The traditional image of a college student is someone who leaves his or her home and goes to a college campus, spending a lot of money and four complete years in order to get a degree. This image of college life has been turned on its head by changes in the world, especially in the realm of electronic communication. Today, distance learning, which was once associated only with clunky correspondence courses, has become an attractive alternative to on-campus learning.
A big reason for the growth in online and distance learning programs is that many students find it to be a more flexible alternative, something that better matches their lifestyles. For example, a distance learner doesn't have to give up his job or leave his or her family to study. He or she doesn't have to get the degree done within a four year time limit but can adjust the schedule to fit in with work and family needs. These factors are especially important for adults, who may already be passed "college-age" but want to continue with higher education.
Financial considerations are another factor that often tips the balance in favor of online or distance learning. College tuition costs have risen to unprecedented levels, and even the cost of living at home and commuting to college have risen in recent years.
Distance learning courses do not demand as much from the universities. They do not have to build new buildings or labs, and in many cases these savings are passed on to the enrolled students. In addition, anyone who studies at home will have fewer commuting costs and can usually save money on accommodations.
The perceived gap between traditional on-campus programs and online or distance learning has also changed in the past ten years. For example, a student studying on a campus might watch a lecture on a video, rather than sit in a huge lecture hall, while a student studying at home can also attend a lecture by watching a video on the Internet. The power of technology has made the question of distance irrelevant.
Another important thing to consider is that if you enroll in distance learning or online programs, you may be able to get credit for life experience, such as previous jobs and volunteer positions. In addition, these programs sometimes accept previously earned academic credits. For some people this can mean a considerable acceleration in the rate of obtaining a degree.
You may need your college degree to get ahead in your career, but it doesn't mean that you have to drop your job and head to a distant campus. You may be able to get it with a good online college degree program.
A big reason for the growth in online and distance learning programs is that many students find it to be a more flexible alternative, something that better matches their lifestyles. For example, a distance learner doesn't have to give up his job or leave his or her family to study. He or she doesn't have to get the degree done within a four year time limit but can adjust the schedule to fit in with work and family needs. These factors are especially important for adults, who may already be passed "college-age" but want to continue with higher education.
Financial considerations are another factor that often tips the balance in favor of online or distance learning. College tuition costs have risen to unprecedented levels, and even the cost of living at home and commuting to college have risen in recent years.
Distance learning courses do not demand as much from the universities. They do not have to build new buildings or labs, and in many cases these savings are passed on to the enrolled students. In addition, anyone who studies at home will have fewer commuting costs and can usually save money on accommodations.
The perceived gap between traditional on-campus programs and online or distance learning has also changed in the past ten years. For example, a student studying on a campus might watch a lecture on a video, rather than sit in a huge lecture hall, while a student studying at home can also attend a lecture by watching a video on the Internet. The power of technology has made the question of distance irrelevant.
Another important thing to consider is that if you enroll in distance learning or online programs, you may be able to get credit for life experience, such as previous jobs and volunteer positions. In addition, these programs sometimes accept previously earned academic credits. For some people this can mean a considerable acceleration in the rate of obtaining a degree.
You may need your college degree to get ahead in your career, but it doesn't mean that you have to drop your job and head to a distant campus. You may be able to get it with a good online college degree program.
About the Author:
Diane Palmer spent more than twenty-five years as a Dean of Students at a major university in the Midwest. She currently writes on subjects including how to select an online degree program to advance your career, and how to find an online college likely to grant academic credit for your prior life experience.
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