The following post was written by Adam Costa, a freelance consultant who provides organizational leadership training to small businesses. Want to write for Edudemic? Find out more here.
Online universities have many, many advantages over traditional campuses. That’s not to say it’s for everyone, though; some students enjoy the social aspect, while others require a more personal touch. The following lists 10 reasons you should consider attending an online university:
1. It’s Cheaper
Obviously, online universities don’t have brick-and-mortar expenses… which means they pass on the savings to you.
But it’s not just the lower tuition. Parking permits, books, gas (or public transit), dorm rooms, and time wasted getting to / from school are all hidden expenses most students don’t consider.
A recent study by Northcentral University found the average student pays roughly $1,000 per semester for books. That’s an extra $8,000 over a four-year period!
2. Admission is Faster
Unlike traditional campuses – where students wait months for acceptance letters – online universities routinely accept or decline applications within a few short days.
3. Learn at Your Own Pace
With an online education, students can review lectures over and over at their leisure. They can watch videos, or review presentation slides until they grasp the material. And if they still struggle…they can watch the lesson again.
4. Increased Access To Teachers
Speaking with a professor can be difficult in a class of 300 students. Fortunately, online class generally have a much higher faculty to student ratio (often there is one teacher for every ten students). This provides students with increased access to teachers, who can elaborate on the course material.
In addition, online education is geared towards email and chat services… something traditional campuses have yet to fully adopt.
5. Increased Flexibility
Students can quickly adapt to changes in instructors, course material or activities in an online environment.
For example, a substitute teacher may be able to fill in… if enough advance notice is given. But with online universities, subs are just an email away.
6. Better Informed In-Class Discussions
Students have complete access to the Internet during class. Questions raised in class can be further explored online in real time, improving the class dialogue and overall learning process.
7. Enhanced Focus
Students can attend class in the privacy of their own home. Unlike traditional campuses, students are not distracted by coughing, sneezing, or other students whispering during class.
8. Learn When You Want, Where You Want
Online students enjoy the freedom of attending class when they want; traditional students must attend class at a fixed time, whether they’re ready for it or not.
This is especially valuable for students with full-time jobs, or children at home. They can take classes in the morning before work, or put in a few hours after the kids go to bed. It’s up to them.
9. Wider Spectrum of Course Material
Since there are no geographic boundaries, students can access a wider range of courses. This is especially true for vocational training – such as becoming a paralegal, medical billing and notary services – or for students in rural areas where traditional campuses may be too far away.
10. It’s Much Less Intimidating
Students may feel nervous about asking a question in front of 70 students. But with online education, anyone can type in a question without fear. Students also have more time to think about their question, and can add their question when they are ready.
The History of Online Education
If you’re looking to learn a bit more about online schools, why not check out the history of online education via this infographic crafted by OnlineColleges.net
Click infographic to zoom
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