I believe colleges and universities should absolutely offer online degrees in as many areas as possible.. It's an online world and they should keep up. I was in college in the early 90s. You knew you got into a college when you got a really think document sized envelope from that college. And that was only the paperwork to accept. There were more packets and more packets. Students would spend from March to August filling out paperwork and either waiting for paperwork to be mailed back or going to the school and turning it in person.. And that was just to get into college. Once there, essays were typed on typewriters, homework was written long hand, and classes scheduled and changed by standing in long lines with several slips of paper in hand. But as time went on, technology made all of that easier. Colleges and universities are usually the first to jump on board with new technology that improves student life. Not to mention that a lot of research is done at universities. The newest technology improves education and living conditions. Or for the more cynical minded, it's a huge selling point. It raises the prestige of colleges and universities to have the newest and shiniest stuff. It get you the best students who will pay large amounts of money as a student and staggering amounts of money as a proud alumni.
But this doesn't mean I think it is a good idea for all students. Online learning is a great option for many students. Non-traditional students benefit the most. People who wouldn't have been able to get a traditional education before are now entering higher education in droves. And that's great! But for traditional students with the means, I highly recommend going to college or university. It provides a social and cultural experience that just can't be replaced with anything else. But even traditional students can benefit from a full online program. It's less expensive for those couldn't previously afford college. It can done at your own pace, which is beneficial for students who have to work. And, hey, I'm a fan of the no-pants-needed aspect.
The option should be there for those for whom a traditional college experience just isn't an option. But I hope that traditional college will always be there. It's can be a very important part on one's life.
