI Resources in Vancouver, Canada.

Adult Students Higher Percentage of Distance Learners The flexibility and convenience of distance learning might explain why adult learners are the large majority of distance education participants. The promise of flexibility attracted former distance student Cari Heelan.

"I took my class online because it worked around my work schedule," said Heelan. "I also got a different perspective by having classmates from different states. It was a social experience as well as academic."

The Census Bureau and the U. S. Department of Education report that adult learners are the fastest growing educational demographic, growing 35 percent from 1970 to 2000. Today, more than 60 percent of all college students are 25 and older.

The 2004 Learning Circuits E-Learning Readiness Survey found that 57.1 percent of all distance learners use an asynchronous (self-paced) courseware. The ability to read textbooks, take tests or complete homework when their schedule permits makes distance education more appealing to those short on time or juggling many responsibilities, such as family and work. Another added plus is a more time-relevant program for those who use distance education to enhance current skills.

A four-year degree takes a long time to earn and could be irrelevant or outdated by graduation. Distance education combines the two features likely to attract those who want a degree but would not otherwise go to school — convenience and speed. Also factored into the equation is the growing cost of higher education.

Skyrocketing Costs Direct Students to Distance Learning A 2003 report prepared by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce found that "parents and students are losing patience with college ’sticker shock’ and are frustrated with a lack of accountability from college officials about rising costs."

"There’s no market constraint to keep them from raising tuition," said Ronald Ehrenberg, Director of the Cornell Higher Education Research Institute. With salaries decreasing along with the amount of federal aid available to working families, students are seeking alternatives to the four-year college experience. Distance education looks more and more appealing to those seeking a degree to advance in their careers without breaking the bank or spending years to do it. Distance learning provides the same quality education without the disruption in life.

While distance learning is not for everyone, it is certainly worth exploring. If you want to achieve your dream of completing your degree, consider distance education. You can earn and learn at the same time.