Online Courses: Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages?

Author: Jesse Whitehead

Many working adults are discovering the need to further their education to compete in today's uncertain and constantly changing job market. However, going to school while trying to balance work, family, and social obligations can be a daunting task for even the heartiest of students.

Fortunately, with the advent of the internet and computer technology, there is now an alternative to the traditional college classroom. Thousands of adult learners are finding that online courses provide an e-learning solution that fits their busy lifestyles. If you are thinking about going back to school to further your education, internet courses may be just what you're looking for.

Before enrolling in any online courses, it's a good idea to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages and then determine if going to school online is right for you. Online courses provide a number of advantages for adult students including:

• Accelerated Learning modules that focus on core content.
• Rolling admissions that allow students to begin class throughout the year.
• Attend classes at anytime. You can work full or part time, spend time with family and friends, and still be able to study at a time that is convenient and fits into your schedule.
• Attend classes from anywhere. All you need is a computer and internet access.
• Work at your own pace. If you need extra time to absorb the course content, you can read and re-read the material until you "get it."
• Equal learning environment for students, regardless of age, physical appearance, personality, health, gender, social standing or economic status.
• More time to make a response to the instructor's lectures and questions. No need to feel pressured or out-matched by more talkative students-online everyone has a chance to be heard-even the most shy student who might never speak out in a traditional classroom.
• Reduced expense. While the actual class, textbooks, and other material may cost as much as in a traditional classroom, there may be a significant reduction of expenses in other areas such as travel expense, housing costs, child-care, and loss of earnings.
• Improved communication with classmates and instructors through instant messaging, email, chat rooms, newsgroup threaded discussions, phone or fax.
• Accredited courses. Many online courses are accredited by regional and/or national accrediting agencies.
• Improve technical knowledge of computers, software, and the internet.
• Working in virtual teams provide the student with valuable skills in the global economy.

Disadvantages include:

• A feeling of isolation caused by lack of live contact with instructors and classmates.
• Absence of a traditional classroom structure may cause students lacking self-discipline and good study habits to fall behind in class.
• Requires a good working knowledge of computer hardware and software, file management, and the internet.
• Technical issues. Obsolete or malfunctioning computers, sluggish internet connections, or incompatible software may cause problems logging into class, and completing course assignments.
• Requires high level of commitment and motivation.
• Students have little opportunity to improve oral communication skills, due to course work being in an electronic format.
• Classes with lab or hands-on requirements may by unavailable online.
  

While online courses offer many advantages for the adult student there are clearly some disadvantages as well. However, for thousands of students worldwide, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. For these students, attending school online is an effective way to attain their educational goals and advance in their career. If you need to further your education, you might just discover that it's also the right choice for you!

Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:
Jesse Whitehead earned his B.S. in Business Administration degree with honors from a prominent online university in 2005. For more information on how online college classes can help you earn your degree click here!

Learn a New Language From Home

Author: Aage Kold Jensen

It always impresses me, when I hear someone fluently speak a foreign language. I find it very admirable when a person learns to master another tongue. Besides my own language (Danish) I was taught English, German and French in school, although French was only for two years and let's just say it has been a while since then. I don't consider myself a master in the English language, but I feel that I can handle myself in just about any situation. As for German I can read it fairly well and also keep up in simple conversations.

Knowing other languages is great when I travel. Needless to say it's a lot easier to communicate with other people, when you don't have to spend several minutes trying to explain a simple question like: "Where is the nearest bus station?" or "Do you know what time it is?".

My parents have never traveled much. I know they have always had trouble finding time for it, but I can't help but wonder if the fact that they don't speak any foreign languages plays a role too.

Besides from just wanting to know a foreign language or being able to impress your friends and family there could be many very good reasons for learning one:

-If part of your education gave you the opportunity to work for a period of time for a company in a different country as a trainee.

-Or perhaps you wanted to finish your education at a foreign university.

-Maybe you are no longer satisfied with your job and your life in general and you want to try something completely different like working and living abroad.

-Your kids are all grown up and have moved away and you want try something exciting like working and living under a different sky.


Regardless of your motivation you are still faced with a very big task, which can be time consuming and require you to make changes to your daily life. Those changes are perhaps inconvenient for you or maybe not even possible. I am of course talking about taking classes, but what if you have to be at work or some place else at the same time.

There can also be other problems like the course you want to participate in takes place too far away from where you live, or maybe you live in a small town, where it isn't even possible to take a language course.

All hope is not lost though; since it is possible to learn a foreign language all by yourself in the comfort of your own home. You can get complete interactive language packages, which will teach you to read, write and speak and you don't even need to be in the presence of a teacher.

This will of course not substitute many years of regular schooling with professional teachers by your side every step of the way, but that isn't really the point. You are most likely not even looking for big and shiny diploma either. All you want is to get yourself to the point, where a particular language no longer is a hindrance.

A new learning experience will then take place, once you have arrived in whatever country you decided upon. What I mean is that getting really good at speaking a foreign language can only be achieved by actually using it and there is no better way than being among people native to that particular tongue.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:
Learn more at: www.speak-foreign.com

Online Bachelor Degree

Author: Kateri White

Today, the world has become very competitive and so as the importances of education. So there are many reasons why people are seeking for online bachelor's degree. They have found that a bachelor's degree gives them an edge over the competition and can sometimes sway a promotion or potential employer to swing their way. The online bachelor degree is making it easier than ever to obtain your degree while working or handling everyday life.

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree. The name bachelor was given to the degree because of the English word bachelor, meaning "young apprentice." A bachelor's degree is the first degree a student can receive in his or her academic career, with the exception of the associate's degree. The bachelor's degree is sometimes awarded after earning an associate's degree, though it is often the first degree that is earned. Whether or not an associate's degree can be earned first depends upon the area of study. A master's is generally the degree that can be earned following a bachelor's degree, which can then be followed by a doctorate degree.

One of the aspects of online education that people do not understand is how you get the hands on training that many fields require. While you may or may not need this in the bachelor-degrees that you plan to get, you will find that information about this is easy to find at the online university's websites.

There are many programs that are offered through online bachelor-degrees. If you would like to know if any of the programs or classes that you need to take are available to you on the web, all you need to do is to log onto any of the various online schools and find out. This level of education that the bachelor-degree is one that is advanced and will require much learning.

Well, in many cases online bachelor degrees are being offered by accredited colleges that are not only online but have a physical campus as well. However, there are a growing number of institutions that are strictly online.

A bachelor's degree is an investment in your future. While most on-campus bachelor's degree programs take a minimum of four years, many online schools also offer accelerated studies. An education through an online university is one of the best ways to learn and to stay on the cutting-edge of technology.

The cost of obtaining an online bachelor degree is comparable to obtaining a regular bachelor degree. Though many people will find the cost of higher education outside of their budgets, online bachelor degree programs offer financial assistance.

When choosing an online bachelor degree program you want to find one that matches your needs. Make sure that the institution is accredited in your state to ensure that you degree will be valid to all future employers. The area of study and method of learning, whether obtaining an online bachelor degree or earning it in a traditional classroom, are all personal choices that must fit with your professional and personal goals, schedule and budget.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:
Published by Kateri White currently writing on online degree programs topics for http://www.onlineuniversitydegreeprogram.info.

Online Degree Programs

Author: Kateri White

An online university degree can help to increase one's chances of earning a higher income from a job, instead of settling for a position that will limit them because of lack of education. Online university degree offers wide variety of online programs; such as Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctorate, and Professional courses. The specific courses offered include disciplines such as business management and administration, criminal justice, health, information technology, nursing, education, human resources, call center professional training, and project management.

Studying on the Internet is a convenient way to earn an education because it won't interfere with work and saves time and energy. Online university degrees can help students to pace themselves and get needed schooling while still enjoying life. The classes offered through an online university degree might only require a minimal amount of work during the week as opposed to classes at a regular college. That can be an added benefit so as not to overload the student's schedule.

Internet programs can be helpful because their courses are designed to interact with professors on an email or Internet basis, instead of being engaged in class work and group projects which is a time consuming process for the workers and employers. Those falling into this category might benefit from pursuing an Internet degree. There are numerous websites that offer profiles for different colleges and universities, including web universities.

Web studies can be a blessing to those who desire to use their time and talents in the required period. They work hard and might be serving in remote countries that don't have schools near them. That's where an online university degree can be a great asset.

There is a wide choice of online courses that are offered by various colleges and universities. Some of the courses offered are general, while others are specific. It is therefore important that you survey all the options available, and then identify the course that is best suited to your requirements and the university that is best equipped to provide you with an in-depth learning of the course. Ensure that the teaching faculty for the course of your choice is qualified and that all necessary technical support will be provided to you in your online communications with the Institute.

After having decided your specific course and the learning center, you need to open a channel of communication with the institution. Each institution can provide the student with specific requirements. An online degree program may include purchasing textbooks or purchasing an e-book which allows the student to access the book online, usually at cheaper costs. Through an online degree program, links might be provided in the course syllabus allowing for additional instruction or templates to use to complete class assignments. Do a search on the Internet today for online degree programs and find out the vast opportunities available to anyone possessing a computer and Internet service. Attending an online university is a legitimate, convenient, and flexible way for you to advance you education, as well as your career and personal potential.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:
Published by Kateri White currently writing on online degree programs topics for our website http://www.onlineuniversitydegreeprogram.info.

Discover The Ease Of Online Learning

Author: Analeese Burnabaker

Many people in today's world are wanting to go back to college to gain a degree or to increase their knowledge in a certain area. Unfortunately, the busyness of life doesn't always provide the time (or the money) for desiring people to stop what they are doing and head back to school. It is not always realistic to lay aside a career for a few years simply to devote yourself to study. The good news for anyone desiring to learn more while keeping up with life can turn to online learning as a great alternative.

Online learning is one of the best things that the internet has brought us. I am amazed that all people need to do is log on to the internet and they can sign up for a nearly endless amount of amazing classes. Whether people are hoping to finish their GED or to graduate with a Bachelor's degree or even a Master's degree, online learning can be a great way to go.

Obviously, one of the biggest benefits of online learning is the convenience factor. You do not have to stop your career or move to another city that offers the program you desire. Instead, you simply need only to have internet access. Having internet access opens the door to endless possibilities that can be fulfilled within your home or at a local library if you do not own your own computer. There is perhaps no more convenient way to get an education than through online learning.

Online learning is also great because it is so flexible. It can work around your schedule rather than you having to submit yourself to the learning schedule. This is great for professinoal adults or for parents everywhere. Furthering your education does not become burdensome or impossible, but rather it becomes a pleasure. We could all use a few things that are flexible in our lives, and online learning is just that. You decide on the program you want to study, the classes you want to take at any certain time, and then you just sign up and begin.

Online learning is a great way to slowly work on a degree while keeping your current job and responsibilities. I am so thankful for online learning because it has allowed me to earn my Master's degree while maintaining a full-time writing career. No other method of education worked for my time and my needs.

I'd encourage anyone serious about pursuing more education to look no further than online learning. It's simply amazing.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:

Analeese Burnabaker has been an advocate of online learning ever since she successfully completed a degree that way. See www.coolonlinelearning.info for more on online learning that meets your needs.