The Impact Of Telecommunication Technology On Virtual...

Impact of Telecommunication Technologies on Virtual Universities Shena D. Sterling IX540: Research Methods for Education and Instructional Technology Professor Kimberly Case December 13, 2014 Introduction Virtual Universities are on the rise and are a legitimate threat to replace the traditional University. The most prominent reason for the current explosion in student enrollment in the virtual universities, are advancements in telecommunications technologies. This paper presents a methodology for quantitatively testing the relationship between growth in telecommunications technologies, and parallel growth in student enrollment in Category 1, Title IV 2yr and 4yr degree granting distance education programs recognized by†¦show more content†¦As advancements in telecommunications technologies go forward the costs associated with such technologies have decreased while the benefits increased. New cutting edge technologies are always priced at a premium when they are introduced into the market. As competitors enter the market the cost of the technology gradually declines and demand rises following the law of demand. In this project one of the major questions that must be answered is whether the value of low cost distance education programs, supported by new and innovative telecommunication technologies, is greater than the value of traditional educational programs costing much more. The researcher proposes that the explosive growth in student enrollment in on-line programs answer this question affirmatively. The researcher will use quantitative analysis to support the null hypothesis identified in the document. Within the context of this quasi-experimental study the researcher has carefully investigated the role advancements in telecommunications technologies have played in the establishment and growth of virtual universities in the U.S., the impact telecommunications technologies have had on Title IV, Post-Secondary 2yr and 4yr degree granting colleges and universities, how the explosive growth in on-line student enrollment has globally