This paper examines the role of technology in transforming higher education by making it more accessible, affordable, and flexible. Drawing on examples relevant to working professionals and military personnel, the paper argues that technological tools — including portable devices, the internet, and online learning platforms — remove traditional barriers to higher education. Key benefits discussed include geographic flexibility, reduced costs, the ability to pursue multiple degrees simultaneously, and the expansion of distance learning programs. The paper concludes that colleges and institutions should continue adopting online and distance learning models to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of location or occupation.
Technology is crucial in higher education because it should be incorporated into every aspect of the learning experience. Educational technology enables collaboration between students and lecturers even when they are in different geographical areas. For example, when studying online, students can receive instructions and materials that allow them to study from their workplaces. In the case of military personnel, students can access all materials and instructions from their lecturer and fellow students using technological tools — there is no need to travel from a workplace to a college campus to obtain resources.
Technology has made higher education more convenient compared to earlier times, when physical attendance in class was necessary. In the past, someone working in a different location found it very difficult to advance their education; they would either have to resign and continue studying or remain in their job without pursuing further qualifications (Arfield & Wade 2013, p. 104).
Technology has made higher education more affordable for many people. Students who are working while pursuing courses in higher education do not need to pay higher tuition fees associated with full-time, on-campus attendance. They also avoid purchasing physical textbooks and other print materials because the resources they use are in digital format, stored on a computer or mobile phone. Those serving in the military, for instance, can afford to meet the costs of higher education because their primary expense is a laptop or a smartphone with internet access and sufficient storage space. The remaining funds can then go toward instructor fees and other course requirements.
Because military personnel move frequently from one location to another, technology eliminates the burden of carrying heavy bags filled with books and printed materials. A student need only carry a lightweight laptop, tablet, or smartphone. These portable devices allow the student to study wherever they are stationed — even in remote field locations — where they can access the internet, complete assignments, and submit work online to their instructor. More broadly, technology has made higher education more convenient by allowing students to study at home, while travelling, or during rest periods.
Technology has also enabled students to practice individual pacing and self-sequencing. Students can choose the environment in which they study most effectively, with minimal distraction. On a university campus, students might select a quiet corner of the grounds; a military student can identify a calm area at their camp or station where they can go online and study. Students can also communicate with peers through social media and online chat to exchange useful information about their studies. Through these same channels, students in the military or other professions can contact their lecturer directly to ask questions about difficulties they encounter during independent study (Arfield & Wade 2013, p. 93).
"Internet supports research, projects, and online testing"
"Technology lets students enroll in multiple programs simultaneously"
Given the frequent changes and improvements in technology, colleges and institutions should adopt online and distance learning models more broadly. This would enable all students working in different locations around the world to access education and advance their careers on equal terms. Distance and online learning allow students to pursue higher education degrees from universities in different countries without needing to travel (Arfield & Wade 2013, p. 126). Students can communicate with institutions and access all course information through the internet, eliminating the need for in-person inquiries.
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