Online education is a growing sector of the higher education industry. According to reports, around 15% of all students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in 2017 were taking at least one online course. In addition, many colleges and universities are moving their programs entirely online in order to reduce costs while increasing access to education for people who might otherwise not be able to afford it or have any other way of getting an education without leaving home. However, there are both pros and cons to this new form of higher learning that you should consider before enrolling in an online degree program:
Evolution of Education
is a growing trend, but it’s also not a new concept. Since the early days of online learning and distance education, students have been able to take classes online. In fact, according to reports, the first college course in history was taught via correspondence in 1894. This format allowed students across the country (and eventually around the world) to learn from one another through discussion boards and letters sent via mail or post.
In more recent years though, as technology has evolved and become more readily available for use at home or on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, the has quickly become a viable option for many people who want to pursue further education but don’t have time or resources available locally where they live.
Increased accessibility for students
is more accessible to students who cannot attend classes on campus. For example, a student who was recently hired at a job that requires them to work full-time during the day and also has family responsibilities may find it difficult or impossible to go to class every day. Online classes allow these students to complete their coursework in their own homes, which means they can work around their schedule and not have any problems with transportation or childcare.
Improved reputation of online degrees
Online degrees can also be more convenient for students who have demanding work schedules or family responsibilities; you don’t have to worry about scheduling classes around your job or family commitments in case you’re taking an online course.
Often more affordable than on-campus programs
While on-campus education is often thought of as the more prestigious of the two, there are several advantages to taking your degree online. Not only does it have a lower price tag, but it can be more flexible and accessible for students who cannot afford or do not have time for traditional schooling.
Online programs allow you to work around your schedule by offering classes at any time of day or night, from anywhere in the world. This makes them an ideal choice for people who hold full-time jobs while they pursue their degrees.
Easier to network with other students and instructors
One of the biggest benefits of online education for working adults is that students have a chance to network with other students and their instructors. This can be especially beneficial for those who are shy and may have trouble making friends in person. Online classes allow you to build relationships with both peers and teachers, which will help you feel more comfortable when attending group events later on in life.
Conversely, it also gives students an opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification on issues they’re dealing with during class sessions or homework assignments—something that might not be possible if those people were physically present at school every day. You’ll also be able to share ideas about how best to approach certain topics or problems without feeling intimidated by others around you—and this can lead directly into learning from each other as well
Lack of socialization among students
The first con is that students may not get the same quality of education as those who attend traditional brick and mortar institutions. This is because online courses lack the socialization that comes from attending a campus, which can lead to lack of understanding, or even alienation between students and instructors. Students’ lack of understanding may also lead to poor performance in class, especially if they are unable to connect with their professors via email or phone calls.
May require stronger time-management skills
The second drawback of online education is that it can require stronger time-management skills than traditional learning environments. The online environment can be quite distracting, especially if you’re not used to it or if you’re trying to do several things at once. You’ll want to make sure that you stay focused on the tasks at hand, especially when working on assignments or studying for an exam.
This issue may seem small in comparison with other cons of online learning (such as having less personal interaction with the professor), but it could potentially cause some issues later down the line. If you find yourself struggling with distractions and procrastination while taking classes online, this might be a sign that your learning style is better suited for a traditional classroom setting rather than being self-paced from home or work.
Possible technology issues or lack of support
The third con to online education is that technology issues can be a problem. It’s easy to get lost in a technical maze, or worse, your computer could crash halfway through an assignment. In-person classes have human teachers who can help you out when you run into problems like these (and they’re also there if you need emotional support). Online courses don’t always have the same support system in place, so it’s up to you and your classmates to work together if something goes wrong with technology or coursework deadlines.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to online education, but also some drawbacks. If you prefer the flexibility that comes with distance learning programs or want to save money on tuition, then an online degree may be right for you. However, if socialization is important in your life, then consider this before making a choice about going back to school.
