Online Education and Its Effective Practice: A Research Review

By: Anna Sun, Xiufang Chen 

   Online education is here to stay and grow. The review of its history clearly shows that online education has developed rapidly, mostly as a result of Internet connectivity, advanced technology, and a massive market. It has evolved from 19th century correspondence programs to the 21st century’s vibrant and well-designed institutional online courses.

   The fast development of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) has produced numerous benefits to education. Online education provides potential opportunities to open new markets for higher education institutions. Many adult learners may enjoy the flexibility when they have to balance work, study, and family responsibilities. The wide range of various technology advancements used by universities’ online programs may promote the interaction between students and instructors, and among students at large. Finally, the upgraded technology and software may allow instructors, students, and university administrators to collect data, feedback, and evaluation regarding their online experiences.

   We can anticipate that online education will continue to increase its presence and influence higher education through a vigorous process of reshaping, refining, and restructuring. It is unlikely, however, to replace entirely traditional higher education, but merely to be an alternative. But, because of its flexibility and accessibility, online education is gaining in popularity, especially for people who are otherwise unable to obtain education because of physical distance, schedule conflicts, and unaffordable costs.

Available in: https://www.informingscience.org/

Publications/3502. Access 28 set. 2022. Adapted