This article [PDF], though two years old now, has some still eye-opening figures on distance learning adoption in higher ed.
Among the more interesting findings:
- Nearly one third of all higher ed institutions and one half of all public higher ed institutions now offer complete degree programs online.
- On average, in institutions that had distance learning programs in 2002, 13% of students took courses online.
- In 2003, academic leaders anticipated a 20% growth in online learning. (I’d be grateful if somebody could send me actual figures for 2003 or anticipated figures for 2004.)
- A majority of academic officers believe that the quality of distance learning courses will equal or exceed classroom courses within three years.
Impressive.