This has been a big year for online learning policy and practice. Here are six big ways online learning has changed during 2008.
1. New Law Requires Online Schools to Verify Student Identity
The
College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008, passed in August, now requires online schools to verify that the person completing online assignments is the student enrolled in the program. Although most programs seem unaffected at this point, some experts speculate that such laws could result in intrusive surveillance standards.
2. Recession Prompts Adults to Seek Degree Completion
This year’s
troubled economy has prompted a growing number of working adults to complete degrees online. As jobs grew scarcer, professionals sought continuing education to improve their resumes and become eligible for promotions.
3. States Create More Free Online High Schools
State-wide online high schools have continued to grow this year, with new
no-cost charter and public programs. Almost all states now offer some type of free online learning, in the form of complete diploma programs or supplemental learning.
4. Some Struggle to Find Student Loans
Private student loans have become more difficult to acquire, due to the national lending crisis. Loans are particularly scarce for online learners enrolled in non-traditional vocational programs.
Federal student loans continue to be available for qualifying students.
5. OpenCourseWare Programs Expand
Traditional colleges have continued to add class content to their free OpenCourseWare websites. Independent learners strapped for cash have taken advantage of the no-cost content from colleges such as
MIT,
Berkeley, and the
University of University.
6. Online Classrooms Take Advantage of Technology
This year, many new educational applications have been developed for devices such as the iPhone. Virtual classrooms have increased their use of technological possibilities such as Twitter updates and Second Life lectures.
