Technology is a defining characteristic of the 21st century.
It is now so intertwined with every day life, it”s no surprise that educational institutions are trying to integrate increasing amounts technology into education.
The University of Idaho has stressed the importance of this combination by working on a distance education plan in hopes of being able to provide more students, both undergraduate and graduate, with the opportunity to receive online degrees.
It”s an opportunity for expansion that the UI simply can”t miss.
This could be a tremendous opportunity for individuals who are interested in earning a degree but are unable to relocate to a university campus. The university offers more than 20 online degree options for graduate students, but undergraduates are currently unable to acquire a degree online.
Expanding the university”s online degree program would not only help students who are unable to get to campus, but also increase UI”s educational outreach and influence.
The construction of UI”s College of Education building exemplifies an added focus on technology for the university.
While UI has satellite campuses in other parts of Idaho, like Coeur d”Alene, these campuses are only located in select places and provide students and faculty with unique challenges.
In addition to being able to remotely seek out a degree through online education, online classes can be beneficial to students located in Moscow.
Courses taken online can reduce the stress of students who have multiple other obligations that take up their time, such as a full-time job.
Online courses can also benefit students with families, those who choose to take off-campus internships and those who are traveling or have other obligations that prevent them from regularly being on campus.
Although there are undergraduate courses offered online, having more courses available would provide students with more flexibility in planning their schedules.
However, online education is not for everyone.
Some students prefer learning in a classroom environment, where there is a professor immediately at their disposal.
An on-campus education also provides students with a place to socialize, meet new people, get involved in extracurricular activities and make connections that may not have been afforded to them otherwise.
When it comes to online classes and the growing integration of technology and education, it”s important to remember that there are benefits to both sides.
Whether you love online classes and remote learning technology or hate anything that deviates from classroom learning, the most important thing is to make sure whichever educational route you choose, it”s the right one for you.
–CB