As a result of internet, education as we know it will be changed forever. A recent survey declared that of all college students signed up for classes, 1 in 4 had at least 1 web based course. The economy and environment are better off when individuals take classes online. Books, gas, and high tuition prices are just a few of the things you can avoid once you take your classes online. Bill Gates said a year ago at a conference in Lake Tahoe, CA that in 5 years anyone will be able to get the best lectures on earth on the web, thereby rendering colleges obsolete.

Bill Gates has even helped sponsor Khan Academy which provides “a free world-class education for anyone anywhere.” They have over 2,100 videos online that range from simple algebra to the Vietnam War. The internet provides opportunities for any individual willing to make time to learn. Money is becoming less important whereas time and access to internet are all anyone needs to learn important and useful information. While it can be a powerful and destructive force to society and our planet, the internet is helping bring to pass great advances in education and instruction. They also have financial aid programs available for students and minorities. For example, they offer African American scholarships that help them fund their educational needs.

Now more than ever, individuals are in the position to lift themselves out from poverty to become influential and important in their neighborhoods. Before, you were required to travel long distances to get access to the world’s best books and teachers but now they come to you. This is why giving poorer children in 3rd world countries access to the internet has become extremely important. At some point everyone will have the ability to get a quality education for almost no cost. During the early American colonial times, the only people that could easily get a reputable education were those that had plenty of money and power. A good deal has changed ever since then.

Together with the internet, tablets also are significantly changing the way in which we learn. As opposed to big bulky textbooks students now have interactive ebooks that allow them to watch videos, play games and listen to audio clips. Rather than dealing with papers and broken pencils, students now have a chance to write, edit and send their assignments all wirelessly. Education has changed more within the last couple years than it did throughout the whole twentieth century. Not enough people know about the changes in education and even fewer people are actually using them. Everyone who may have access to the internet is able to use these tools but not enough people are aware of them.

Education has a bright future, as do those who will be able to benefit from the changes that are going on. Education is changing for the better and giving everyone equal opportunities to learn and grow. Sadly, the opportunities that lots of individuals have in education aren’t being taken advantage of. Classes online unquestionably are the future of education, not just because they’re environmentally and economically friendly but also since they give their students flexibility.