Going To College - Online?
Posted July 12th, 2008 by adminWith the high cost of fuel these days, many students are forgoing enrolling at traditional colleges and universities and opting for another way to earn their degrees: online. According to an article in The New York Times, thousands of students have decided to cut costs caused by rising gas prices by taking one or more of their classes over the internet. With the vast majority of college students living off campus, commuting back and forth to campus can be a drain on their already minimal budgets. By enrolling in internet classes, students have found a way to stay in school and continue their education.
Although most large colleges and universities offer online courses, the largest increases in enrollment has been seen in two-year colleges during summer sessions, according to the NY Times article. But with the increase comes something else: waiting lists. There are still a maximum number of students allowed to enroll, even in online courses, and many students will run into waiting lists unless they enroll early.
Another downfall is the lack of interaction with others in a classroom setting. Sure the work can get done, but the face-to-face contact will be lost. Make sure all of this is taken into consideration before making the decision to enroll in an online course. Consider also that some students find online coursework harder than classroom study. And be aware that regular trips to the campus will still need to be made for some classes; not all of the courses will be available online.
Online courses present an option that can be beneficial and budget-friendly. Consider all of the pros and cons and make the decision that is right for you!
Happy learning!
Dear Charlie
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ann ruckert
Comment by ANN RUCKERT — August 18, 2008 @ 11:23 am
I think it’s great to give students a choice like this, especially considering the diverse array of lives we now lead. Most people I know who’ve taken online courses were very happy with them. However, I do have a couple of friends at a college that, after some budget cuts, forced them to take a certain number of online courses. Saving money on gas is nice, but I’d rather sacrifice the savings then jump (or be pushed) into a poorly designed online class like my friends were.
Comment by maculate — April 3, 2009 @ 4:03 am
I have mixed feelings about online classes. My husband is getting is degree and is taking most of his classes on line. It’s a great option for him because we have a family and he works full time. However, I’m not sure he is learning and getting the best education possible this way. He gets the work done, but that’s about it. There are online forums for the class to hold discussions, but it’s really just another assignment to post something and it doesn’t seem to be that valuable. Once you post, you’re done. There isn’t the need to learn to defend your point. Rarely does he even look at the comments other students make about his required postings. Colleges will say that it’s a discussion forum, but it’s really not. It would also be very easy to have others help with the work. I really think that colleges went to online to attract more students and make more money.
However, it’s great for students who need a degree and can’t get one any other way. I guess I just have mixed feelings about online degrees.
Comment by Jackie — April 3, 2009 @ 9:39 am
I kind of have mixed feelings about it too. I am looking into obtaining my Master’s degree online, because of the convenience. But, I feel like I would get so much more out of my education by being in a classroom.
Comment by brainyhousewife — April 5, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
I have no experience studying formally online, but I think it’s a great option for some, allowing them to keep their job and lifestyle as they learn.
I can see how it may be considerably more challenging than having the opportunity for one-on-one interaction in a real classroom though.
Comment by Ricardo — April 6, 2009 @ 7:24 am
I can empathize with your husband not checking the replies to his posts, jackie. I don’t have online courses, but pretty much all of them utilize a program called ‘BlackBoard’ to some extent. One class has a mandatory discussion board section that I never bother with once I’ve completed the requirements.
Comment by maculate — April 10, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
It is very practical. It has been around for a good while but it has never been this essential to education with the advent of the global economic crisis.
Comment by elfenliedagain — June 26, 2009 @ 12:22 pm