Fitch: Online Learning Here to Stay for Higher Education

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Online learning as a means of educational delivery continues toexpand throughout higher education. However, while massive open online courses (MOOCs) appearto be entrenched in the higher education system, their impact has not been as disruptive asproponents initially predicted, according to a new Fitch Ratings report.

'While much of the media intensity surrounding the earlier days of MOOCs appears to havesubsided, online learning in general remains an increasing component of educational delivery and atthe forefront of the higher education dialogue nationally,' said Colin Walsh, Director at Fitch.

Fitch expects the growth of online courses to continue as more and more students, parents, faculty,and administrators embrace online learning as a means to supplement the traditional face-to-facelearning environment. Institutions view online programs as a potential revenue generator byaugmenting existing enrollment levels or offsetting enrollment declines in certain degree programs.

While still providing openly accessible course offerings to the masses, the major MOOC providersappear to be shifting strategies, providing services to supplement traditional college and universitycourses rather than to fully replace them.

For more information, a special report titled 'Online Learning Here to Stay' is available on the FitchRatings web site at www.fitchratings.com.

Additional information is available at'www.fitchratings.com'.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:Online Learning Here to Stay (MOOCs' RoleRemains Uncertain)

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