With the use of computers and online college courses, people are earning online degrees and diplomas in a way that they never imagined they could. Some online college courses are free while others are somewhat costly. The courses that are not free are usually the ones that entail eventually earning a full degree. However, you could even find a way around that as in most cases, there is financial aid available to those who qualify for it.
In some cases, if your meet the requirements of the online college you are applying to and earn a degree taking only online college courses, you will have the option to make payments in installments. In other cases, you will have to pay a hefty sum in the beginning to get enrolled and then start paying monthly fees based on the online college courses you have selected.
The good news is most major colleges, both reputable and accredited, offer online college courses. And most of them also have the means of using virtual technology. In any case, the online college courses you take from an accredited online college are legitimate, and you have the freedom to complete them at your own pace. However, in some situations, the online college courses do have an end date, but the pace still depends on your preferences.
Even taking exams can be quite convenient with online colleges. Some colleges send students the exams via email, and students have the option to print it off, answer the questions, and mail it right back. Another pro of online courses is that you even complete assignments via email or mail. Plus, all learning materials are available online and set up in a practical and convenient way for students.
Most students can complete courses within the designated time frame for that particular course, and the time allotted to them is usually enough for the students to get prepared for the final exam. Some online colleges will give you a second chance if you fail an exam while others will make you retake the course all over again.
Is Distance Education the Best Option for You?
Online college courses, like on-campus college courses, have their share of pros and cons. The best way to determine which one best fits your needs is to research and then make an informed decision. Keep in mind that someone else’s bad experience with online learning does not necessarily mean that you will face a similar situation. The best thing you can do is go into it with an open mind and give it your all.
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The Advantages of Online College Courses
Flexibility: Most people choose to learn online because it offers an enormous amount of flexibility. You can go through the courses on your own time and practically from anywhere without disrupting your everyday life. You also have the opportunity to study at a pace that is appropriate for your learning style. You can take classes when you want to without worrying about fitting the class into your hectic schedule, which is one of the biggest reasons online college degrees are popular among working parents.
Convenience: With distance education, there is no need to commute to campus. Your classroom is anywhere you want it to be. With just a click of the mouse, you can have access to your online classroom, class work, assignments, lectures, and more. Online courses and online degrees are only a click away. Because you are responsible for staying on top of your schoolwork, you can take as much time to graduate as you need. Whether you choose to graduate in one year or seven, you’ll have the ability to plan your own class schedule on your own terms.There are even additional courses that you can take to supplement your degree that only take weeks to complete.
Affordability: Online learning eliminates some of the most expensive parts of a college education. When you take online college courses, you save yourself from paying for room and board, transportation, parking, and textbooks. Plus, you can also pay per course rather than per semester or quarter.
The Disadvantages of Online Degree Programs
Non-Accredited Colleges: The biggest con of pursuing an online degree is the danger of taking classes at non-accredited online colleges. These diplomas have little to no value in the real world. Make sure to research schools before enrolling to ensure you won’t become a victim of fraud. Try to talk to previous students if possible to find the credibility of your degree.
Anti-Social Nature: Social students won’t do well in online classes. The lack of interaction with your classmates other than instant messaging, group discussions, and emails usually drives them up the wall and results in them feeling alone. Face-to-face interactions with teachers are also either limited or non-existent. Hence, if you are a student who does better with a teacher who pays close attention to their students’ progress, online college courses may disappoint you.
Self-Regulation: The autonomous nature of online college programs can be a problem for people who can’t set limits for themselves. Is your home environment a safe setting for studying without supervision? If you have the space to be in peace and thrive when you work alone, you may be a good candidate. However, if you are frequently surrounded by people, like roommates, your online college experience may not go as smoothly. Simply put, if you are distracted easily and have a tendency to procrastinate, distance learning may not be for you. You need self-regulation, self-motivation, and self-discipline to pull off keeping up with course materials.
Diploma mills: Diploma mills are a major problem. They offer degrees with no classroom attendance, exams, or lectures in exchange for a small fee. These degrees are not accredited and have no legitimacy in the work force. So make sure you choose an accredited online college to get a quality education.
Sourced from: collegexpress
Featured Image: Pixabay
