Online Education

By Jesse Whitehead

Enrollment in online education is at an all time high, according to a recent study by the Sloan Consortium. Based on responses from more than 2,200 colleges and universities across the U.S., the study reveals that 3.2 million students took at least one online course in the fall of 2005, an increase of 850,000 more than the year before. The report is available at www.sloan-c.org/publications/survey/index.asp.

With the rise in popularity of e-learning comes some unique challenges not extant with more traditional classrooms. Students need to be aware of the differences between online and traditional classes and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments. Significant challenges faced by online students include the following:

Technical problems. Computer hardware and peripheral devices such as printers, modems and routers are not indestructible; as with any other man-made device, they can break down or malfunction at the most inopportune time. In addition to equipment failure, an older computer may be incompatible with some software required for the course. Viruses, trojans, spyware and other malware could infect a computer, causing it to run poorly or not at all. A slow internet connection might cause problems logging into class, retrieving and submitting assignments, and posting to threaded discussions. Any of these problems could cause a great deal of frustration for the student trying to complete course assignments. Therefore, it is important for the student to have access to a backup computer to use in case of equipment malfunction. Staying motivated. Going to school always requires a certain level of motivation from a student regardless of whether it’s a “bricks-and-mortar” institution or online class. In a traditional classroom setting, a student has live, face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow students — a camaraderie that may help boost enthusiasm and motivation for the course. In an internet-based class however, there is no live contact with instructor and classmates — the student works alone in a virtual environment. This lack of live contact may lead to a feeling of isolation, and make it difficult for a student without a high internal commitment or personal drive to stay motivated during the course. Self-discipline. As with motivation, a student needs good self-discipline to succeed online. The freedom and flexibility of e-learning is what’s so attractive to many people. There’s no obligation to login to class at any particular time or place — you can go to class and do your assignments whenever it’s convenient for you. However, this same freedom can lead to procrastination, and cause the unwary or undisciplined student to fall behind in his assignments. Once behind, it can be difficult to catch up. It’s difficult to improve oral communication skills. There are many classes such as speech, drama, debate, teacher education and so forth that require the student to make oral presentations in front of a group of people. With online courses this is not practical, as the classroom is virtual, and the students are not all gathered together at one time in one room. A student wishing to improve oral communication skills may need to take these classes in a traditional classroom course. Classes with lab or hands-on requirements may not be available online. If a lab course cannot be simulated or practically offered online, a student will need to take the course at a local college campus or other location with the necessary facilities for completing the course work.

Students considering taking online courses need to be aware of these and other challenges, and be prepared to meet them in order to be successful online. If any challenge seems insurmountable, the student should reconsider the online option and perhaps take a traditional ground-based course instead.

To get successful in life, a good job and sound education are the two most essential requirements. At times one gets stuck up with the work so much that s/he can not dedicate its lion’s share of time to attending the campus classes. But now, with induction of online education or e-learning programs, getting quality education beside other assignments have also been possible. Most importantly, online programs are run by highly creditable institutions and universities nowadays. All segments of education, namely, school education, college education and university education could be availed with the boon-like use of internet.

Professional course as well as regular courses are available in the sphere of e-learning. Online education is provided with the effective help of audio-visual and printed course material. Even the lectures of the specialists are also provided in visual formats. An aspirant is only required to have a computer set with the audio-video settings. Some e-learning providing institutions set-up their own study centers to facilitate the students with their educational needs.

The most significant benefit of an online course is that student is not needed to visit any educational office physically, rather, every work is done online. Students can get various kinds of online degrees through e-learning, for example, the degree of Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctor etc. Besides, diplomas and certificates for all kinds for graduate and undergraduate programs can also be pursued.

A student can choose a subject of his interest from an array of options. Some prominent options available for e-learning are Business, Design, Engineering, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare, IT and Computer Science, Law and Paralegal, Psychology, Religious Study and several other Vocational Programs.

Accreditation is a significant requirement for online education providing institutions. Accreditation ensures that the institutions are meeting the standards set by the experts in their fields and the degree obtained from there will be honored by the future employers and other schools.

For more information on e-learning and online education please visit www.indiaedu.com

Copyright (c) 2008 Kenneth Anczerewicz

Do online courses sound appealing to you? What about just taking an online class or two rather than working towards an online degree? Online courses may be taken while you work full time or even if you attend a regular college or university. You can work at your own pace and at various times of your choosing depending on what’s most convenient to you. Classes are typically online for 30 days per session and and take 18 hours to complete. The site www.Online-Education.net is a great resource to use. They have over 600 online classes to choose from in their catalog.

There are many good reason to consider taking courses online.

1. Eliminate boredom! When the kids are in school, do you find that you’re bored? Take an online education course! You could try something new like cooking, photography, building websites, drawing, or anything that interests you.

2. Learn something new! Learn to do your own taxes or use a new computer program. Get new ideas for gardening or homeschooling or improve your communication and writing skills. Perhaps astronomy, religion, or genealogy will spark your interest. Men enjoy courses on tying flies (for fishing lures), stamp collecting, and history.

3. Meet some new friends or re-connect with old ones! Online courses provide good opportunities to make new friends and share experiences with your old friends. Get a friend to enroll in a course with you; you’ll have a wonderful time!

4. Improve your self-esteem! After learning a new skill, your self-esteem will soar. The new sense of accomplishment will enrich your life and encourage you to try other online courses.

5. Re-ignite your brain! Get your brain in shape. Take a few hobby or informational courses and get used to working online, remembering details, and completing projects.

6. Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. Keeping your brain active will help prevent dementia and, possibly, Alzheimer’s Disease as you get older. Scott Gottlieb, New York newspaper writer, states that, “Participating in mentally challenging leisure activities such as reading and playing board games may help elderly people stay mentally sharp.” Researchers have found that people aged 75 years or more who engaged in leisure activities had a lower risk of dementia than other elderly people. (New England Journal of Medicine 2003; 348:2508-16).

7. Become a more interesting person. When you attend various functions such as PTA meetings you’ll have some interesting conversation to share.

8. Provide your children and family with a great role model. Adults who demonstrate life-long learning are wonderful role models for children, who learn that education continues to benefit us all through life.

9. Learn more about technology. Any time we use a computer, we learn more about technology and how to use it effectively.

10. Improve your resume. The information you learn via online courses might be a great addition to your resume and help you get a better job or more pay.

Pay attention to my roundup of reasons for taking online education courses and you may be surprised at the benefits you experience!