Making the decision to attend online school can be daunting. Although its flexible schedule can be beneficial to many people, distance learning is still a new phenomenon and most enter into it with a great deal of hesitation and a plethora of questions. The following set of articles are designed to answer any preliminary questions you may have about online education. The articles cover the pros and cons, misconceptions, and overall process of attending online school. Deciding on pursuing a higher education is an important decision. We
How Common is Distance Learning?
- Distance learning encompasses all forms of education that fall outside the traditional classroom based site specific model. These types of courses include correspondent courses, online degrees, telecourses (classes delivered via radio or television), and cd-rom based learning. Some general facts and statistics regarding the prevalence of distance learning are as follows:
- Today there are over 25,000 online courses offered in The United States alone, making up 76% of the world's total online offerings.
- Canada is the world's leader per capita for the number of online courses offered.
- Computer and business courses make up the mass majority of online courses offered world-wide.
- Most online courses and programs are offered only at the undergraduate level.
- Right now, there are approximately three million online students in The United States.
New technology and increased access to the Internet have made online learning more practical and widespread. Some say online learning is the antithesis of traditional schooling - where students get up, travel to class, and participate in class for a required amount of hours. However, other people simply see online learning as a simple extension of traditional learning, which has resulted in a substantial number of distance learning converts. With online learning, individuals still interact with the teacher, other students and the course material. The difference is that they correspond using some form of technology.
What are the Pros and Cons of Online Schools?
There are many distinct differences between online education and traditional learning. For certain students, distance learning is a fitting option; for others, a campus-based school program is much more beneficial. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning you can decide if an online or campus program would be more helpful in achieving your goals.
Online Education Advantages:
- Convenience - Students can take online courses whenever. Students are not limited by a school's annual/semester/quarter system.
- Flexibility - Class times are not set, and the pacing of assignments and readings occurs at your own discretion. You can proceed through your degree program at your own speed.
- Availability - Accredited, reputable, and educationally vigorous distance learning programs have increased in recent years.
- Cost - Pricing for online degree programs is usually cheaper than traditional school programs.
- Self-Direction - Students are able to control their learning environment, moving through courses at their own pace.
- Classroom Time - Some distance learning programs have a classroom component, however most do not require attending a physical school. You can learn, study, and graduate from the comfort of any computer location.
- Accessibility - Attending class can occur from any computer with network/Internet access.
- Learning System - Distance learners tend to be people who learn visually and experientially, and also students who require more time to study, have language-issues, or are introverted.
- Zero Travel Expenses - With online degree programs, there is no need to commute to school, all learning can take place from home.
- No Interruptions - Since distance learning programs are based on the Internet, and accessed at the user's discretion, learning takes place whenever you want it to. There is no need to take a leave of absence, stop working, etc.
Online Education Disadvantages:
- Instructor Face-Time - Distance learners typically don't have the face-to-face interaction that is important to some students.
- Reputation and Perception - As distance learning becomes more widespread, more businesses and organizations are starting to recognize the value of an online degree or distance degree. However, there is still a social stigma attached to non-physical educational institutions.
- Technology Requirements - Distance learning program requirements are usually modest: computer and an Internet connection. However, students must have some proficiency in using computers.
- Social Interaction - Though online learning environments often have chat rooms and message boards they lack physical classroom interactions.
- Limited Support - Students are required to take their own initiative in completing assignments, reports, and exams.
- Campus Atmosphere - Distance education programs lack the physical value and attractiveness of attending a campus location.
Deepa Singh
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