The University of Queensland began offering an external degree in the 1890s because of the sparse populations and large open expanses in Australia. In the United States, some schools offered courses through distance learning in the late 19th century. Columbia University offered distance-learning options in the 1920s. Although schools offered courses by radio in the ’30s and courses via television in the ’60s, distance learning remained a little-known means of earning a college d egree throughout most of the 20th century.

Universities that are exclusively distance learning began appearing in the United States on both coasts in the early 1970s. Among the pioneers is New York’s Regents College, an accredited university that is now called Excelsior College. Today, one of the largest International distance learning student populations is Britain’s Open University. More than 200,000 people are enrolled worldwide and students utilized a wide range of multi-media (textbooks, TV/radio, software, virtual tutorials, etc.).*

How big is online learning today?
According to the US Department of Education, almost 90% of public 4-year institutions offered Web-based classes in 2001-2002**. Keep in mind that this statistic does not include the scores of dotcom companies (like NotHarvard.com) and big corporations that have entered the fray.

The online student population is growing by 30% a year. Additionally, the US Department of Education estimates there were an estimated 3 Million distance education enrollments in 2001–2002. It’s important to note that this calculation is based on the total number of distance education courses that were taken in 2001–2002, rather than the total unique number of students taking distance education courses.***

Accreditation is especially important
It’s easy to get your diploma online, but is it a bona fide degree from an accredited college? Laser printers and color copiers are now inexpensive and, with the growth of the Internet, diploma mills are flourishing. There are dozens of places where one can buy Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorates, even law and medical degrees for fees as low as one dollar. Check with the US Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation to make sure the institution you’re considering is properly accredited.

Online Learning offers a vast array of courses
Among accredited colleges and universities, there is a seemingly endless variety of courses and degrees from astronomy to zoology. No matter where you are or what your interest, there is likely to be an online learning program for you.

If this is your first look into distance learning opportunities, you may be surprised to know that nearly three quarters of American universities have at least one course online. And colleges and universities which offer solely online courses are thriving along with them.

In addition to brick-and-mortar colleges and online institutions, large corporations like General Motors and IBM have set up online learning programs for employees. General Motors University now offers over 1,300 online courses to its 50,000 employees in North American. And the U.S. Army recently announced a plan to offer online learning to more than 150,000 of its widely dispersed personnel.

Some popular options
The University of Phoenix Online is one of the largest providers with a student population expected to reach 100,000 within the next few years. One important characteristic of this university is its emphasis on the art and science of teaching rather than the bells of whistles of the latest technology. Group learning and real-world experience are also important characteristics of their programs.

At the other end of the spectrum is UNext, a privately held company that has partnered with leading universities such as Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Chicago to offer high quality course content through its Cardean University. UNext believes in using technology for all its worth, and has designed highly innovative and engaging courses.

Both offer one of the best e-learning platforms available and a rich ‘virtual’ university learning experience. Courses are delivered in a 100% multimedia format, and students interact with each other in dynamic group situations. Accelerated programs, respected faculty and real-world relevance make AIU and CTU both popular choices.

Take your pick
Despite the ongoing debate about the relative merits of online learning versus those of classroom learning, students are choosing online education in greater numbers every year. As institutions and companies compete for students, and new providers come onto the scene, your options are likely to increase. And one thing is certain: the quality, availability and acceptance of online learning can only continue to grow.

*Source: The Open University FactSheet.

** Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Postsecondary Education Quick Information System, “Survey on Distance Education in Higher Education Institutions, 2000 – 2001, 2002”

*** Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Postsecondary Education Quick Information System, “Survey on Distance Education in Higher Education Institutions, 2000 – 2001, 2002” Enrollments may include duplicated counts of students. Institutions were instructed to count the total number of students enrolled in each course, rather than the total number of unique students enrolled in distance education at the particular institution.