With the growing popularity of distance education, online learning is rapidly becoming a convenient option for those seeking to earn a college degree, brush up on a skill-set, as well as those contemplating a career change. Currently, online students make up almost 22 percent of total students enrolled in post-secondary education nationwide.
But, you may be wondering if online education is the right choice for you. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why you should seriously consider earning your undergraduate or graduate degree online.
Convenience & Flexibility
Adult students with families and career commitments, also called non-traditional students, are enrolling in online degree programs because they find it easier to balance work, family and school. You may not have time to sit in the classroom and listen to a lecture, but with online learning, you can study and attend class when it is convenient for you, not when it is convenient for the institution. In addition, a majority of online programs allow you to work at your own pace, and some do not have any required log-in times.
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Affordability
Online courses can be more expensive than taking courses at your local community college, but according to GetEducated.com, a national consumer advocacy group that researches, rates, ranks and verifies the credibility of online college and distance learning degree programs, it is possible to save thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s degree and pay $12,000 less than the national average for a master’s degree by going to school online.
Validity
Many have questioned the effectiveness of online learning and joked that students are just buying a degree, but ask any online student and they’ll tell you that online courses are just as tough, if not tougher, than courses taught in a traditional classroom because they require excellent time management skills and dedication. In fact, a 2009 study completed by the Department of Education found that students who took an online course performed better than those taking the same course through face-to-face instruction.
Student Support
One fear that many students have about online education is that they’ll be all alone in their studies, which isn’t the case at all. Like students attending class on campus, you’ll have to study, read chapters and complete assignments independently, but if you have a question, you don’t have to wait until the next time your class meets to get an answer. Your professor is just an e-mail, chat session or phone call away. You can also take advantage of course discussion boards and chat virtually with fellow students about your questions. In addition, most online institutions, like Grantham University, offer academic and student progress advising, tutoring and mentoring to ensure your success in the classroom.
Immediate Results
Many distance learning programs have online testing, which allows you to complete an exam or assignment and receive your grade right away. Because you aren’t waiting one or two weeks to get your grade back, you are able to progress through your studies at a much faster rate and gain a better understanding of the subject matter areas that you need to focus on. At most distance learning institutions, you also have access to your student account, online classes, course material and grades 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’ve never taken an online course or are hesitant about online learning, the best thing you can do is sign-up for a class, any class that interests you, and give it a try. You may come to find that it is the right choice for you.
Johanna Altland, Director of Communications for Grantham University, established in 1951, has written extensively about distance education for several publications. For more information about Grantham University’s 100 percent online degree programs and its Military Scholarship programs, visit www.grantham.edu or call 800-955-2527.
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