Fueled by changing demographics, online education is quickly becoming what some experts describe as disruptive innovation.

That is, it will change the way we think about higher education, said Dr. Philip DiSalvio, dean of University College at the University of Massachusetts Boston, an expert on online education trends.

DiSalvio described disruptive innovation as something that changes the face of an industry. For example, cellphones replacing land lines and pay phones.

According to DiSalvio, by 2016, 25 million college students will be taking some of their classes online.

If that trend continues, by 2018 there will be more full-time online students that take all their classes (online).

Over 70 percent of students in higher education can be considered nontraditional adult leaners, he said. Thats why online learning is resonating.

DiSalvio said many traditional bricks-and-mortar institutions, even elite ones such as MIT and Harvard, have expanded into the online realm.

It really is a way of adjusting learning opportunities to the current student population, he said.

Larry Ladd, director of accounting firm Grant Thorntons higher education practice, said he believes the future of brick-and-mortar institutions is un-certain, adding that students want courses that fit their needs and schedules.

In online courses, the student is measured more carefully and there is more accountability for the student. People imagine online courses as a passive experience, but its a very active engagement ... engagement is a key factor in learning, he said.

Go here to see the original:
Connected to learning