Online Education Promotes Equity in Access and Outcomes in Higher Education

Online Education Promotes Equity in Access and Outcomes in Higher Education
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Online Education Promotes Equity in Access and Outcomes in Higher Education
Many colleges and universities have adopted online education to promote distance learning, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online education or virtual learning refers to a flexible system of instructional delivery that comprises different types of learning that occur through the Internet. In particular, the web has revolutionized learning and online courses are offered by various institutions of higher education. Many students prefer online education due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. For instance, they can learn while still working without spending money on accommodation and transport to and from school. The paper focuses on whether online education promotes equity in access and outcomes in higher education institutions.
Online education promotes equity in access. Specifically, it fosters accessibility, increasing engagement, equity, and effective learning (Baldwin & Ching, 2021). The most significant thing about online education is that students do not have to attend physical classes. They are only required to have electronic devices and proper access to the Internet. Higher education institutions come up with flexible learning schedules and inform learners so that they can prepare themselves. Besides, many colleges and universities have online libraries where students can access learning materials remotely. If the resources are not provided by the school, learners are guided on where they can obtain them by paying a small fee. A few decades ago, a significant proportion of students were unable to join institutions of higher education due to high transport and accommodation charges (Ainscow, 2020). Millions of bright learners from underdeveloped countries did not enroll in colleges and universities of their choice without being given financial assistance. Even though they were awarded scholarships for tuition, it was challenging for them to travel abroad and get accommodation. However, online learning has made education more equitable and inclusive (Ainscow, 2020). Students from different parts of the world can access online courses they have registered for regardless of their geographical location.
The COVID-19 pandemic fueled many educational institutions around the world to engage in various forms of online learning. Notably, numerous governments implemented strict measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus, such as social distancing and stay-at-home, which made schools close indefinitely. The best thing was that the majority of higher education institutions tried to reach out to students through the Internet. They assigned them academic activities to engage them while at home and facilitate learning. Among OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)-participating nations, about 85% provided online learning opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic (Vegas, 2020). Some schools went to an extent of offering educational tasks through television and radio in combination with Internet learning. Figure 1 below shows how different countries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with distinctive forms of virtual learning depending on their gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and the performance of students. As can be seen, online learning comprises the highest percentage among the different types of remote learning used during the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to significant gender inequities associated with traditional learning, online education gives equal opportunities to male and female students, as long as, they can have electronic devices and a proper Internet connection.
Figure 1
How Nations Based on GDP Per Capita Responded to COVID-19 Pandemic with Distinctive Types of Remote Learning.


(Source: /research/school-closures-government-responses-and-learning-inequality-around-the-world-during-covid-19/)
Many higher education institutions have noted the importance of online education, particularly in enhancing the accessibility of different courses. Universities and colleges offering online courses are likely to attract students from different parts of the globe. In that light, they have to embrace cultural diversity and inclusion to create an effective learning environment for all types of learners. Online education has, directly and indirectly, enabled many institutions to change their academic policies to accommodate distinctive individuals. In particular, more than 70% of all degree-offering institutions provide distance learning opportunities. When it comes to higher educational institutions with 5,000 students and beyond, the percentage of online learning increases to 95% (Navarro, 2015). Online education fosters equity to access since all students regardless of where they come from get the resources offered by higher educational institutions. For example, learners access innovative software apps that are designed to offer interactive and engaging learning experiences and environment (Navarro, 2015). Some institutions of higher education use simulations to facilitate learning, allowing students to understand the taught concepts and theories effectively.
Observers have regarded online learning technologies with high hopes for cost-saving innovations, particularly in higher education. In reality, online education has created equal learning opportunities for all students regardless of their socioeconomic status. The most significant thing is that electronic devices with higher processing powers have become more affordable and portable (Farley & Burbules, 2022). For example, the number of individuals with smartphones, tablets, and laptops is rapidly increasing, promoting accessibility to the web. Moreover, the technological infrastructure has advanced and many places around the world have affordable Internet connection packages. Figure 2 below portrays that the tuition cost for higher education for students pursuing an online education is significantly falling compared to in-person or traditional physical classes. Since 2003, the tuition fees for online education have been decreasing, which shows that the trend is likely to continue, enabling many people to access virtual learning (Deming, Goldin, Katz, & Yuchtman, 2015). Some of the factors contributing to online education inequity, such as the affordability of electronic gadgets and Internet connection, are becoming readily available. S...