Get a College Education Online
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Distance learning is an increasingly popular avenue to receive training, or work towards a degree. There are many pros and cons of distance learning. Statistics indicate that as many as 3.5 million students have taken a course of instruction online in the United States alone.
College and Work, Made Easy
Distance learning is a fast-growing phenomenon in the United States, and provides access to training to people who may otherwise not be able to attend traditional classes. A distance learning university, or online school, as they are sometimes called, is designed to encompass an entire semester class, and provide as close to the same experience as a typical classroom.
There are different ways in which professors conduct classes at a distance learning university, as there are many different ways that performance is measured. Some classes require laboratory work, which is done using special interactive software. Chat rooms, message forums, or interactive tests and quizzes are all done via the online interface. Some classes even offer midterm and final exams online, depending on the class.
There are a few drawbacks to online classes that should be addressed. Some students are simply not able to focus, or do not have the self-discipline to complete assignments online. Additionally, there are students that have difficulty understanding complex topics without a classroom environment. For these students, some institutions offer tutoring assistance on-campus.
The benefit to taking online classes is great though. You may not be able to find a degree program you want from a college in or around where you live. Online classes offer working professionals a way to attend classes while working a full time job, as well as take care of a family. If applicable work experience is evaluated to coincide with additional college credit, a bachelor’s degree can be as few as 2 years to achieve via online classes. This may be better suited to some, rather than a community college education. The bottom line is it is your degree; choose the best path to your own success.
Financial Assistance and Attendance
Financial assistance for attending online classes is usually the same as for traditional classes, as they count for the same credit. There are many students who take online classes in conjunction with traditional classes. This allows the student a feeling of belonging to the campus, without having to be onsite long hours after work. This is an easy incentive to attend more classes. Veterans of the US Armed Forces have the option of using their Montgomery GI Bill, or the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pay for classes online.
Online classes have made it easier to attend college and obtain a degree, and is a great choice for many students, either right out of high school, or while serving in the workforce.
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Dr. Ast,
Thank you for taking the time to give us some first-hand knowledge on the subject. I appreciate you taking the time to give us the benefit of your wisdom.
If you want to attend online college...be careful and be wise! Don't fall into their trap because most college like to sell themselves to student. Even on campus school. Tuition is very important to look at as well. Choosing career is very important as well...look into the newspaper or your local area to see which job is hired the most in your area and pursue that career.
I would agree with phdast7 comment. She explain it very well and clear! Also your hub here well explain about online classes and so on...I vote up and useful! Most student take online classes because they can cheat! LOL. That explain why I take online classes...but I can spend time with my family and fit schedule with work to support my family as well as getting a degree.
thejeffriestube - You are most welcome and I hope my comments were not offensive in any way. I think it is terrific that you are taking courses online and I am sure you made the right decision for you. I applaud your efforts, especially because I know how difficult it can be to manage a career and get an education.
I was really concerned about those "just out of high school students" who might jump into online learning because of a slick high pressure sales pitch, unaware of the negative possibilities. Thank you for your gracious response.
I did an online college degree program. My only regret is that i wish I would have shopped around a little bit. I fell into the trap of a school who only wanted my money, and they habitually lied to me, messed up my financial aid on three or four occasions, and had a staff that changed more than you change your clothes. I applaud you for taking online classes and I hope you have a better experience than I did.
I have enjoyed taking online courses. It is true that self discipline is important!Now I am considering completeion of my degree online and need to look into financial aid. This will most likely happen in the New Year. Thanks for your information. Very useful!
phdast7 Level 8 Commenter 6 months ago
I work in academia myself and I am as pro-education as anyone can be, but I think people pursue an online degree with great caution. Taking online courses is the right path for many people, but it is important to be careful where you enroll to obtain your degree.
Having recently attended several educational forums on this very topic, there are some pitfalls to be aware of. Taking courses from traditional colleges and universities who offer traditional and online courses is pretty safe and a good choice.
However, the graduation rate for non-traditional, online only. or mostly online degree institutions is very poor. Five year graduation rates for those institutions are usually between 15 and 25%.
Which means a huge number of people, 75-85% of entering freshman will not graduate and enter the workforce saddled with huge educational loans. And let's not forget, educational loans are the only kind of debt not wiped out in a bankruptcy action.
On the other hand, traditional colleges and universities who also offer online degrees have five year graduation rated between 55 and 85%. Quite a difference.
Also, to save money and still get a solid education, people ought to check out their local community college. You can take the same basic courses, in smaller size classes for less money and then move on to a four year college once you have chosen your major and career path, maybe finishing your Bachelor's degree online.
Getting a degree is a great investment in yourself and your future, but please be careful as you pursue your education. Avoid high pressure online degree personnel who promise you the moon and rush you to make a decision right away. Take the time to investigate and find the right place for you. Good luck.
Dr. Theresa Ast, Reinhardt University, Waleska, Georgia (Atlanta)