Online education is the fast-growing, explosive new future of distance learning.
It gives many students the ability to acquire the necessary credentials to
promote success in their careers, and to increase their earning potential. It
provides flexibility, fosters the building of computer skills, provides an
unfathomable array of choices, and saves money on transportation and college
housing costs.
As the technology of the Internet has expanded by leaps and bounds, it has
brought amazing online education opportunities for those who are willing to take
advantage. Buzz words like streaming video, virtual classrooms, whiteboard
technology, and multimedia presentations describe only a few of the emerging
innovations that are defining the direction of online education. Without leaving
home or quitting a job, it is now possible - via computer - to complete the
coursework necessary to boost one's earning power in any number of specialized
fields.
When you enroll in online courses, it is generally possible to study at your own
pace - when you have the time, rather than being locked into inconvenient class
schedules. Also, with online courses, feedback from instructors is usually
prompt via e-mail or other technologies. A sample of popular subject areas for
study includes: information technology, business and management, computer
science, accounting and finance, education, criminal justice, engineering,
nursing and healthcare, paralegal studies, psychology, theology, creative
writing, and fashion and design.
The Pros and Cons of Earning Your Degree Online
To attend or not to attend — that was once the only question when
considering college. Yet, most students today are asking the question, what are the pros and cons of earning a degree online versus those
of attending a college with a campus? Here's an outline of these pros and
cons of online schooling to help you with your decision.
Pros
- Flexible schedules — Courses are always there when you are, 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Students can incorporate their homework and classes into
their hectic schedules when it's convenient for them.
- Professor relationships — When you are relying on e-mail and online
material as the main form of communication with your professor, the
accessibility in communication tends to be much better. Written responses in
the form of e-mail are usually much better thought out and less off the cuff
with typical teacher/student conversations in a classroom setting.
- More resources — Again, since you are relying on your education from
the Internet and online tools provided by the school, they offer more resources
and guidance to enhance and support your learning potential.
- A unique experience — When dealing with online classrooms, some
ingenuity is required on the professor's part. They take the time to structure
their curriculum based on this environment, making it much more engaging and
effective for students.
Cons
- Lack of face-to-face time — If you are a very social person or prefer
the face-to-face experience, this aspect of online courses can be a difficult
adjustment.
- Sole reliance on technology — There is a reason why technology is
sometimes referred to as a double-edged sword. If your computer happens to
break or malfunction, this can affect your ability to attend class and complete
assignments.
- Self-discipline — Choosing to attend an online university would not
be the best option if you are not self-motivated and not disciplined enough to
work on your own. This is an important skill to have when you're tempted to
push homework or classes to the side in order to make time for family, work, or
hobbies.
- Computer skills — You might be able to type 100 words per minute, but
you'll need more than typing skills for online courses. If you are not computer
savvy, this might hinder your success in obtaining on online degree.
Whether you choose to enroll in an online college or a college with a campus,
weigh your options heavily before making your decision. Use these pros and cons
of earning your degree online as a guide while also taking into account your own
personal preferences, learning styles, and current situation.
The Structure of Online Learning
The increasing number of online degree programs means that it is becoming easier
to choose one that fits your specific needs. If you're worried that distance
education might be too isolating, many online programs offer synchronous courses
consisting of streaming video and live chat discussions. If you like to make
your own schedule, many programs are completely asynchronous—that is, you
can do your coursework any time you like. Most online degree programs will use
both types of courses. Some courses will have recorded audio or video lectures
followed by exercises or quizzes. Other courses will provide text online and
then require the student to complete essays and send them to the instructor.
Many classes will have a discussion component. In asynchronous classes this
discussion will consist of a message board, with students posting their thoughts
and responding to others over the course of several days. In synchronous classes
discussion will take place using a designated chat room or instant messaging.
How to Pick the Right Program
When exploring online degree programs, you should first make sure that it is run
by an accredited institution. Next, you should see whether there are traditional
student resources such as student advising and career counseling and how
distance learners can access them. If your prospective degree program is part of
a traditional, brick-and-mortar institution, check to see whether you can take
all the courses necessary for your degree online. Finally, you can contact
alumni and ask about their experiences.
Tools Needed for Online Education
All online learning programs are slightly different in both the way they work
and in the type of equipment they require. Some courses are done completely over
email, while others use more complex systems, such as video conferencing, voice
conferencing, and mobile devices.
These are some of the most basic equipment pieces you may need to begin an
online learning program:
- Up-to-date computer (preferably made within the last three years)
- High-speed Internet (a computer with Wi-Fi is preferable)
- TV and VCR or DVD player
- CD player
- Personal email account
If you don't have access to this
type of technology, there are a number of alternative options. Public libraries
usually provide access to computers and high-speed Internet. This is a great
way for a student who does not own a computer to earn an online degree. Another
option to consider if you do not currently own a computer is purchasing a used
computer at a discounted price.
If you have a computer with Wi-Fi
capability, technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless Internet
connections, but no Internet connection in your home, there are still many ways
of getting online. For example, there are numerous free and low fee Internet
networks offered through local businesses, such as coffee shops and bookstores.
Where to Find a School
Once the field of study has been chosen, there are a number of ways to find the
corresponding online educational program.
- Check with local community
colleges and universities to find which online courses are offered.
- Utilize the internet to access
web pages that focus on Accredited Online
Schools
- Visit the local library and
check their resource section.
- Seek information in your local
or online bookstore. Be careful that the listed online schools are
accredited by the proper accreditation authorities.
Online Education Resources
- Advanced Distributed
Learning Network (ADLNet)
This project is a collaboration between the White House Office of Science
and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Defense. The project's
site offers users useful information, tools, and helpful resources about
the most recent developments in the world of e-learning.
- The
Educator's Reference Desk - Resource Guides
The Educator's Reference desk provides search capabilities for the U.S.
Department of Education's ERIC Database, which offers access to
bibliographic records on educational research and other educational
elements of theory and practice. The Distance Education Guide also offers
links to other useful material such as educational organizations, and
communities online.
- The Ageless Learner | eLearning
A section of The Ageless Learner website, eLearning offers many links to
other e-learning informational sites including organizations, books, and
e-learning articles. The Ageless Learner is a website that is based on the
idea that learning is a lifelong pursuit and influences everything we do
regardless of age.
- eLearning Centre Library
This Library contains many different sections, each of which address a
different topic having to do with e-learning. The Trends and Technologies
section, for instance, provides links to other resources devoted to
current and developing issues related to e-learning.
- Distance-Educator.com
A resource for topics related to distance education, this comprehensive
database is constantly updated and well maintained. It is accessible to
many levels of users. Users have the option to sign up to receive daily
updates on distance learning news.
- Learning Resources - the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC)
Learning Resources is a resource listing containing ADEC papers, other
reports, organizations, and initiatives related to distance education and
the members of the greater distance education community.
- Librarian's Index to the Internet - Distance Education
Users may search this collection of distance education sites by subject,
keyword, etc., just as they would conduct a search on a public library's
holdings database. The sites included have been selected by librarians who
have found the sites to be particular useful.
- Online Education Resources -
Illinois Online Network (ION)
The Illinois Online Network is a collaboration of Illinois' community
colleges and the University of Illinois. This collaboration works toward
the goal of developing and advancing the use of e-learning and distance
education in the state of Illinois. The Online Education Resources section
offers a comprehensive listing of distance education-related resources.
