The number of online programs at postsecondary schools has exploded in the past few years. Today almost two-thirds of traditional colleges and universities are also providing graduate courses online. Among schools that offer face-to-face master’s programs, 44 percent also offer masters degrees online. This explosive growth explains how today’s K-12 teachers have taken some course work online, and many schools have teachers who earned their entire Master degrees via the web. There are still many questions and concerns about online education.
Do students who take online courses learn as much as face-to-face students?
Appropriate online instruction should provide students with opportunities for active participation with the instructor and fellow student. In many online courses students are required to post a message on a common discussion board and reply to another student’s comment. The interactions and presentations of knowledge provide students with outstanding learning possibilities.
Are online instructors as good as face-to-face instructors?
Research shows that many university instructors teach both online and face-to-face, so many times the teachers that instruct in the physical classroom also teach the online courses.
Do we communicate more or less in an online environment?
There is constant communication in an online environment. Because face-to-face instruction is not a factor, the communication is actually more frequent in the virtual setting. Students communicate weekly via a forum where they post questions and comments according to their syllabus. As opposed to a face-to-face classroom, students are required to post a certain amount of material, which allows for everyone in the class to express opinions and thoughts without having the intimidation factor that may appear in the traditional setting. The online instructor usually comments on the postings via private e-mails or overall comment sent to the entire class. In addition to the course material, student can also access virtual libraries and a vast variety of research sources.
Is online education just a current ‘it-thing’?
Online learning is here to stay. The percentage of schools making online instruction a long-term strategy grew from 49 percent in 2003 to 56 percent in 2005. In the fall of 2002 more than 1,600 000 students took at least one online course. Two years later the number had risen to 2, 239 000. According to the Sloan Consortium, more than 80 percent of institutions where doctoral and research programs are available also offer online courses that fulfill requirements for those degree programs.
Can anyone take an online course?
Yes. Most universities have the same admission requirements for online learning as their traditional programs. The student only needs a computer with Internet access.
Can I get a job with an online degree?
Online degrees are gaining more acceptances among employers, and hiring managers are less concerned about whether a degree was earned online and more about the reputation of the school. Even tough an online education is easier as far as time saving goes, it is important to remember that it takes a committed student to succeed in an online environment. Those students that have the strength and capacity to successfully go through those online delivery processes are disciplined and know how to balance work, life and school responsibilities.
Who is the typical online student?
Sloan Consortium research shows that 80 percent of online students who are seeking their bachelor's degree are older than traditional college students and often have jobs and families. But only 40 percent of that population is utilizing online courses exclusively. The rest are hybrid students, blending online courses with more traditional campus-based classes.
Besides the obvious time saving advantage, what other advantages can I find in an online education?
Online degree programs are beneficial to minority groups because students are able to express themselves freely and openly. The intimidation factor is nonexistent. It's an equal playing field, where everyone comes to the table with a willingness and commitment to learn from that experience and be contributors.