Continuing with the reasons that Americans need access to high-speed internet, we’ll look at some of the benefits that distance learning offers–with information from Speed Matters.org .
Distance learning is basically the ability to take courses over the internet. It’s the modern equivalent of the correspondence course, and many traditional universities are now offering distance degree programs, which may or may not involve ever appearing in person. This allows adults to gain training that could allow them to move beyond entry-level jobs–whether through getting a college degree online or completing an online worker training program. People who are already working full-time or don’t have the funds or time to attend classes in person can learn online at their own pace and often for less money.
Distance learning allows industry specialists in remote areas to impart their knowledge to wider audiences via online courses. Online courses often include e-mail and teleconferencing between students and teachers—even two-way video conferencing. Research projects can be done between students who never meet in person. Research shows that over 80 percent of students in U.S. colleges and universities live off campus anyway, as do the vast majority of students in secondary and continuing education programs. They need access to the information that is available off-campus, and high speed internet makes it possible.
Educational content with audio, graphics and video can only be effectively delivered by high speed
Internet, which many adults still do not have access to—either at home, in local libraries or even internet cafés. If all Americans had access to broadband connections, it would be possible to be educated with internet speed!