The classroom looks drastically different than it did just 20 or 30 years ago.

Now, the education industry has never been a stranger to trying out new ways of learning. In fact, the history of distance learning (the ancestor of elearning) comes from the formal education sector.

But today we are seeing the rapid acceptance and growth of technology in education.

Some would even say that it is an expectation.

The technological influence exists and nearly all levels in education. From first grade all the way to through university we see similar tech tools and applications being used.

Educators favor online education because they see real results.

In fact, the infographic above (created by Obsidian Learning) reports that just last year 74% of academics rated learning outcomes in online education as the same (or even superior) to those in face-to-face instruction.

This figure is up from 57% in 20013.

Online education isn’t just good for the learner, it benefits the institution as well.

Continuing education can attract more students (and more enrollment). It allows them to build their brand and market presence.

Taking this one step further these institutions can participate in the massive open online course platforms to further promote good-will and brand awareness.

Besides the natural marketing benefits, these online programs also help schools save on costs typically associated with teaching.

And of course, these cost savings are passed onto the learner. Tuition prices are skyrocketing. In the United States, the rise in higher ed is outpacing inflation.

As a result students are being forced deeper into debt.

But technology in education is helping to alleviate this burden by making learning opportunities more accessible.