Life Experience Degrees from Almeda University Demonstrate That Technology, Innovation are Key for Online Education

NEW YORK, NY, August 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) The recent media focus on online education has led to several questions regarding the innovative use of technology, the effectiveness of e-learning and the availability of such programs. While many of these issues are still up for discussion among leading educators, a new article from Mashable.com reveals that the market has become so strong that is has provided a foundation for several online education startups. The article highlights five of these new startups and the unique programs that they offer. As an institution that has provided e-learning opportunities since 1997, Almeda University notes that such entrepreneurial activity is a great way to progress public perception and adaptation to online education.

The article explains that the unprecedented growth of online education options is motivated by estimations that over the next eight years, 150 million people will seek higher education. As a great number of these students are expected to come from the growing middle class, many analysts expect that prospective students will look for inexpensive and convenient options - qualities that online institutions can easily provide, but traditional universities cannot. In addition, the growth of online education startups is demonstrated by reports that show "funding for education startups has tripled in the last decade, going from $146M in 2002 to $429M in 2011."

As a relatively new industry, this growth is allowing many enterprising parties to take creative and varying approaches to online education. For instance, the article discusses Voxy, a language-based learning resource that "turns real-world conversations, activities, and the media [people] consume into contextual language lessons." While these startups may be limited in the courses they offer, Almeda University welcomes such advancements. In fact, the institution has been recognized for its own unique curriculum that includes versatile degree options such as those involving students' life experiences.

Richard Smith, CEO of Almeda University comments, "It's nice to see that online learning is becoming mainstream and that technology companies are getting involved in developing new learning applications. E-learning has not kept pace with the development of other technological advances and platforms, because it was previously viewed as unimportant. Although it still has a long way to go to catch up with other functionalities delivered by IT systems, these new models are clearly steps in the right direction."

ABOUT:

Founded in 1997, Almeda University is a web-based institution that has been teaching students from all across the globe. Students participate in a variety of classes, including mathematics, arts and sciences and religious studies, to earn a wide selection of degrees. The virtual school also offers professional development courses through its stay-at-home e-Learning channel for students that are not seeking academic degrees. The professional development courses range from Web development to health insurance. Almeda University professors make it their mission address students' unique needs and offer solid academic lessons through innovative and modern teaching methods.

For more information about Almeda University, visit www.almedauniversity.org.