From a proliferation of mobile applications to online distance learning, technology is rapidly changing the world around us, and higher education is no exception.
In addition to making education more accessible to those who may not be able to attain it otherwise (through online courses and distance-learning curricula), technology contributes to a more global education, as universities increase their presence overseas and classrooms—albeit virtual—include more international perspectives.
Particularly with those who are choosing to further their education after entering the workforce, the ability to take courses online is an attractive option.
Kevin Cottrell Jr., 30, a researcher for NBA-TV (National Basketball Association television), decided to pursue a master’s degree in sports management after last season’s NBA lockout threatened his job security. Cottrell, who went the traditional brick-and-mortar route to earn his bachelor’s degree at Clark Atlanta University, says that the opportunity to pursue his education online rather than taking time off from work was instrumental in his decision to enroll in Drexel University’s sports management master’s degree program.
“In this era where money matters, people can’t afford to take two years off from working to pursue an education, so technology is helping the general public by allowing us … to work such unconventional hours and still pursue a degree from a reputable university,” Cottrell says.
Eugene Fields, 39, was 35 when he decided to finish his education. He had earned about two years of credits from a community college, but Fields, who was working two jobs at the time, could not stop working to return to school full time and did not want to drag out the process of obtaining a degree.
“The circumstances of life kept me from finishing my college education in the traditional method,” Fields says, adding he chose the University of Phoenix because of the flexibility to complete his education while managing the demands of life outside academia.
