Mik Siwel asked:


With the explosive growth in online courses in recent years, students have more educational choices now than ever before. Before enrolling in any online course however, a student may wish to consider this question: Is conventional learning better than e-learning? While each student must come to his or her own conclusion, in my opinion-based on my own personal experience and observation-the answer is definitely, “No!”

About eighteen years ago I was working in retail sales, in my family’s business, making a decent living but at the same time becoming thoroughly frustrated with my job. I needed a career change, and finally decided I wanted to pursue my interest in a teaching career. I began researching undergraduate programs in order to earn my Bachelor’s Degree. After investigating many programs I settled upon a state university located more than sixty miles from my home.

It took me two years of my life, hours of travel, thousands of miles on my car’s odometer, and hundred of dollars in gas to earn my Bachelor’s Degree. I attended school full-time, while continuing to work full-time at my job as well. Getting my degree was worth the effort, but in retrospect, I really wish e-learning courses had been available back then!

In contrast to my educational experience, my husband went back to school in August of 2002, but he was able to get his entire education online.

When I was in school, much of my day was spent either on the road traveling to and from school or awaiting for my next class to start. Between doing homework and working on my job, my social life ceased to exist and it was difficult to keep in touch with friends. However, when my husband earned his degree online he worked part-time, took care of our young son and attended school. We were able to take part in our favorite events and still socialize with our friends.

After two years of traveling to and from the University three to five times a week my car was literally worn out! So as soon as I graduated I had to buy a car to get to my new job! When my husband earned his degree online he didn’t have to travel even one mile to get to school. In fact he could go to school anytime that was convenient for him. He could even go in his pajamas!

While my tuition may have been less expensive than my husband’s online courses, when I figured in the cost for transportation I ended up paying much more for my conventional education than the University charged me on paper. My husband didn’t pay one cent in travel charges for his online education. He didn’t have to fight the traffic and crazy drivers either!

When you compare my husband’s and my educational journeys side by side, I think you’ll see that online education has definite advantages over conventional learning. Ultimately however, the decision on whether to enroll in a traditional campus-based program or in an online program is up to each student, based upon individual needs and preferences.







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Mary Jackson asked:


Earning a college degree online can help you in many aspects of your life. Not only will you improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, you will also be able to go after higher paying jobs in the field you want to work in. A college degree can enrich your life and the lives of others and allow you to discover new passions and interests you may not have discovered otherwise.

Depending on your current circumstances, returning to college may seem frightening or unrealistic due to the time you will have to devote to classes, studying and completing assignments. But have you ever considered returning to school to get a degree online? It doesn’t matter what your age is, online education surpasses age barriers to help people meet their education goals. According to The Distance and Training Council, which helps accredit long distance learning and online education institutions, over 4 million people are currently enrolled in an online degree program for various reasons.

Flexible Schedules and Learning at Your Own Pace

Because courses are taught online, you won’t have to maintain a traditional college course schedule. While you will have to make time each day for online lectures, working online with other students to complete group assignments and take tests and other assessments during predetermined times, where and when you study is up to you.

If you’re a self-motivated person who can complete all course requirements without much supervision, an online degree program may be for you. A college degree online program can prepare students in the same ways that traditional programs do by allowing students to study at their own pace and work on assignments when it suits their schedule.

Variety of Online Degree Programs offered

Online programs are being offered more often by traditional colleges and universities, which means the variety of courses available online is increasing. According to the report, Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning, published by the Sloan Consortium, one-third of all colleges and universities make up three-quarters of all students who take online classes.

This means that colleges and universities have seen the potential for reaching more students and are taking advantage of it. For students, this means more variety in the types of programs offered. If you’re uncomfortable enrolling in an online university, check out local colleges to learn more about the online programs they have to offer. Whichever way you prefer, your degree won’t specify how you completed the coursework, whether it’s online or traditional.

Financial Aid Available

Financial aid is now available to students completing online degree programs from most accredited colleges. Get your college degree online by applying for financial assistance. While financial aid may not pay for all of the costs associated with earning a degree, tuition costs are usually covered.

You can find out more about financial aid packages by reviewing online college websites and requesting more information to see what financial aid options they offer. If choose to enroll for traditional learning, then you may contact the financial aid office of your local college or university.

Thus there are many good reasons to consider earning an online degree. After you graduate, you will be able to pursue a new career or advance in your current one.



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Shaun Redgate asked:


Based on my 20+ years experience in distance education as a student, administrator, recruiter, and faculty member, I know firsthand that there are numerous advantages to online learning.

Listed below are my Top Ten advantages of earning an accredited online degree. Check them out and see if an online education makes sense for you.

1. Accredited Online Schools Are Gaining Popularity and Acceptance.

During the past few years, the availability and variety of online degrees has exploded. The reason for this explosive growth has been the increased acceptance of this type of education and method of delivery. As demand for online education has increased, it has required many major colleges and universities to institute Internet based learning programs. There are even some of the very elite schools that are promoting online learning through YouTube, ITunesU, and Second Life.

2. Online Schools are Convenient.

There is nothing more convenient than attending college classes from the comfort of your own home, while on break at work, or at your local coffee shop. An online school gives more options as far as when you have to complete your course work, and the schedule of when you do this work is strictly in your hands. This convenience factor is motivating many people who never got their college education to finally pursue a degree.

3. Many Online Schools are Affordable.

Saving money is one of the primary advantages of attending an online college. The ever-rising tuition cost in this country has been a problem for many years. Even earning a degree at your hometown school is not the bargain it once was. Consistent and continuous hikes in tuition have caused many local colleges to fall on hard times. Online universities are less expensive and an increasingly good bargain.

Online degrees usually are less expensive per credit hour than traditional degrees. But there are additional savings such as not having to relocate, commuting to classes, room and board, activity fees, parking or numerous other costs associated with attending a traditional brick and mortar university.

4. Flexible Schedule.

Life is busy. This busyness has made it impossible for many people to attend a full time college. This has changed with the option of attending school online and doing it at your own pace. With most online programs you are not required to attend classes on a specific time and day. Online courses are set up in such a way that allows students to work within their own schedule.

Most online programs offer what I call compressed terms. These terms range in length of 5 to 8 weeks. Because of this flexibility a student can complete a degree requirement faster than at a traditional university.

5. Learn While You Earn.

Jim, for example, is a 35 year old. He has graduated from high school, and he always wanted to attend college, but with a family to support he can’t afford to be without his job. Jim has a really good paying full time job at a local printing company. Jim made the decision to attend an online university. That way he can continue his job and earn that degree that he knows he will need for future employment opportunities.

6. Acceptance.

Employers have learned from experience that online degrees that are earned at reputable, accredited universities, such as Liberty University, are very creditable and employees who attend such programs are usually self-starters, motivated, and good employees. Not only that, but these types of students gain practical and relevant knowledge that will directly benefit their work and employer.

7. Learn Self-Discipline.

As an online student you will learn to develop the techniques of self-discipline, self-motivation and time management. Every one of these disciplines is of immeasurable value when you get into the working world.

If you work well alone, have computer sense, and have access to the Internet you are an excellent online student candidate. Research has shown that the number one ability that successful online students possess is time management.

8. Networking.

As an online student, you will have the ability to communicate with people from all over the world. Working in partnership with people from different cultures is a benefit that can enhance your learning experience.

9. Superior Faculty.

Online schools have some of the best faculty in the country. Accredited online schools recruit the best professors in their fields, most of whom are currently working in the their respective field. This firsthand experience enhances the learning experience and makes the virtual classroom a launching pad to practical and applicable knowledge.

10. Effective Learning.

Studying through the Internet is actually a very rewarding experience. Most online programs have very robust Learning Management Systems (LMS) that allow students a single interface to the virtual classroom. An LMS can contain class modules, streaming video, e-books, tests, calendars and much more. It is also the portal that allows communication through discussion boards and email.



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Amelia Turner asked:


Most people already recognize that ongoing and advanced learning can increase your lifetime earning potential and further enrich your life. Moreover, by continuing improve your knowledge and skills help you to stay competitive in the job market and distance you from the unemployment line. Distance learning is the most innovative and flexible educational tool for you to advance your learning in various areas that required not only for your career advancement but also for enriching your life.

Different people have different purpose of studying in distance, some of them may just want to learning new knowledge, while other may need the certification on the related field for career advancement or job promotion. Wondering how enrolling into a distance learning program can enrich your life? An extra degree in your career related field or a higher level of degree make a different in your working life. Read below for the reasons:

1. Employers Will Only Hire Qualified Candidates For Any Job Positions

With today highly competitive job market, you may not be able to secure your preference job if you do not have sufficient working experience and the related education background. Employers will review your qualification in all areas before they consider offering you the position. You can always gain your working experience by working in your prefer field while waiting for a better job opportunity. At the same time, enrolling into a distance learning program on the related degree enable you to earn a degree from your home or any location while continue to stay focus on your current job. With a good working experience and a qualified degree, you will have better chances to secure any opportunity that is opened to you and further enrich your life with a more rewarding career.

2. You Stay Inline With The Latest Knowledge

New things come into life everyday, same goes with knowledge. By enrolling into a distance learning program, you can continue sharpen your knowledge in the area of your interest. You mind will stay sharp and alert with the latest knowledge. Today, distance learning has become so popular and it covers almost any field that you can think of. You can always find a distance learning program that can meet your self-improvement needs.

3. Enjoy New Learning Experience

Distance learning allows you to logon to online classes from anywhere and at anytime. You can do all of this while sitting at a computer in your pajamas. It will be a new learning experience which you can earn a degree or certificate from any school without the need to consider where the school is located. It’s really a class at fingertip because you just need to “CLICK” to logon to the learning classes from your computer at home or any place you like, no more traveling, headache with parking issue or worry about who will take care your children if you go to attend the physical class.

Summary

Knowledge with a paper qualification is the best investment for most of us. It not only increases your lifetime earning potential, it will further enrich your life and let you stay focus on the latest information. Distance learning is the most innovative and flexible educational tool for you to advance the learning in your area of interest.



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