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There are many positive aspects
of earning your college or university degree online, there are also a few hurdles to navigate, when compared to traditional campus programs. While it is true that online degrees and distance learning programs have become popular in the last decade as technologies have improved the learning experience, it is important to weigh the benefits of each to determine which type of learning environment is right for you. As an introduction, we have put together a list of pros and cons of online education in order to help you make the best decision about your education.
The benefits of an Online Education:
A computer, an internet connection and a phone line are the basic tools needed to start your online education journey. The great benefit of an online degree is that you can be in any location to study, so long as you can access the internet.
In many cases, your online schools will provide you with specific
software for your degree program to install on your computer. In some
situations, you also may need the use of the Microsoft Office suite
(including Word and Excel) to complete assignments as that are assigned to
you.
- When time is of the essence, earning your
degree online may be a faster way to improve your career prospects and earnings. Click here to review the earnings
benefits of a college education.
- Wider selection of degree options: Since online
programs do not have to find professors to teach in a specific location,
they are generally able to find highly qualified professors in a wide
array of specializations.
- Value to Employers: With accredited schools offering online degrees
proliferating, employers are recognizing the value and quality in a
similarly positive light to traditional campus degrees. Credibility:
With accredited online degrees on the rise, employers recognize the
value and quality in a similarly positive light to traditional campus
degrees.
- Efficiency: If you choose to move through your
studies quickly, there are many cases in which you can accelerate your
completion of your degree program. A number of online programs can move
you through more quickly because online programs generally allow you to
obtain more credits per year as compared to typical campus
programs.
- Fit Your Schedule: You set the pace, so while you can earn your
degree faster, you may also choose to go at a pace that works best for
you. The ability to balance family, work, hobbies, and other obligations
while still earning your degree is one of the vital benefits of online
education.
- Flexible Start Times: There are many options
during the year to begin your degree program. Classes start each month,
so you can get started when it suits your schedule. Commuting: There is
no need to travel to class, so you can study when and where it fits your
schedule. Your education will be fully focused on your studies instead
of getting to school. You will also save money by not having to travel
to school.
- Relocation costs: Since your education is all
online, you will not have to incur relocation costs. Keep your current
housing situation, since you will be learning from home and need not to
relocate.
- Affordability: In many cases, online programs cost less than
traditional programs. Ask your Admissions Advisor to explain the fees
versus a traditional degree when you request information from an online
institution.
- Ease of Use: You just need a computer, software, a phone line,
and an internet connection. If you are reading this on a computer you
probably have everything you need to get started.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Just as traditional universities have a number of payment options, online programs offer both payment plans and financial aid options. Click here to learn more about
the many choices.
- Accessibility: By getting your degree online,
you will be able to access your assignments, documents, research
material, and any other course related items completely online. Check
notes and read assignments when you want - without sitting through long
lectures on those days when it does not fit your schedule. If taking
notes is not your strong suit or you have a short attention span, an
online degree may be for you; all material can be read and re-read until
you are comfortable with it.
- Easier to Focus: Since you will be studying when it fits your
schedule, you can choose times that allow you to be fully rested and
focused to best absorb the lessons. Interaction: Although your degree
will be earned online there are still many opportunities to interact
with your professors and fellow students. There are a number of ways to
contact your professors to ask questions and seek advice. Some find this
less intimidating, as opposed to seeking out a professor in his or her
office. Anonymity also ensures that each student is treated equally;
everyone gets attention, not just those that speak up in class. In
addition, you no longer need to wait for a professor's office hours to
meet.
- Personalized assistance: Because of the nature
of online distance learning, your professor is able to work around your
schedule, this is especially helpful if you are a stay-at-home parent or
have a normal work-week schedule. You can get in touch in the evenings
or any time that's convenient for you.
- Most Current Research. Because the bulk of your
education will be online, materials are constantly updated. When
real-life events occur that affect your area of concentration, you are
able to integrate that information in to your studies immediately.
Additionally, you will learn how to find current information through
online research. The ability to command internet research will be a
valuable tool for employment as well as social networking.
Potential Hurdles to Navigate
- For younger students, an online degree lacks
some of the experiences and spirit that a traditional campus education
includes. If the social experiences of college are integral to your
goals, this may be a challenge.
- Popularity of online degrees. Online degrees have increased in popularity and credibility in the last few years; they are an innovation that is gaining credibility. While there may still be hesitancy by a small segment of employers to give them the credit they deserve, online degrees are becoming mainstream. Earning your degree through an accredited school with a solid reputation is crucial to your success. Click here to learn more about
how to make sure you understand the accreditation process.
- Motivated Individual: As with any level of
education, earning your degree requires the discipline to meet required
deadlines. The upside is that you are able to set your own schedule;
however, there will be no one there to push you to meet the
requirements. Some people are self-motivators and can handle this type
of arrangement well. If you don't have the ability to concentrate and
make time for studies, an online degree may not be the best option for
you. In some cases you will be asked to find your own way with many
projects or assignments, so the ability to research and find information
(though some initial instruction that will be provided to you by almost
all online schools) is important. It will also be vital that you create
an environment at home or in a public place that you can focus on your
studies - some find it hard to avoid the disruptions of family and
social life.
- Credit transfers: If you plan to continue your
undergraduate online degree to a graduate program, be sure to see if
your program's credits can be used for graduate courses as some graduate
programs may not accept undergraduate degrees.
- Identifying Your Professors: Online professors, as in traditional
campuses, vary in terms of their teaching styles. Be sure to research
the staff that will be guiding you through your online
program.
- Limited social interaction: Although there are opportunities to interact (forums, chats, email, potential offline meetings) with fellow students and professors; online education may not give you all of the networking potential of campus programs. There are opportunities, but online degrees will require a self- starter to find them.
Summary
In the end, you will have to determine what is most important to you regarding your education experience and priorities. Clearly, an online degree provides numerous benefits and deserves very strong consideration for anyone considering a postsecondary degree.
Would you like to know more? Use our search tool to find the perfect degree fit and request information from a school - it's free and a school advisor can answer your questions and walk you through all of the benefits and challenges noted above.
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