Pros and Cons of Online Degree Programs By David H. Urmann At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Thinking about switching to online mode to earn your college degree? Find out if it’s for you as it offers many advantages but has some disadvantages as well.

More and more people today are taking advantage of the distance education alternative. In this fast paced, heavy traffic world, we all wish we had more than 24 hours in a day. That’s probably the only thing that remains constant no matter how much the world changes. But thanks to the internet, you can now save valuable time and make room for earning that college degree you always dreamed of.

Online colleges and universities are learning centers not for everybody. Students need to have the desire to learn and earn their degrees in order to succeed. The bulk of the learning effort comes from the students themselves.

Here are some advantages of opting for an online program. First, you learn at your own pace and a your own time. Aside from exam schedules and a few other set activity times, scheduling is up to you. Online courses come with course guides but study plans and schedules are entirely left to the student. This is ideal for those who have demanding jobs or are working on shifts that change every so often.

Time flexibility gives those who would otherwise not have the time, to earn a college degree. Traditional campus-based learning does not offer that kind of flexibility. It sorely limits accessibility to full-time students and those who are able to work on set schedules and times. That’s almost impossible these days as corporate competition becomes tougher and globalization makes more people mobile.

Second, it makes learning opportunities accessible to all. People with disabilities, especially those with mobility challenges may be unable to cope with traditional campus-based learning. That sorely marginalizes those who suffer from chronic pain, muscular weakness and similar disabilities. Even blind and visually-impaired persons would have a harder time coping in a traditional classroom setting than they would if they had everything they need within their reach.

Third, students learn to be responsible. Online students virtually work on their own. True, you get online forums and discussion boards and you correspond with people in your program. But all of you work on separate times, even your tutors and online discussion moderators. You’d need to learn to work independently and plan effectively. Learning in online mode is largely dependent on how fast you develop a routine that you can live with. It’s all in your hands.

On the flip side, there are also disadvantages. One of them is that distance makes students feel like they don’t belong. That’s a common feeling among learners in the distance mode and it affects their studies negatively. Despite the availability of technology that makes possible all types of interactions, there’s just something about sitting in a class with others that you don’t experience in online classes. Even voice and video conferencing feels rather different than in-person lectures.

Second is lack of motivation. Because students do not find themselves in the company of people in similar situations on a daily basis, it’s easy to slack off and be left behind. When that happens, it discourages a student. Even if you have a strong support system at home and at work, motivational pep talks are usually just from within you. Rarely do you find anyone in close proximity who knows exactly what it’s like because there aren’t too many people taking courses online. You’d be lucky if you have a classmate who lives in the same city.

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