How Do We Get To Tomorrow? The Path to Online Learning

Abstract

It is evident that the advancements in technology are entering our educational environment at a rapid pace. What was once a brick and mortar classroom is now a virtual classroom that exists in living rooms, airports, and offices. What was once a traditional lecture hall is now a virtual discussion board that engages a world of students. Although online education is in its early stages, statistics clearly show support for increased enrollment in online courses. The number of students enrolled in distance programs is rapidly rising in colleges and universities throughout the United States. There is no doubt that life as we know it in the traditional classroom, is changing. In response to the breakthrough of online learning, we must ask ourselves several critical questions. How do we prepare ourselves for the online classroom? How do we integrate and capitalize on technology? How do we engage students in an online environment? How do we overcome the obvious challenges that accompany this virtual environment? These questions are lingering, and we must find answers.