Listed below are my Top Ten advantages of earning an accredited online degree. Check them out and see if an online education makes sense for you.
1. Accredited Online Schools Are Gaining Popularity and Acceptance.
During the past few years, the availability and variety of online degrees has exploded. The reason for this explosive growth has been the increased acceptance of this type of education and method of delivery. As demand for online education has increased, it has required many major colleges and universities to institute Internet based learning programs. There are even some of the very elite schools that are promoting online learning through YouTube, ITunesU, and Second Life.
2. Online Schools are Convenient.
There is nothing more convenient than attending college classes from the comfort of your own home, while on break at work, or at your local coffee shop. An online school gives more options as far as when you have to complete your course work, and the schedule of when you do this work is strictly in your hands. This convenience factor is motivating many people who never got their college education to finally pursue a degree.
3. Many Online Schools are Affordable.
Saving money is one of the primary advantages of attending an online college. The ever-rising tuition cost in this country has been a problem for many years. Even earning a degree at your hometown school is not the bargain it once was. Consistent and continuous hikes in tuition have caused many local colleges to fall on hard times. Online universities are less expensive and an increasingly good bargain.
Online degrees usually are less expensive per credit hour than traditional degrees. But there are additional savings such as not having to relocate, commuting to classes, room and board, activity fees, parking or numerous other costs associated with attending a traditional brick and mortar university.
4. Flexible Schedule.
Life is busy. This busyness has made it impossible for many people to attend a full time college. This has changed with the option of attending school online and doing it at your own pace. With most online programs you are not required to attend classes on a specific time and day. Online courses are set up in such a way that allows students to work within their own schedule.
Most online programs offer what I call compressed terms. These terms range in length of 5 to 8 weeks. Because of this flexibility a student can complete a degree requirement faster than at a traditional university.
5. Learn While You Earn.
Jim, for example, is a 35 year old. He has graduated from high school, and he always wanted to attend college, but with a family to support he can't afford to be without his job. Jim has a really good paying full time job at a local printing company. Jim made the decision to attend an online university. That way he can continue his job and earn that degree that he knows he will need for future employment opportunities.
6. Acceptance.
Employers have learned from experience that online degrees that are earned at reputable, accredited universities, such as Liberty University, are very creditable and employees who attend such programs are usually self-starters, motivated, and good employees. Not only that, but these types of students gain practical and relevant knowledge that will directly benefit their work and employer.
7. Learn Self-Discipline.
As an online student you will learn to develop the techniques of self-discipline, self-motivation and time management. Every one of these disciplines is of immeasurable value when you get into the working world.
If you work well alone, have computer sense, and have access to the Internet you are an excellent online student candidate. Research has shown that the number one ability that successful online students possess is time management.
8. Networking.
As an online student, you will have the ability to communicate with people from all over the world. Working in partnership with people from different cultures is a benefit that can enhance your learning experience.
9. Superior Faculty.
Online schools have some of the best faculty in the country. Accredited online schools recruit the best professors in their fields, most of whom are currently working in the their respective field. This firsthand experience enhances the learning experience and makes the virtual classroom a launching pad to practical and applicable knowledge.
10. Effective Learning.
Studying through the Internet is actually a very rewarding experience. Most online programs have very robust Learning Management Systems (LMS) that allow students a single interface to the virtual classroom. An LMS can contain class modules, streaming video, e-books, tests, calendars and much more. It is also the portal that allows communication through discussion boards and email.
There's no doubting that adult education is a huge industry nowadays. With the job market growing ever more competitive, and employees being expected to continually develop themselves professionally (whatever their profession), ?lifelong learning? has become a necessity, rather than just an added bonus. Failure to upskill can be the difference between getting the job of your dreams, and losing out to a slightly more qualified candidate ? or simply being passed up yet again for a promotion.
Even for those outside of the workforce, education is the most reliable path to better relationships, a better financial situation, and better quality of life over all. Jim Rohn, America's foremost business philosopher, has been known to say that ?Formal education will make you a living ? self education will make you a fortune!?
But what is it about internet education (or ?webucation?) that makes it so popular? How do we know if online learning is right for us, or if we're better off signing up for face-to-face classes somewhere local?
Advantages of Learning Online
The most obvious advantage of online education is its sheer flexibility in terms of time. It allows you to study totally on your own timetable, around the many other commitments you already have in your life. You can study while working fulltime, while you're doing shiftwork or while caring for children or relatives. Whether you're at your best early in the morning or late in the evening, you can study at a time that suits you. You don't have to worry about catching tutors during their office hours, and courses are available to you 24/7, so you don't have to worry about fitting in with your lecturer's schedule.
Equally helpful is the geographical flexibility it gives you. Suddenly, transport logistics become a non-issue. You can study courses based in other cities ? indeed in other countries. Travel costs like petrol and parking or public transport are a thing of the past; and you don't have to factor in travel time either (not to mention cutting out any rushing between classes if you're studying more than one at a time!)
Almost more important than logistics for many students, however, is the fact that online learning allows you to personalise your study. If you already know some of the material in the course syllabus, you don't need to wait for your fellow students to cover it before you move on to what *you* want to learn. If you're having difficulty understanding a particular concept, you can spend as much time on it as you want without feeling you're slowing your classmates down. You can find courses that are delivered in the medium *you* learn best in ? whether that be audio, video, or the written word.
Online courses can be far more affordable than face-to-face classes as well. Fees are often lower; even before you factor in the lack of transport costs, parking, childcare fees, and any need to eat out. Most online courses will allow you to study totally at your own pace, so you can end up completing your course in far less time than it would take if you'd been attending weekly classes.
Is Online Education For Everyone?
The truth is that internet education won't suit everyone. For a start, you need to have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and connect to the internet, and not everyone does. However, the fact that you're reading this article online suggests you already have that understanding. You need to have regular Internet access ? and it will be easier for you to study to your own timetable if you can connect to the ?Net at home, rather than at a friend's or a public library.
Just as for face-to-face classes (perhaps a little more so), you need to be organised and fairly self-motivated. You need to know exactly why you want to complete the course you enrol in, and really understand what difference passing it will make in your life. You need to be able to plan out when you're going to dedicate time to studying, and have the commitment to honour your plans.
If you know what you want to get out of online education, however, and you're willing to follow the study plans you set for yourself, ?webucation? can provide you with huge opportunities! It can reduce the logistical hassles of studying important courses, while providing you with a far more enjoyable, convenient and personalised learning experience. All this, and often at a price far less than face-to-face classes would cost you - it's no wonder Forbes magazine described internet education as ?one of the biggest emerging trends of the decade?.
Both Shaun Redgate & Tanja Gardner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shaun Redgate has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Online College and Distance Learning. Shaun Redgate is a Senior Associate at Liberty University and an Adjunct Faculty. With over 22,000 distance learning students at Liberty, it has given Shaun a unique insight into the world of online education. Contract him at -. Shaun Redgate's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Tanja Gardner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stress Management, Gym and Marketing. Tanja Gardner ( ) is a stress management and fitness coach who's worked in education for two years. If you're interested in a whole new way to learn onlin. Tanja Gardner's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.