We are at a time when the future of higher education is definitely in question. This is due both to changes in the world economy as well as to rapid changes in technology and how information is shared. Higher education is going to need to change with the times in order to survive.
The economy always plays a big part in demand for higher education, as well as the types of colleges and universities that will be more attended. With unemployment being so high right now, people are going to start questioning whether money spent on a college degree is money well spent. With so few job openings and many layoffs at higher levels, the question has to be asked, does a degree give you the competitive edge it once did?
On the other hand, there are a number of people who are taking the opportunity of being unemployed to go back to school. They are seeking a degree that will enable them to switch careers. Because of this, we are likely to see an upsurge (as we already have) in enrollment for degrees such as nursing. Nursing continues to be a profession in high demand as is other medical technologies.
Institutes for higher learning will also need to modify the way they teach to accommodate technological advances and new ways of communicating. This is actually a very positive thing, and may be exactly what is needed to be able to continue during times of economic distress. Universities have been accommodating use of laptops in classes for some time. More and more are beginning to explore ways to teach online and make for interactive classrooms.
By making use of an online format, colleges can reduce their expenses and, therefore, reduce the tuition they are charging. This will make them more competitive with the community colleges and online only institutions. Online learning does not have the same stigma it once did. With more high level universities getting involved, such as UCLA and MIT, this teaching methodology is only going to continue to grow.
Online learning will probably never replace the ivy covered campuses completely. But it is an important addition to the offerings of any university. And it may be the only way for them to continue to compete in the current economic and technology driven marketplace.
