To advance in your career, you need to pursue higher education. The decision you'll first face is: Online or in-class instruction. It makes sense to take an online class, right? You can save money (and time) by sitting in front of your computer learning, rather than driving back and forth to college, right? But, is online education for you? Read on to find out.
Online education takes more dedication to schedules and studying. It also requires you to pay attention to the online lectures you attend. The lure of sitting home, taking a class, finishing laundry, watching television, and other multi-tasking duties is strong. If you're involved in other activities and are not fully invested in the class as it goes on, if you're not asking and answering questions, you truly won't reap the benefits of the classroom experience - and this could hurt you in the long run.
You've always worked well alone. You're able to take the initiative, get the job done and done well. Or are you the kind of person who thrives in a social setting? Do you miss the social interaction that comes from lively discussions centering around in-class discussions? Consider which type of personality you are before taking the plunge into online learning. Yes, you will reap savings in commuting time and money, but will you reap the benefits of a solo education if you are a social personality? And consider whether your reasons for pursuing an online degree are compelling enough to keep you invested in the program.
New technologies excite you and you are usually the first person to install or purchase new software? If so, great! If you aren't quite clear on where your CD drive is and the idea of installing software without having step-by-step in-person instructions being given, you may find yourself struggling if your instructor needs you to install software to access online instruction. Keep in mind, taking an online class means you won't have access to an instructor or classmates to help with tech issues.
You're a more oral learner. Hearing instructions, rather than thumbing through pages of written instruction helps you comprehend material may mean you're not cut out for an online degree. With an online degree, there will be little oral interaction with either an instructor or classmates. Written rather than oral instruction is the norm for online instruction.
For some people, though, the pros of learning at their own pace, avoiding driving and parking hassles and the convenience of working on assignments in the middle of the night far outweigh the lack of social interaction. Before taking the plunge, take a few moments to truly consider why you want to go the online degree route.
Online education takes more dedication to schedules and studying. It also requires you to pay attention to the online lectures you attend. The lure of sitting home, taking a class, finishing laundry, watching television, and other multi-tasking duties is strong. If you're involved in other activities and are not fully invested in the class as it goes on, if you're not asking and answering questions, you truly won't reap the benefits of the classroom experience - and this could hurt you in the long run.
You've always worked well alone. You're able to take the initiative, get the job done and done well. Or are you the kind of person who thrives in a social setting? Do you miss the social interaction that comes from lively discussions centering around in-class discussions? Consider which type of personality you are before taking the plunge into online learning. Yes, you will reap savings in commuting time and money, but will you reap the benefits of a solo education if you are a social personality? And consider whether your reasons for pursuing an online degree are compelling enough to keep you invested in the program.
New technologies excite you and you are usually the first person to install or purchase new software? If so, great! If you aren't quite clear on where your CD drive is and the idea of installing software without having step-by-step in-person instructions being given, you may find yourself struggling if your instructor needs you to install software to access online instruction. Keep in mind, taking an online class means you won't have access to an instructor or classmates to help with tech issues.
You're a more oral learner. Hearing instructions, rather than thumbing through pages of written instruction helps you comprehend material may mean you're not cut out for an online degree. With an online degree, there will be little oral interaction with either an instructor or classmates. Written rather than oral instruction is the norm for online instruction.
For some people, though, the pros of learning at their own pace, avoiding driving and parking hassles and the convenience of working on assignments in the middle of the night far outweigh the lack of social interaction. Before taking the plunge, take a few moments to truly consider why you want to go the online degree route.
About the Author:
Robbi Hess is a staff writer for the American Educational Guidance Center, which publishes educational websites that assist students of all ages in choosing online colleges and online universities which best meet their needs.
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