Big topic: The advantages and disadvantages of using technology in higher education.
Sub-topic: The advantage of online learning on accessibility to higher education.
The first article authored by Renes (2015) explores a topic on increasing access to higher learning through adoption of online education methodology. E-learning has allowed different student populations to easily access higher education. International collaboration among students and institutions of higher learning is also feasible thanks to the e-learning environment ( Renes, 2015) . Access to higher education is now possible for disabled student population, students in rural regions, individual with parental commitments and those in the military.
Online learning has made it possible for students with disabilities to have access to learning in an environment that suits the learner’s special needs. Physically handicapped students find it difficult to enroll on-campus learning. However, as the article delineates, courtesy of online learning, disabled students are registering in increasing numbers and are no longer a rarity on American higher education ( Renes, 2015) . Majority of universities today are adopting Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is an online course design that embraces different learning styles and backgrounds which suit disables students with varying learning abilities ( Renes, 2015) . UDL incorporates tools such as synchronized media captions, text spoken versions, colored images in text format and allows restarting, repeating and pausing lectures.
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The article also indicates that online learning has made it easier for students in remote regions to access higher education. Individuals living in remote areas can comfortably access instructional materials at the comfort of their homes thanks to e-learning. Online learning enables rural students to forgo expenses associated with prohibitive travel costs and avoid racism and discrimination existing in institutions of higher education. To suit the needs of students in rural areas, online learning makes it possible to incorporate unique learning styles that match the cultural and linguistic traditions of the indigenous people ( Renes, 2015) . As the article argues, e-learning permits prompt feedback from qualified instructors on the performance of students leading to alleviation of sense of isolation and anxiety. The rural students can also interact with course content and their peers via e-learning platform.
The second article examines the benefits of e-learning with regard to higher education access in public health research. Finch et al., (2016) argue that the increasing adoption of computer technology and internet have positively impacted education programs in institutions of higher learning. The development of virtual classrooms permits schools to connect with learners from all corners of the world. Online learning has led to creation of platforms where students can access opportunities for higher education, research, and collaboration.
As the article demonstrates, previously, many interested students found it difficult to attend college due to the inability to balance between work and class. However, with online learning characterized by development of education platforms such as E-campus and Blackboard, individuals can enroll, complete online assignments and communicate with instructors and peers more effectively and efficiently. Online learning has also enhanced faculty diversity in many institutions of higher learning by connecting with specialists who are well versed with various fields of study ( Finch et al., 2016) . Courtesy of e-learning, faculty members can provide adjunct support to different institutions at a distance. Students can now remotely receive quality education, engage in problem solving, take part in student-centered case studies and work together proactively, leading to creation of an environment where learners can immerse themselves into collaborative research. Online learning has also enabled institutions of higher learning to add new programs and expand their curricula to increase access to education. The article underscores the fact that online learning has enabled access to millions of students who previously could not be served by on-campus learning methods.
References
Finch, A., Burrell, D. N., & McAfee, O. (2016). The benefits of e-learning to higher education in public health and public health research. Review of Higher Education and Self-Learning , 5 (17), 55-66.
Renes, S. L. (2015). Increasing access to higher education through e-learning. E-learning–Instructional design, Organizational Strategy and Management , 3(12), 347-361.
