The Pros and Cons of Online Education
You're thinking about furthering your career or finally getting your college degree. But with so many educational choices online, how do you know whether it's right for you? Here are some pointers you should consider, before making your decision.
There are many perks associated with online study. Unlike traditional learning, distance learning can offer you greater flexibility, as you don't have to waste time- and money- commuting to the campus and you can choose a program that truly suits your interests or professional needs, because you are not confined to the classes that are offered locally.
Another advantage
to distance learning is the fact that you can continue to work, because you don't have to worry about fitting your classes around your job schedule. This is a distinct advantage over traditional methods of learning, because this option allows you to continue earning while you study. Online programs often cost less than their traditional counterparts, so you can save money on tuition, if you pursue your degree through an online university.
Online study is also a great option for those students with physical handicaps, which may prevent them from travelling to a traditional campus. Likewise, if you are shy, or perhaps even
language-challenged, participating in an online course may be the perfect alternative to a live class.
There are some drawbacks to online education, however. For example, traditional instructors may not successfully make the transition from the classroom to the online platform and it can sometimes be difficult for them to transfer course content or offer additional support to the students.
While the technological aspects of online learning can make the courses more interesting and interactive, some students may not have the computer hardware to support the specific programs required for the class. Many courses
require DSL or a high-speed internet connection in order for the student to interact effectively with the instructor or other students. Similarly, online learning can rob the student of the conventional aspects of classroom interaction, such as being able to talk to the instructor or the other students, face-to-face.
In spite of the drawbacks, however, many new and returning students are opting to study via distance learning and are finding it to be a very rewarding experience.
Matt Norman is the founder of Easy Distance Learning a website providing information on learning online
Online Education and Training News
- Online Education Increasingly Popular Among Students (Hornell Evening Tribune)
(ARA) - Many people think about going to college. Whether they've never gone, have attended some college, or already obtained a degree, each person's situation and career goals are unique.
- Online Education Puts Highly Valuable Psychology Degrees Within Reach (Hornell Evening Tribune)
(ARA) - According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 40 percent of psychologists are self-employed, with clinical psychologists earning anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000. The average salary for a psychology professor was $82,554 for the academic year of 2005-2006, according to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.
- Top Universities Partner to Offer Online Teaching Credentials (Hornell Evening Tribune)
(ARA) - Ashford University and Rio Salado College have partnered to offer aspiring teachers a new opportunity in online education. Ashford now offers a bachelor's degree program designed to provide students with an accelerated way to earn their undergraduate degree and teaching certification.
- Senate OKs measure to regulate online education programs (Rocky Mountain News)
A new division of the state Education Department would regulate online schools under a bill approved Thursday in the Colorado Senate.
- Is Online Learning For You? (Benton Evening News)
More and more college students are taking classes online, according to a new survey by the College Board and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. About 3.2 million people took at least one college course online during the fall of 2005 term, compared to 2.3 million in the fall of 2004.
- Will Online Learning Work for You? (Ionia Sentinel-Standard)
(ARA) - Want to advance your career or change jobs altogether? If the answer is yes, then what's holding you back? More often than not it's the lack of an advanced degree.
- Web school bill gets Senate nod (The Pueblo Chieftain)
DENVER - After much rewriting, a measure designed to hold online education programs more accountable won preliminary approval in the Colorado Senate on Thursday. The measure was introduced by Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, as a result of a critical audit last year of online education programs in the state, particularly the Hope Online Learning Academy Co-op, which was contracted as a charter ...
- PhD Student with Ambition to Become U.S. Surgeon General Featured in Capella University's Latest 'Inside Online ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
MINNEAPOLIS----Capella University , an accredited, fully online university with more than 17,900 students, has released its latest Inside online education podcast. It features an interview with Dr.
