Is online education right for you?
Have you considered getting a degree but wonder how you can possibly juggle a demanding full-time job, family, and
the responsibilities of every day living? Thankfully, in the 21st century, all you need is a computer, an Internet connection,
and an inquisitive mind to research the right online degree program that clicks with your future aspirations.
Many brick-and-mortar brand-name universities and
colleges have leaped onto the online learning bandwagon with accredited degree programs and a plethora of online classes;
plus virtual universities without campuses and sporting events continue to thrive.
Who benefits by online education?
Students with full time jobs or full time family obligations
or both will benefit from online education. Students who must travel for business can benefit from laptop learning. Disabled
students who have mobility issues will benefit as will students who cannot afford to relocate to another city to attend classes.
What are the pros and cons of online education?
Pros:
-No rush hour traffic, missing the bus, or looking for a parking space.
-Work at your own pace even if it’s
in the middle of the night.
-Online learning is less expensive that traditional classroom learning.
-No waiting in
long lines to register or buy books; you can do it all online.
-Classes are often a 5-6 weeks long so you can focus on
one subject instead of brain hopping all over the map.
-Programs are generally updated more frequently online than thru
the traditional venues.
-Submit homework while traveling on business.
-Transcripts and notes from lectures are archived,
so you can always go back if you missed something.
Cons:
-Some careers require hands-on learning and cutting open a cadaver just won’t work online…yet.
-If
you’re not self-motivated, online learning may be a struggle.
-You can’t flash your best smile to that cute
girl/guy across a crowded classroom.
How can you succeed with online education?
Take time spent for online education seriously. This
is not the time to surf the web or hang out in user groups. Complete all the assignments, read the books and lectures, participate
in online discussions, ask questions, and be the model student that you be if you were sitting in the front row of a real
class. No one has to know that you’re wearing pajamas and eating popcorn.
In most cases, yes, but not all fields have come to believe in the value of online education just yet
especially for Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. Do not despair because as the field grows so will the
demand. Information technology (IT) fields place the most value on online degrees because of the nature of the methodology.
Other fields such as new media, marketing, management, and telecommunications all accept online degrees.
Graduate degrees online are more accepted based on
the fact that full time workers simply cannot accommodate the schedules of brick-and-mortar higher education. Employers frequently
see motivated employees taking the initiative to excel. Be sure to only attend an accredited university, keep grade transcripts,
and outline the courses taken, books read, and projects completed.
Like traditional brick-and-mortar colleges and universities
and technical schools, many of the online opportunities participate in various federal and private student financial assistance
programs. These financial aid programs are designed to provide assistance to students who are currently enrolled or accepted
for enrollment but who are unable to meet the full cost of their education. Also, alternative financing is available through
a variety of directories and books.
