Societal Factors Influencing Virtual Education

There have been societal factors that have increased the use of course management systems. I mentioned in an early posts about how the struggling economy has increased the use of online education because of its cheaper cost. Other factors that have increased the use of virtual education are “changing student demographics, increased competition, and declining governmental support” (Essary, 2014, p.1).  There has been an increase in older students enrolling in higher education. The nontraditional students such as those who are older than 24 and have to allocate their time between academics and a full-time job are increasingly taking more online classes because of the convenience of them.  A study found that “thirty-two percent of married students and twenty nine percent of students with one or more dependents are enrolled in at least one distance learning class, compared to eighteen percent of students without these characteristics” (Essary, 2014, p.3). This is because of the increased need for flexibility in taking classes for this demographic. There is also an increased competition of getting into schools, with enrollment having increased 37% between 2000 and 2010 (Essary, 2014, p.4). This has lead to a higher need for online classes. Overall, societal factors have been increasing the need for and use of course management systems.

Here is a chart that shows the increase in use of online classes at Athens State University. 

Essary, Michael L. "Key external factors influencing successful distance education programs." Academy of Educational Leadership Journal 18.3 (2014): 121+. Academic OneFile. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.