The Value of Your Education
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 65% of postsecondary institutions currently offer some type of online education program, and an increasing number are planning to take their courses online in the near future. As a student, your choices in education have never been broader, and thanks to technology your access to online education is only growing.
The shift towards offering degree programs and coursework online has spawned concern in the educational community regarding the value and quality of an online education and the student experience, in comparison with the traditional on-campus approach.
What should you expect from your online education?
If you were planning to attend class on-campus at a traditional university you’d expect to receive an education from qualified professional faculty members. In addition you anticipate that regardless of your course of study, the curriculum has been designed by experienced educators and approved by an accrediting board.
This is exactly what you should expect from your online degree program.
When you enroll in an online program offered by a traditional non-profit university, you are signing up to receive the same quality accredited education the university would offer in a classroom on their campus. The only difference should be in how the information is delivered. Online programs are designed to bring flexibility to your studies, allowing you to learn and actively participate in your education while continuing your life.
Online programs feature educational content delivered in a clear and focused presentation style that keeps you engaged with the subject matter. Instructors and students network and stay connected through online discussions, assignments, and homework. Often multimedia is incorporated into online education in the form of video, animations, slide shows, and other rich media content.
Working Professionals
Many online courses are specifically designed to fit into the busy lives of working professionals. This unique component of online education also gives current industry professionals the opportunity to step into the classroom environment and share their real-world experience as faculty members.
The goal for traditional universities taking their education into the online world is to provide students with the opportunity to reach their educational goals, and receive the optimum learning experience.