Skip to content
Search:

COVID-19

Locations

Contact Us

IT Help

GIVEPORTALAPPLY
Walsh – Graduate & Undergraduate Business Degrees
Walsh - Graduate & Undergraduate Business DegreesWalsh - Graduate & Undergraduate Business Degrees
  • Admissions
    • Walsh Undergraduate Degree Programs
      • Bachelor of Accountancy
      • Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
      • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
      • Bachelor of Science in Applied Management
    • Walsh Graduate Degree Programs
      • Master of Business Administration
      • Master of Science in Accountancy
      • Master of Science in Finance
      • Master of Science in Information Technology
      • Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership
      • Master of Science in Data Analytics
      • Master of Science in Management
      • Master of Science in Marketing
      • Master of Science in Taxation
      • Cyber Master of Business Administration
      • Master’s Degree | Business of Engineering | Walsh Kettering Tech MBA
      • INSOFE International Tech MBA with Concentration in Data Science
      • Doctor of Business Administration
    • Business Certificate Programs
      • Cybersecurity Certificate
      • Data Analytics Certificate
      • Global Project and Program Management Certificate
      • Human Resources Management Certificate
      • Strategic Business Communication Certificate
    • Admissions Information
      • Apply Now
      • Schedule An Appointment
      • Request Info
      • Transfer
      • International Students
      • Refer a Friend
      • Financial Aid
      • Scholarships
      • Admissions Events
  • Departments
    • Department of Accounting
    • Department of Business Communications
    • Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences
    • Department of Finance
    • Department of Management
    • Department of Marketing
    • Department of Tax
  • Student Services
  • Alumni & Giving
  • Career Services
    • Professional Development
  • About Us
  • Admissions
    • Walsh Undergraduate Degree Programs
      • Bachelor of Accountancy
      • Bachelor of Business Administration – General Business
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
      • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
      • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
      • Bachelor of Science in Applied Management
    • Walsh Graduate Degree Programs
      • Master of Business Administration
      • Master of Science in Accountancy
      • Master of Science in Finance
      • Master of Science in Information Technology
      • Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership
      • Master of Science in Data Analytics
      • Master of Science in Management
      • Master of Science in Marketing
      • Master of Science in Taxation
      • Cyber Master of Business Administration
      • Master’s Degree | Business of Engineering | Walsh Kettering Tech MBA
      • INSOFE International Tech MBA with Concentration in Data Science
      • Doctor of Business Administration
    • Business Certificate Programs
      • Cybersecurity Certificate
      • Data Analytics Certificate
      • Global Project and Program Management Certificate
      • Human Resources Management Certificate
      • Strategic Business Communication Certificate
    • Admissions Information
      • Apply Now
      • Schedule An Appointment
      • Request Info
      • Transfer
      • International Students
      • Refer a Friend
      • Financial Aid
      • Scholarships
      • Admissions Events
  • Departments
    • Department of Accounting
    • Department of Business Communications
    • Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences
    • Department of Finance
    • Department of Management
    • Department of Marketing
    • Department of Tax
  • Student Services
  • Alumni & Giving
  • Career Services
    • Professional Development
  • About Us
Feb282022
Walsh News

The History of Online Degree Programs

Innovation in Education

Society has a long and complex relationship with innovation. On one hand, we reward novel ideas and forward thinking. But for every groundbreaking approach and new discovery we embrace, there are at least as many we resist or outright dismiss.

History is littered with examples of brilliant ideas that were once maligned. At the time of its invention the lightbulb was deemed a “conspicuous failure,” the bicycle “doomed,” and the automobile “impractical.” In retrospect, it seems no new idea is safe from the public examination; not even the cheeseburger (“bizarre”), nail polish (“strange”), or the movies (“gimmicks”).

With such a long history of hesitancy towards innovation, it should come as no surprise that some struggle with novel approaches to learning and education. Nowhere is that struggle more evident than in the persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding the distance learning revolution and the advent of modern online degree programs.

The History of Remote Education

Although there is some disagreement on the origins and history of distance learning, scholars agree on one key point: it began long before the advent of computers and the internet age. While some researchers suggest distance learning began as early as 1728, the majority suggest university sponsored distance learning began in 1858 at the University of London.

Distance learning through correspondence schools was revolutionary in that it represented a reliable and cost-effective path for students who traditionally lacked access to education and the improved career prospects education affords. Relying on letter writing as “the most widely accessible new technology” to connect teachers and students, the earliest experiments in distance learning applied mostly to university extension programs and occupational training. While correspondence schools didn’t take off in the United States until the 1890s, the earliest mid 19th century efforts at distance education became the forbearers of the modern online degree program.

From the mid-19th century to the 1970s, remote learning continued its steady expansion, depending mostly on increasingly sophisticated uses of media. In the 1970s, online and virtual education continued to reach a larger number of students and was slowly becoming more accepted by authorities and the general public as a legitimate way to learn. But it wasn’t until the 2000s and the advent of high-speed internet that distance learning programs truly began to take off.

Advent of Modern Online Degree Programs

Almost as soon as modern distance learning emerged into the mainstream in the early 2000s, the chorus of naysayers began an all-too-familiar refrain: “What a terrible idea! Are you trying to ruin education? Students can’t learn online. It’s preposterous!”

But if our goal is to learn from history rather than repeat it, it helps to view distance education and online degree programs as innovations akin to automobiles, television, and computers. Although most of us couldn’t imagine a world without them, even these remarkable innovations were once labeled as inherently flawed. And so it goes with online degree programs: although they’re sometimes dismissed as “new-fangled” or “inferior,” the weight of evidence behind them is proving exactly how beneficial and life-changing they truly are.

Growth of Online Degree Programs

Despite common objections to remote learning, online degree programs moved from “trend” straight into the dependable mainstream with an 18.8% increase in students enrolled in online courses between 2010 and 2012. What that sizeable growth demonstrates is exactly how well online degree programs meet the needs of students, standing in the gap for those who can’t attend traditional brick-and-mortar schools due to cost, geography, or time constraints.

Accessibility and flexibility continue to be two of the most important benefits of online degree programs and stand out as some of the biggest plusses for potential online degree students. When combined with online degree programs’ unique ability to tailor learning towards the individual rather than sticking to the contiguous group learning model, remote learning’s cost effectiveness, flexibility, and tailored approach to learning has shown itself to be a winning combination for students around the globe.

Although the rate of students enrolling in online courses has slowed somewhat over the past decade, “The 9.7 percent growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 1.5 percent growth of the overall higher education student population.”

In 2017, 4.6 million (32%) students in public institutions participated in distance education in some capacity, and 1.6 million enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. Although we don’t yet have reliable statistics for 2020, it’s safe to assume online enrollment will have increased from 2017 levels across the board as many more students and institutions come to rely on the distance learning model in the face of global health challenges.

Objections to Online Degree Programs

Although the perception of online degree programs has greatly improved since the early 2000s, there is still some work to do to catch society’s understanding of remote learning up with the reality so many online students have come to know and enjoy. In “The Future Has Already Happened: Dispelling Some Myths of Online Education,” researchers say:

“Unfortunately, the online education produced in many instances by institutions worldwide, has generated a poor opinion towards the so-called ‘direction of the future’. Myths and suspicions about online learning and teaching have arisen and include perceptions that students are left to their own devices without any guidance and therefore ‘teach themselves’. Fear of inactive student participation in online courses and increased isolation for students has led to anxiety about how the technology will replace the teacher. Online delivery is commonly viewed cynically as a cost-cutting measure without any proper justification on pedagogical ground.”

Fortunately, as society’s perceptions of the individual catch up with the rapidly changing world, we become more likely to support online degree programs rather than criticize or dismiss them.  Educational experts suggest we’re undergoing a reimagining of the world with “…increased access to different ideas and abilities that characterize the way we now live our lives. This is particularly pertinent to educational technology because education has a constant influx of new generations, often with a very different understanding of the world than their teachers.”

Ancient Educational Ideals

At its core, the stubborn adherence to traditional modes of education goes all the way back to the Byzantine Empire, when Plato and Aristotle imagined the role between teacher and student. Their ancient philosophies of education place the teacher, not the student, at the center of the learning process. Students learn what is passed down from the teacher through drill and rote learning, often competing with one another to demonstrate how well they understand what’s been taught.

Information Age students, tasked with becoming critical thinkers who add real value to their workplaces, can best be served when the ancient model of education is replaced. In stark contrast to 4th century ideals, online education at Walsh invites students to partner with their teachers in the learning process. The classroom becomes a place where ideas are considered and discussed, and the teacher becomes a facilitator, guide, and mentor rather than the all-important “sage-on-the-stage.”

Working to Dispel Myths Surrounding Online Degree Programs

As we move away from ancient educational practices and rigid student-teacher roles, students take their rightful place as active participants in their learning. Along the way, we must work hard to dispel myths surrounding online degree programs. Developing a fuller and more nuanced understanding of the shift towards online learning can help us direct conversations about how to best shape the future of education in a way that fits all students, not just the ones the educational system has historically catered to.

Why Walsh?

To provide maximum flexibility for students, Walsh offers courses in a variety of formats.

  • Virtual course are 100% asynchronous with no classroom assigned or scheduled class days and times. Virtual courses are ideal for students who want school to fit into their schedule – not the other way around.
  • Virtual synchronous courses combine asynchronous and synchronous elements. There is no classroom assigned, but students attend virtually at the same time on the same day each week.
  • Virtual hybrid courses also combine asynchronous and synchronous elements. There is a classroom assigned with a faculty member present. Students may choose to attend synchronously via Zoom or in person in our dynamic connected classrooms on a scheduled day at a scheduled time. The technology in the connected classrooms allow seamless interaction between faculty, in-person, and remote students.

APPLY NOW      LEARN MORE | WALSH DEGREE PROGRAMS

Related

Category: Walsh NewsBy Walsh CollegeFebruary 28, 2022
Share this post
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook TweetShare on Twitter Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:Connected Classrooms Provide Flexible Remote ExperienceNextNext post:Walsh’s Online MBA Retains Tier One Ranking for Third Year

Related Posts

Walsh Reveals Prestigious DeRoy Testamentary Foundation Full Scholarship Recipients
June 17, 2022
Cybersecurity Program Awarded: NSA and Homeland Security
April 22, 2022
Dr. Suzy Siegle Portrait
Dr. Michael Levens Announces Resignation as President and CEO, Dr. Suzanne Siegle Named Interim
April 18, 2022
4 Common Facebook Scams and How to Avoid Them
April 15, 2022
Walsh Earns 10-Year Reaffirmation of Accreditation from HLC
April 4, 2022
Walsh Students Gain Valuable Hands-On Experiences Remotely
April 4, 2022

STUDENT PORTAL
  • FUTURE STUDENTS
    • Bachelor’s Programs
    • Master’s Programs
    • Transfer Students
    • Explore Walsh
    • International Students
    • Veteran Services
  • ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
    • Alumni Events
    • Alumni Association
    • Giving
    • Order a Transcript
    • Tax Research Portal
  • CURRENT STUDENTS
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Advising
    • Course Catalog
    • Finance Lab
    • Library
    • Order a Transcript
    • Records and Registration
    • Student Handbook
    • Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
    • Student Life
    • Testing Center
    • Tutoring Services
    • Tax Research Center
  • CONSUMER INFORMATION
  • CAREER SERVICES
    • Hire Walsh Graduates
    • Professional Development
  • GIVING
    • President’s Club
    • Special Events
  • FINANCIAL AID
    • Scholarships
    • Tuition and Fees
  • BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
    • Accountancy
    • Applied Management
    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Technology
    • Management
    • Marketing
  • FACULTY RESOURCES
  • FASTTRACK
  • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
    • Accountancy
    • Cyber Master of Business Administration
    • Data Analytics
    • Finance
    • Information Technology
    • Information Technology Leadership
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • MBA
    • Tech MBA
    • Taxation
  • DUAL DEGREES
    • MBA/MAC
    • MBA/MSF
    • MBA/MSM
    • MBA/MSMKT
    • MBA/MSITL
  • CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
  • DOCTORAL DEGREES
  • FUTURE STUDENTS
    • Bachelor’s Programs
    • Master’s Programs
    • Transfer Students
    • Explore Walsh
    • International Students
    • Veteran Services
  • ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
    • Alumni Events
    • Alumni Association
    • Giving
    • Order a Transcript
    • Tax Research Portal
  • CURRENT STUDENTS
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Advising
    • Course Catalog
    • Finance Lab
    • Library
    • Order a Transcript
    • Records and Registration
    • Student Handbook
    • Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
    • Student Life
    • Testing Center
    • Tutoring Services
    • Tax Research Center
  • CONSUMER INFORMATION
  • CAREER SERVICES
    • Hire Walsh Graduates
    • Professional Development
  • GIVING
    • President’s Club
    • Special Events
  • FINANCIAL AID
    • Scholarships
    • Tuition and Fees
  • BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
    • Accountancy
    • Applied Management
    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Technology
    • Management
    • Marketing
  • FACULTY RESOURCES
  • FASTTRACK
  • PROFRESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
    • Accountancy
    • Cyber Master of Business Administration
    • Data Analytics
    • Finance
    • Information Technology
    • Information Technology Leadership
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Master of Business Administration | MBA
    • Tech MBA
    • Taxation
  • DUAL DEGREES
    • MBA/MAC
    • MBA/MSF
    • MBA/MSM
    • MBA/MSMKT
    • MBA/MSITL
  • CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
  • DOCTORAL DEGREES



Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( www.hlcommission.org; phone: 312-263-0456). Specific degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org).

Administrative Offices are located at 3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083. Additional locations in Michigan: Clinton Township and Port Huron.


© 2022 Walsh. All Rights Reserved. View Walsh Privacy Policy, Legal Notices, Terms of Use.
Walsh is not affiliated with Walsh University in Ohio.

We use cookies on our site to provide you with a better online experience. If you do not want to receive cookies, you can change your cookie settings. Please visit our Privacy Policy for more information. By using the site or clicking on Agree, we assume you agree to this and our Terms of Use. Accept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT