21.10.16

The Benefits of Online Education

While traditional institutions of higher learning are struggling with mounting budget and staff cuts, Internet based education is becoming more popular and comprehensive than ever. Increasing numbers of students are seeking degrees online – and succeeding at their studies. 30% of American college students take at least one online course during the course of their studies, and students of online education achieve more academic success than traditional ones.


Degrees with coursework offered completely online are designed for non-traditional students, and therefore offer helpful incentives that a traditional brick-and-mortar university can't match.

1. Location: Many people who wish to earn a degree don't live near a university that offers the program they're looking for – or don't live near a university at all. They may work full time and have a family, and don't have the time for a commute. Online learning allows a student to study what they desire wherever they live or work.

2. Hours: People who care for their families or work full time outside the home simply don't have the flexibility to squeeze an hour or more into their day based on pre-set schedule. When a student learns online, they can complete coursework in their free time.

3. Financing: Accredited online schools allow the flexibility of learning at home while still letting students to receive financial aid. In addition, many online schools charge cheaper tuition and costs than regular colleges.

4. Choice: With online education, students have a larger number and type of schools to select from, without restriction to area. From a tech school to an Ivy League university, online education allows students to choose the kind of program they're looking for like computer programming, math, tech etc.

5. Pacing: Most online programs allow students to progress through the curriculum at their own pace, rather than within a time limit as many traditional schools do. If a person works full time, they can take as many or as few courses as they can manage in their schedule and still complete their degree.

6. Networking: Online education offers unique opportunities for interaction with classmates and instructors. This can be very helpful for increasing business contacts, especially when setting embarking on a new career or job level.

7. Effectiveness: Research shows that students of online programs perform better than their counterparts in traditional educational ones.

8. International Environment: Online universities often have a much larger percentage of international students than do conventional schools. The opportunity to meet and work with people in a students' area of study or business is invaluable.

9. Student-centered learning/individual attention: In traditional classrooms, especially at the underclass level, the ratio of students to professors can be hundreds to one. If a teacher provides office hours, it can be a struggle to get around dozens of others waiting for those same brief periods. With online education, students have the opportunity for much more interaction with teachers. With virtual communication, the student can have their concerns and questions addressed more easily. Class sizes are also smaller.

10. Easier, less intimidating participation: It can be scary for a student to approach a teacher, or to raise their hand in a crowded classroom. With online classes, it can be easier and less daunting to communicate with a professor.

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