Online Education 101: Why Online Education is Important
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patrick
Most of us have had most of our education done in the classroom. However, as weve gotten older and become settled in careers, many of us have experienced the desire to increase our skills or achieve a higher level of education. How can you accomplish that while working and raising a family?
For many, online education is the answer. Online courses have come a long way from their humble beginnings and increasing numbers of universities offer them. It is now possible to take a course with a leading university from half a world away. The flexibility offered by online education means that busy professionals can take the classes they need without compromising their jobs.
Online education is also a great option for anyone that doesn't have access to a prestigious university close by. All things being equal, would you rather take a class at a suboptimal local university or Oxford? With the options available online, you can take a class in your field at the best universities in the world, all in your free time.
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a class. Online classes are generally cheaper than traditional classroom courses. The economies of scale online make it possible for universities to offer these courses at a much lower price.
The next important factor is quality. The quality of online courses varies tremendously between classes and organizations. The largest variable is you. Do you have the discipline required to study materials on your own, outside of a structured classroom environment? If you are the kind of person that needs a lot of personal interaction, then an online class may not be for you.
Online courses usually follow a format including: slide presentations, articles, and podcasts. Students are expected to study the materials and take part in forums, chats, and bulletin boards. Depending on the course format, professors or teaching assistants may be available for extra help by phone, email, or chat.
It's likely that, in the future, more education will take place online. As the online format becomes mainstream and more accepted, many people will take courses online. There are plenty of advantages and the few disadvantages will become fewer as more universities and organization begin offering courses.
If you are considering improving your skills through classes, take careful note of your personal situation and discover whether online education is right for you.
For many, online education is the answer. Online courses have come a long way from their humble beginnings and increasing numbers of universities offer them. It is now possible to take a course with a leading university from half a world away. The flexibility offered by online education means that busy professionals can take the classes they need without compromising their jobs.
Online education is also a great option for anyone that doesn't have access to a prestigious university close by. All things being equal, would you rather take a class at a suboptimal local university or Oxford? With the options available online, you can take a class in your field at the best universities in the world, all in your free time.
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a class. Online classes are generally cheaper than traditional classroom courses. The economies of scale online make it possible for universities to offer these courses at a much lower price.
The next important factor is quality. The quality of online courses varies tremendously between classes and organizations. The largest variable is you. Do you have the discipline required to study materials on your own, outside of a structured classroom environment? If you are the kind of person that needs a lot of personal interaction, then an online class may not be for you.
Online courses usually follow a format including: slide presentations, articles, and podcasts. Students are expected to study the materials and take part in forums, chats, and bulletin boards. Depending on the course format, professors or teaching assistants may be available for extra help by phone, email, or chat.
It's likely that, in the future, more education will take place online. As the online format becomes mainstream and more accepted, many people will take courses online. There are plenty of advantages and the few disadvantages will become fewer as more universities and organization begin offering courses.
If you are considering improving your skills through classes, take careful note of your personal situation and discover whether online education is right for you.
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