Education Online

Importance Of Online Education Testimonies

Last Updated Nov 20, 2008 01:52 PM

TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES
Testimony of Dr. Stephen Shank
Dr. Shank testified about the importance of online education, and its role in extending access to higher education for working adults. He noted that internet education is widely used and accepted among most higher education institutions, and that 84 percent of 4-year colleges and universities offer distance courses, enrolling some 2.2 million students last year. Currently 120,000 students are enrolled in fully on-line programs, making this not a minor subculture, but a major new part of higher education.

Capella University is a recently accredited virtual university, meaning that all of their classes are offered online. They now enroll over 6,500 students in all 50 states, 55 percent of whom receive financial aid from the federal programs. Capella is an accredited school as well. Dr. Shank noted that standards and quality were important in accrediting distance education schools, but that outcomes should be the focus more than inputs. At Capella, each unit has specific objectives for learning outcomes, and programs are evaluated using these criteria. Dr. Shank suggested that the expectation should be that the educational effectiveness of distance and Internet based programs should be the same as traditional models.

Dr. Shank said that the future of Internet education relies on federal support, especially through the financial aid programs. He noted the current Title IV rules were “overly restrictive,” and suggested that Congress build financial aid programs built on outcome quality, as opposed to the structure of the institution. He suggested extending the demonstration project or making it permanent, and modifying the 50 percent rule to accommodate quality programs, while retaining some safeguards against abuse. He suggested that criteria should include: the granting of actual degrees, faculty led courses, required level of interaction with classmates and faculty, and regular assessment of outcomes, including persistence and graduation rates. He concluded by noting that Internet education is an exciting innovation to higher education, and he urged Congress to help accommodate this innovation in the financial aid rules.

Testimony of Ms. Cornelia M. Ashby
Ms. Ashby testified that the GAO was currently conducting a study about distance education, and its implications on federal education policy. This GAO report will be issued in September of 2003, but Ms. Ashby said she was happy to share with the committee some of their preliminary findings. Distance education is not a new concept, but the Internet brings a new format, and with it new challenges. The biggest challenge is how to help access to this form of higher education while still preventing fraud in the Title IV programs.

Ms. Ashby noted that in academic year (AY) 1999-2000, 1.5 million of 19 million postsecondary students took at least one distance education class. The GAO has found that students that enroll in distance education are usually older, more likely to be employed, and attending school part-time. They are also have higher income levels, and are more likely to be married. Most distance education courses are at public institutions, and more are in two-year schools than four-year schools. Fewer students are enrolled in these courses, however, at minority serving institutions.

Regarding financial aid, Ms. Ashby said that about one-third of students enrolled solely in distance education receive Title IV financial aid. In AY 99-00, 40 percent of these students applied, while 31 percent received aid. She commented that several issues existed regarding Title IV aid, most importantly the 50 percent rule and the 12-hour rule. The GAO also feels that accreting programs is important, as it serves as a “gatekeeper” for quality, and is added protection against fraud.

In conclusion, Ms. Ashby testified that Internet education can present new opportunities to expand higher education, and that Congress may want to consider changing some of the Title IV laws to make more students eligible for financial aid. However, she strongly commented that changes to the Higher Education Act and regulations can not increase fraud in the programs. She said that further research is still being conducted, and will be featured in the final GAO report next year.

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