Online Education Trends
Every year, as cable internet reaches more people, online education keeps growing and diversifying, with the strongest increase in associate degrees and certificates. Most online education programs focus on vocational courses, test preparation, or supplemental tutoring, but some colleges and universities offer online Associate, Bachelor, or Master degrees. Though distance learning has mostly served older working adults, the trend is that online education is now attracting a younger generation.
Another advantage of online education is that students have access to a larger pool of educators. Some outstanding working professionals avoid regular teaching positions because of the fear of in-person, classroom presentations. Teaching online allows them to share their expertise and to be a mentor to the next generation, wherever they or you happen to be.
Another online training trend of the last couple of years is lower prices. Most of the online players charge between $500 and $1,500 a course, with the public universities charging usually less than $1,000 per course.
While most students enrolled in distance education are satisfied with the level of education they get, some feel that their professors don't respond fast enough to their emails asking for explanations. Some of the major online colleges require the instructors respond to student queries quickly, typically within 24 hours, others hire coaches that contact students and professors and try to resolve all issues. Another concern some have is that online institutions do not share the same high standards with the best traditional universities. However, even traditional universities like Stanford, Boston University, Columbia University and Cornell University are lately getting in on the virtual act.
Typically online education works better for students with self-discipline and time management skills. If you are someone who needs to be reminded from a professor to meet homework deadlines, you might get better results in a traditional brick and mortar college.