Is an online college worth it? If you are planning to get a degree online, you might want to know if an online college is worth it. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 that kept everyone indoor, more and more people have decided to pursue their degree and certificates online.
Today we are going to see the advantages and disadvantages of online degree, so we can tell if an online college degree is worth it.
What Is an Online College Degree?
An online degree is a type of academic degree (typically a college degree, but it can also refer to high school diplomas and non-degree certificate programs) that can be obtained wholly or partially online rather than on a traditional campus.
The rise of online institutions that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees has resulted from advancements in technology, increased usage of the Internet worldwide, and the necessity for people to have flexible study schedules while working.
What’s The Quality Of Online Education?
Individuals with physical limitations, full-time employees, military personnel, those living overseas, and stay-at-home parents, for example, can all benefit from certified higher education through online education.
The view of online degrees as being of higher quality than on-campus degrees varies, but it has risen in recent years. While the majority of large online universities are regionally accredited, public opinion on their quality is mixed. There is a preference for on-campus degrees, according to a national study of hiring managers. Applicants with an online degree were sometimes turned down by hiring managers.
Some experts think that some degrees are better suited for online learning than others, while others are not. The growth of proprietary online-only programs, which has come under scrutiny in recent years, is a serious challenge for authorized and respected online programs.
According to a survey conducted by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), 100 percent of employers believe that graduates of distance education programs perform better on the job as a result of their degree (as compared to their previous performance). Employers also believed that an individual with a distant education degree compared favorably to someone with a resident degree in terms of knowledge gained.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, on the other hand, reported in January 2007 that a Vault Inc. survey revealed that 55 percent of employers favored traditional degrees over online degrees. Fourty-one percent, on the other hand, stated they would “consider both types of degrees equally.”
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation funds the Sloan Consortium to maintain and improve the quality of remote education. The Sloan Consortium produces monthly reports on the state of distance education in the United States. In a report published in 2006, “”In 2003, 57 percent of academic leaders judged the learning outcomes in online education as the same or superior to those in face-to-face,” according to “Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States, 2006.” This figure has risen to 62 percent, a slight but significant increase.”
What Are The Benefits Of Online Education?
Here are some of the benefits associated with getting an online college degree:
Low Cost
Students might save a significant amount of money by taking classes online. Tuition for an online program is frequently less expensive than the on-campus version of the identical program at many schools.
Even if this isn’t the case, you can save money in other ways by using online learning. You won’t have to pay for accommodation or a meal plan, and your tuition will most likely be lower because you won’t be commuting. Even books can be cheaper if they are available digitally. Taking college classes online is certainly more cost effective, regardless of how you look at it.
Flexibility
This is, without a doubt, our favorite advantage of online education. When you enroll in an online college course, you can schedule your classes around your schedule rather than the other way around.
Classes are held every week at the same time in a regular on-campus program. When you take an online course, on the other hand, you can watch the lectures whenever it is most convenient for you. You can get up early and study before going to work if you’re a morning person. You can take your classes once everyone else has gone to bed if you’re a night owl. You can’t make it to class on Tuesday because you’re too busy. On Wednesday, you can view the lecture. Online learning complements, rather than competes with, your busy schedule.
Enough Free Time
You’ll have more free time in your schedule if you’re not commuting to and from classes. Because online schools demand a lot of studying, you can use that free time to stay up with your coursework or to schedule some downtime. To be successful, you must take good care of yourself.
Time Management
One of the less well-known advantages of online learning is that it drives you to improve your time management abilities.
It’s easy to let procrastination get in the way when you don’t have to commute to school for class. True online success necessitates the development of effective time management skills. You must schedule study sessions at regular times throughout the week. It will be difficult at first, but once you get into the habit, you will notice that you have built a skill that will benefit you not just in your studies but also in your future work. You may learn to make and stick to a timetable through online learning.
Improved Quality Of Learning
You know when you’re in class and your mind wanders for a second? Your professor mentioned something significant, but you missed it. Don’t you ever wish you could just rewind the lecture and watch it again?
That is how online education works. Many students claim that being able to replay lectures and review information at their own pace makes it easier to learn complex subject. Furthermore, online courses frequently incorporate additional reading materials and study guides to assist students stay engaged in the content. What was the end result? A more conducive learning environment.
Let us now consider some of the disadvantages of studying online…
What Are The Disadvantages Of Online Education?
It Creates Sense Of Isolation
Everyone learns in his or her own unique way. Some students can study independently, while others want to be part of a campus community where they have easy access to lecturers and fellow students. The good news is that online virtual classroom platforms have been attempting to close such gaps by developing a set of technologies that enable learners to actively participate in live sessions, recreating a sense of community in the virtual arena. To equal the efficiency of traditional classes, online education must promote the social side of learning.
Online Education Requires Self-Discipline
Being a member of a group and physically attending lessons helps you to be more accountable. If a student does not believe they are receiving adequate instruction, they may lack the self-discipline to properly participate in the classes. It is more accountable to switch to virtual, real-time classes rather than only online courses. Live quizzes and breakout rooms encourage group activity and assist test learning in real time. These technologies aid with student accountability and engagement.
They Are Prone To Technical Issues
Technical issues are the most common drawbacks of online learning. Audio, visual, and connection issues are the most disruptive aspects of an online class. Students have been forced to download and/or install time-consuming apps or technology in the past, which resulted in erratic results.
Fortunately, online classes may now be accessible by simply clicking a link and do not require any installation. The quality of Internet connections has vastly increased over the world. Furthermore, the quality of people’s devices has improved dramatically.
It Requires More Screen Time
In 2021, it will almost certainly be unavoidable, yet we do spend an alarming amount of time in front of screens. Unfortunately, online learning contributes to this issue. Excessive screen time can cause a variety of physical problems, such as bad posture and headaches. However, for children who have difficulty learning from or focusing on screens, it might be a personal issue.
Especially when the internet is designed to divert students’ attention away from the learning material by providing social media and entertainment just a click away. The best online learning platforms and software provide a variety of tools and features to assist students in keeping focused and engaged.
Can Online Degree Get You Jobs?
Is it true that every employer will accept an online degree? No, but we can’t say the same about on-campus degrees. Employer collaborations are on the rise, as is the need for online programs, and there is a demand for online learning choices in emerging industries, all of which point to greater acceptance of online education in general.
There are a number of things to consider if you want to pursue a degree online. Being prepared will allow you to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience that online learning provides. Investigate your options and debunk the myths around online education’s standards, expenses, and acceptance. Setting realistic expectations for what you’ll encounter as a student and after graduation will help you go forward in your career.
Is Online College Worth It?
Online colleges are an excellent option for working professionals looking to return to school. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s worth it, then here are some of the benefits that online college offers: It’s never too late to start your education. With an online degree, you can study at your own pace without any scheduling constraints. You’ll save money on transportation and childcare expenses. You can get help from your instructors and get feedback from classmates through forums and chats. Online degrees provide a global perspective by exposing students to cultures they might never have been exposed to otherwise.
Online college is more expensive than traditional classes. You also need to factor in the cost of living and the need for a car on campus. Online college does have some advantages, such as the ability to work and take classes at your own pace.
