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Online Learning is a trend that continues to grow.

Although colleges and universities welcome first-generation, traditional, and non-traditional students, they must be innovative and change with the times.

Technology has created a demand for higher learning and online seems to be very popular among those looking to further their education.

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In the beginning, about 125 years ago, there was the correspondence degree. Correspondence programs, pioneered in higher education by the University of London in the mid-19 th century, reached mainstream America in the 1890s. Over the next century, while various universities played with other modalities including radio and television-based distance learning - most notably in the UK, with the Open University - correspondence degrees in the U.S. remained solidly grounded on paper and the U.S. Postal Service.

Before the 1990s, there was little sense amongst traditional universities that distance education should generate a profit or be in any way central to the institution - these programs operated on a cost-recovery basis and were relegated to the fringes (extension or continuing education divisions). While the lack of profit was ironic considering one of the pioneers of correspondence degrees, International Correspondence Schools (today's Penn Foster), enrolled a total of 900,000 students by 1906, driven by a sales force of 1,200, it also made sense, given the view that correspondence degrees should serve universities' educational outreach missions. By mid-century, state institutions like University of Maryland University College and University of Wisconsin Extension led the market.

By enabling three forms of interactivity - interaction with content, with the instructor, and with other learners - the Internet proved to be a game-changer for correspondence degrees. Naturally, those closest to correspondence education were the last to see it. Extension and continuing education programs viewed the Internet as yet another in a long line of non-revolutionary technologies like two-way video, and therefore unlikely to make distance education any more central to their institutions' missions than prior efforts.

This explains why market leaders like UMUC, Wisconsin, Washington and UCLA were caught unawares as for-profit entrants grew the market for distance degrees. For their part, for-profits were not scared of UMUC. At the same time, for-profit domination didn't happen overnight. By 2000, the Sloan Asynchronous Learning Network estimated that for-profits occupied less than 5% of the market for distance degrees. But for-profits like University of Phoenix, which had grown rapidly over the prior decade by making higher education more accessible, recognized that online delivery represented the logical conclusion of their drive to accessibility. They also recognized they would be able to charge the same tuition which, at scale, would lead to significantly higher profit margins

As an aside, elite universities like Duke, which launched its online Global Executive MBA in the late 90s, and Cornell, which launched eCornell as the university's vehicle for online certificate programs, seemed to grasp the potential of online delivery better than universities like UMUC and Wisconsin that pigeonholed "online" into existing continuing education or extension activities. Fathom (Columbia, LSE, Chicago, Michigan) and AllLearn (Princeton, Oxford, Stanford, Yale - POSY) are also examples of this, although neither of these ventures had anything to do with credentials. Some traditional universities considered launching online credentials, but were dissuaded by the apparent dominance of extension leaders like UMUC, which enrolled 90,000 students in distance degree programs.

Online degrees fueled the growth of for-profit universities for a decade as they penetrated the huge market of nearly 40 million Americans with some college but no credential. By 2010, there were nearly 3 million students enrolled in online degree programs, 70% of whom attended for-profit institutions. Onground roll-ups like Career Education and Corinthian Colleges had launched online divisions. University of Phoenix executives departed to found Bridgepoint Education and Grand Canyon. An entrepreneur from outside the sector established Capella. And so, from 2000 to 2010, most of these potential customers were targeted with the opportunity to go back to college.

The experience of the for-profits over the past five years has been, in part, a tragedy of the commons: too many fishermen fishing in a diminishing pool. But it's also been a failure of investment. For-profits focused investment in the areas of marketing and enrollment. As a result, when enrollment growth slowed and reversed over the past five years, the immediate reaction was to redouble the focus on marketing rather than thinking about product development. Programs in 2015 would be easily recognized by online students from the year 2000; many for-profits continue to utilize the same learning management system they did over a decade ago and none have attempted to reinvent online learning based on what current technology is capable of, preferring to continue to deliver a faithful replication of onground higher education: the weekly lecture, discussion and assignment. A failure of investment coupled with a failure of imagination.

Consequently, online degree programs in popular subjects like business, technology, psychology, criminal justice, health and education have become commodities. This is a major reason we saw no growth in the market for online degrees last year: commodity programs are declining, which declines are offset by growth in differentiated programs.

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A Brief History (And Future) Of Online Degrees

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In the beginning, about 125 years ago, there was the correspondence degree. Correspondence programs, pioneered in higher education by the University of London in the mid-19th century, reached mainstream America in the 1890s. Over the next century, while various universities played with other modalities including radio and television-based distance learning [...]

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There are several problems with the traditional system of education. First of all, you need to pay thousands of dollars per term to attend a prestigious school. With all those budget cuts, busy classrooms, and course shortages, you won't always get the chance to study exactly what you want.

It's no wonder why millions of students from all around the world opt for online degree programs or take at least one college course through an online platform. Online learning has to be the greatest revolution in contemporary education. It made a huge change in the system and opened great opportunities for everyone who wants to learn something.

Nevertheless, online education is still related to stereotypes. People often think that online students are not smart enough for a traditional college or university, they are lazy, and they don't get "real" degrees. These claims discourage many people from taking online courses, so they get stuck in the traditional educational system that consumes a huge deal of money, nerves, and years of their lives.

Allow us to explain why online learning is more awesome than you think. We have 5 advantages of online learning that will make you reconsider your attitude towards this type of education.

Advantages Of Online Learning

1. You can learn whatever you want!

You can pick the program of your dreams in traditional education, too, but that would involve traveling away from home, living in a completely unknown city, and struggling in an extremely competitive learning environment. With online education, you can take any program or course present in traditional four-year universities.

For example, let's say you're mostly interested in neuroscience. All it takes is a Google search for such online course, and you'll easily find the online programs offered by some of the most prestigious universities from all around the world. You can take such a course even if you have no aspirations to apply that knowledge in your future profession, but you're simply curious to discover new interests and understand how the human brain works. The great variety of online programs and courses is a huge advantage of this type of education. It doesn't matter where you live and what you want to study - you can always find a suitable course or even a degree program that you can follow from home.

2. Comfort.

Forget about attending classes for hours, sitting in an uncomfortable chair, and suffering from back pain by the end of the day. You will not be bound to physical class session when you opt for online education. All lectures and needed materials are provided via online platforms, so you'll easily access them from the comfort of your home. You will not take public transport to get to campus, you won't have to spend money on gas for your car, you won't have to get up early to get dressed for class... the list of conveniences goes on and on.

Comfort is a strong advantage, but it can go both ways. You mustn't allow yourself to get too comfortable when studying from home, so it would be best to abandon the couch for few hours a day and set up an inspirational studying environment in your home. All you need is a large desk and a nice, comfortable chair.
3. Online courses look great on a resume.
It doesn't matter where your career stands at this moment; an online program will always look good on your resume. It will show potential employers that you're committed to learning and you're eager to obtain more knowledge and new skills. Hiring managers don't see online degrees as inferior to traditional ones. A degree is a degree. If you obtain an online degree from a prestigious university, you'll boost your career with the speed of light. You will certainly become a better candidate for a job promotion, and your resume will look much better when you apply for new positions.

4. Self-paced learning.

When you start browsing through interesting online courses and programs, you'll notice the Self-Paced label on most of them. What does this mean? Self-paced learning means that the students can start completing the targets at any time, and he can arrange a learning schedule that meets his individual needs. When you enroll in a traditional college program, you'll have to forget about work, hobbies, and even family. In such setting, studying has to be a priority. That's why many single parents and people who work decide to forget all about their dreams to get a higher degree.

A self-paced system enables them to make progress with rhythm that suits them. This type of system does not require attending live sessions; you can access the materials at any time that works for you. If you have to work or take care of your home and children during the day, you can study at night. That's an advantage the traditional educational system cannot beat.

5. Lower costs.

The fact that online programs are cheaper when compared to the ones held in a traditional campus setting is enough to convince you to consider them. The average tuition for online courses depends on multiple factors, so it varies from one program to another. If, for example, you want to enroll in the Big Data Specialization program provided by University California, San Diego through Coursera, you'll pay $399. You also have an option to pay $49 per course. Financial Aid is available for learners who cannot afford this fee, so that's something you should always keep in mind.

We saved the best part for last: many online courses are completely free of charge. MIT, for example, offers all course materials online without any charges. Free courses don't usually come with certificate of completion, but they are still more than useful for anyone who wants to learn from prestigious educators.

Online Education Is Totally Worth The Effort

Online courses and degree programs are more convenient and cheaper than their counterparts in traditional education. Those are the two main advantages of online learning that lead many students to opt for online platforms when they want to earn a degree or certificate.
The best thing about online learning is that you can learn in a relaxed manner even if you don't want to get certified. You only need passion for learning and a quick online search that will take you to the right course. From that point on, you will be the master of your own education.

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5 Advantages Of Online Learning: Education Without Leaving Home

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Wondering about the Advantages Of Online Learning? Check 5 Advantages Of Online Learning and why eLearning is the greatest revolution in today's education.

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For good reason, the Internet is buzzing with positive information about online education. The advantages are numerous, from lower costs to accessibility to flexibility. However, a quick look around the real world clearly demonstrates that most students are still choosing traditional classes. Are these people just ignorant? No. There can be multiple drawbacks to online education in comparison to traditional classroom education.

For good reason, the Internet is buzzing with positive information about online education. The advantages are numerous, from lower costs to accessibility to flexibility. However, a quick look around the real world clearly demonstrates that most students are still choosing traditional classes. Are these people just ignorant? No. There can be multiple drawbacks to online education in comparison to traditional classroom education.

1. Lack of accreditation and low quality

Before you enroll in any online course, check that the program is accredited and verify this information with the accrediting agency. Legitimate schools, from established universities to newer online colleges, are proud of their status with accrediting agencies, and agencies are happy to accredit good schools. Therefore, this information is readily available online for you to check.

If you earn a degree from a school with no accreditation, you can find yourself with a worthless degree that will leave you in debt and no better prepared for the workforce. Verifying an online program's accreditation is a small step that can save you time, money and heartache in the long run.

2. Little or no face-to-face interaction

While this may seem obvious, students have a tendency to underestimate the impact of never meeting the instructor and other students in the class. Mark Edmundson, an English professor at the University of Virginia, argued in a Time opinion piece that online education creates a "monologue and not a real dialogue" in the learning environment. Building relationships with your instructor and classmates will require more effort in an online environment.

3. More work

Online courses typically require a greater amount of reading and assignments than traditional classes. Programs in general are improving the quality of their online courses, and this means that students will have to do more to prove that they've mastered the material. Expect to spend at least 10 hours per week on each online course. However, it is not uncommon for a single course to require 15 or 20 hours per week ( source).

4. Intense requirement for self-discipline

Online courses usually have deadlines for assignments, tests, commenting on lectures, etc. That's not the problem. The problem is the time management and organization skills necessary to stay on top of your work, allot an appropriate amount of time to complete each task and balance your coursework against other priorities in your life. If you tend toward procrastination, then you might need to strengthen your skill set before choosing an online course or program.

5. Even more intense requirement for self-direction

Traditional college programs typically offer or even require that students meet with advisors to help them plan their path in college. If you only need a course or two, this is not an issue. However, if you are pursuing an entire degree online, you will need to be proactive in finding the information you need to ensure that you are taking the right classes for your degree plan. Straying from this path could constitute failure to make academic progress, and you may have trouble securing financial aid.

Despite the potential pitfalls, the vast majority of people are satisfied with their online education and happy that they chose it over traditional classroom education. If you know the positives and negatives, you can make an informed decision whether online learning is right for you.

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5 disadvantages to consider about online education

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For good reason, the Internet is buzzing with positive information about online education. The advantages are numerous, from lower costs to accessibility to flexibility. However, a quick look around the real world clearly demonstrates that most students are still choosing traditional classes. Are these people just ignorant? No.

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Online classes are no longer a novelty; they are quickly changing the entire structure and experience of college.

For some, this is a welcome change. For others, it can feel intimidating.

But with more and more colleges offering online courses, and even entire programs online, it's important to understand what taking an online course entails, if it's right for you, and how to succeed if you do choose to enroll.

While every college and university offers a unique online experience, many do have several things in common. Understanding the basic structure of online programs will help you feel confident when choosing your program and starting your class.

But before we dive into all of the details, let's look at some of the pros and cons of online classes.

The Advantages of Online Classes

The ability to take complete college courses and programs online is invaluable for so many students.

And while there are some disadvantages (we'll get into those in a moment), the benefits tend to outweigh them, which is why so many people today are opting to enroll online.

In fact, nearly 5.8 million people are enrolled in online college courses, with 28% of all college students enrolling in at least one online course.

1. Flexible scheduling

Most online courses provide you with more flexibility than a traditional on-campus class.

This means you can do your coursework around your work schedule and family life. Rather than needing to attend a 9:00am class every week, you can, for the most part, choose when you study, so long as you submit your work by the deadlines given.

2. Faster completion

A large number of colleges and universities now offer shorter semesters. Instead of having to attend classes for 16 weeks, you can enroll in 8-week online courses and spend half the time earning your credits in that subject.

In many cases, new classes start every month or every other month giving you the opportunity to start classes now instead of waiting until the beginning of the traditional fall or spring semester.

3. Study anytime

With online classes, you have the ability to study on the fly.

You may not have a 4 hour block of time to sit down and study, but you can fit studying in throughout your day. Log on to the message boards while eating breakfast, listen to a lecture on the drive to work, read a few chapters on your lunch hour, or take a practice test while preparing dinner.

Studies show that learning in shorter bursts is actually better than long study sessions because it promotes retention and genuine understanding.

4. Login from anywhere

Because online courses allow you to live virtually anywhere, you enjoy the convenience of getting to live where you want to or need to, and even travel while you are studying.

5. Access to more colleges

Depending on the course or program you want to take, your local college may not offer exactly what you are looking for. But with online courses, you can take a specialty program at a college thousands of miles away without the inconvenience of needing to uproot your entire life.

6. No commute

Commuting to class can waste valuable time! It also makes you susceptible to problems beyond your control - like traffic back-ups, car trouble, and dangerous weather conditions - that can keep you from getting to class on time or at all.

To "attend" an online class, you just need to log on! You won't waste precious time, and you won't have to worry about what's going on between you and campus.

7. Potentially lower costs

One of the top reasons students choose an online program is to save money.

Over 45% say that cost is their number one priority. And because students are opting for affordability, this means that more and more colleges are figuring out ways to get creative so that the cost of these programs can remain manageable.

8. Accredited programs

To be accredited, a school must meet certain standards of quality. According to the US Department of Education, more than 85% of all colleges in the US are regionally accredited. Not all online schools are regionally accredited, but most are!

Attending an accredited school will allow you to apply for federal and state financial aid, transfer credits more easily, and will provide better employment opportunities upon graduation.

The Disadvantages of Online Classes

1. No face-to-face interaction

2. Not all majors are available

3. Increased personal responsibility

4. Networking challenges

5. Requires self-direction

1. No face-to-face interaction

Online learning can't adequately replicate the relationship and human experience that develops in a face-to-face learning environment.

When a professor is physically in front of you, you can read his or her body language, mannerisms, gestures, tone, volume and so on. These things help you to interpret and recall the information being presented.

You are also able to engage in natural, spontaneous conversations with classmates that can enrich the learning experience.

2. Not all majors are available

Some subjects don't lend themselves to an online format.

Fields that require hands-on training or use of specialized equipment may fall into this category. If you're interested in biochemistry, sonography, public speaking or physical therapy, for example, you will likely need to attend at least some of your classes on campus.

Still, you may be able to take hybrid or blended classes, which will provide both online and in-personal learning opportunities.

3. Increased personal responsibility

You're on your own! No one is going to remind you when an assignment is due, which classes you must take next, or when to fill out your financial aid application. And it will be up to you when you log in to class message boards or do the assigned reading.

To juggle it all, you will need to be organized and manage time efficiently. Smart phone apps can be helpful tools to help keep you on track!

4. Networking challenges

On campus, you're surrounded by people who are enthusiastic about your field. You can introduce yourself to and chat with professors (even if you're not in their class) and faculty, fellow students, guest lecturers and so on. And you can get involved in on-campus professional organizations that connect you with real-life professionals.

Those face-to-face meetings, no matter how brief, can leave an impression and may eventually lead to a job offer.

Online students don't have the same opportunities to make connections, but they don't have to miss out on networking entirely.

5. Requires self-direction

As an online learner, you must be able and willing to self-direct your educational journey. This means taking full control.

You must determine your course load and the pace you'll work at, what your educational goals are and how to handle setbacks. You will need to take the initiative to connect with advisors, professors and classmates to ensure you're meeting expectations.

As an on-campus student, there are reminders and safeguards to help keep students on track, but as an online learner, you'll need to be in charge of your own education.

Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes

Depending on where you live, family responsibilities, full-time or part-time jobs you hold, or what you are studying, you may be able to quickly decide if pursuing an online education is the right choice for you.

For some, it feels like the only option.

For others, it seems perfectly ideal.

And for some, like a pre-med student studying biochemistry with a heavy load of lab-intensive courses, online classes may be a complete mismatch.

If you do decide to enroll in an online college course, or at least look into the option at little deeper, the sections below will give you a taste of what to expect, what you need, and most importantly, how to succeed.

Online Class Requirements

While you will be off the hook from being physically present in class, online classes do have requirements you should be aware of.

Textbooks

Many online courses still require you to purchase physical books as part of their requirements. This may come as a surprise to some, thinking that everything will be delivered solely online.

Depending on the type of course you are taking (science books tend to be more expensive than literature books, for example), you may be required to order or purchase several textbooks. This cost needs to be accounted for each term, although some universities, like Southern New Hampshire University, will offer vouchers to new students to help cover book costs.

Computer & Internet

While a computer may seem obvious for an online course, it's important to note that this computer needs to be reliable and available. Fast internet will help to make accessing your coursework convenient as well.

Devoted Time

Just because there is usually not a scheduled "meeting" time for online classes, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't put your coursework on your schedule. Most online courses are even more rigorous than traditional, which means it's extra important that you consistently devote time.

How Online Classes Work: Online Classes vs. Campus Classes

Another important thing you need to succeed in online courses is a solid understanding of how these classes work.

For students that are accustomed to in-person, on-campus classes, the structure of online courses can feel completely foreign.

Each university or college will have a slightly different online structure, and so will programs in different fields.

1. Required interaction with professors and classmates

While you won't be spending face-to-face time with your professor and peers, that doesn't mean that you won't be getting to know them. In fact, some students in online courses argue that they actually felt like they interacted more online than they did in traditional classes.

For the most part, this interaction comes in the form of graded discussions, responses, and journals.

You are held accountable for how much you interact and your understanding of the material being covered. It's surprising to some that it is actually harder in an online course to breeze through the term.

2. Technology

Various technology is used by different programs and colleges to ensure that online learning is valuable.

From how you submit your work to how you receive it, technology plays a huge role. Advances in technology, such as easy-to-access video cameras, are allowing colleges to offer more rigorous (and helpful) experiences for online students.

For the most part, the majority of prospective students have everything they need right now in order to take part in online learning. Special programs, especially those in design or science, may require you to purchase or download additional technology.

All of these requirements are clearly spelled out in the course syllabus and college handbook. So you will be equipped with everything you need from the get-go.

3. Coursework

Most online programs deliver weekly coursework in the form of modules. Each module can contain reading assignments, discussion boards, tests, projects, and essay assignments.

While you can typically see all of the coursework you will be doing at the start of the term, most programs keep modules closed until you arrive at that week, which means you can't submit work or participate in discussions in advance.

4. Tests and Exams

The majority of online programs offer their tests and exams in the form of multiple choice tests (either timed or not) or essays.

Because the environment cannot be controlled in most cases (although some programs will require you to take a test in a proctored and monitored location), the exams are designed around the idea that you will have access to your notes, the internet, and your textbook.

And while there are always opportunities to cheat, new technology is ensuring that even students in online courses are held accountable.

Online Classes: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

When looking at online courses, there aren't too many differences when it comes to schedules: they are either synchronous or asynchronous.

Synchronous

Synchronous online courses require you to meet at a scheduled time weekly and you participate in class live at that time. Very few online programs are synchronous, though there are some notable exceptions, like the Harvard University Extension School.

For many students, this type of schedule is beneficial for several reasons. Not only are you given a structure for completing coursework, but there is more comprehensive and meaningful interaction between yourself and other students.

Asynchronous

The majority of online classes are asynchronous.

Asynchronous online courses allow you to login to your class to complete your assignments at a time that is most convenient for you. You can think of asynchronous learning as investing in a gym membership; the gym doesn't require you to report a certain number of times nor does it request that you stop working at any point either.

There is more freedom in asynchronous courses, yes, but it's also up to you to make sure you meet all of your class deadlines.

Which course format is best for you?

How you like to learn and your personality are huge factors to consider when determining which type of course, synchronous or asynchronous, is right for you. Before you enroll, consider which environment will best help you succeed.

Do you need a schedule created for you to adhere to in order to keep you motivated

Is real-time interaction with peers important to you?

Is your schedule constantly fluctuating, making it hard to know when you'll have time to study?

Do you have a timeline for when you need to finish this course or program?

Enrolling in a Online Degree Program

With more and more colleges offering online courses, enrollment is a fairly easy process.

Requirements

Depending on if you are enrolling in a single course or an entire program, what field it's in, whether it's at undergraduate or graduate level, and the college itself, the requirements will, of course, be different. In general, be prepared to have transcripts or diplomas from past education ready. Personal statements of interest and intent and references are also common requirements for many courses.

Advisors

Almost every online course or program gives you access to an advisor, which is an invaluable tool you should definitely use.

Your advisor can answer your questions, help you apply for financial aid and scholarships, and even take care of enrollment for you completely. Your advisor is also a great person to talk to when you need advice or want to make sure you are on the right track.

Tips for Success in Your Online Classes

If you choose to enroll in an online class, dedication and discipline are musts for success. Understanding how this course, program, or degree is going to help you in the future will give you the motivation you need to continue even when you feel like quitting.

1. Tutoring

There are very few, if any, online colleges that don't offer free tutoring to all students. Take advantage of this!

These tutors are paid for by your tuition, so not using them means that your money is literally going to waste.

So many students in online courses forget to use tutors, simply because the idea of "tutoring" brings to mind the picture of face-to-face interaction. However, online tutors are just as helpful, willing to read assignments before you submit them and even set up virtual sessions to answer your questions.

2. Communicate with your professor

Just because you are completing the course outside of the classroom doesn't mean that your professor isn't there to help. When you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out to your professor via email or discussion boards.

Knowing that your professor is there to help you can reduce stress and will most certainly help you succeed.

3. Class Participation

Like anything, there are always ways to cheat online, but, as the old saying goes, when you cheat, you are cheating yourself.

In online courses, that old adage couldn't be more true. While you can only complete half the reading or stop responding to questions because you've met your "quota" of participation, know that participation is the key to success.

Whenever possible, ask questions, respond to comments, engage with your professor and peers, and, of course, stay on top of the work that is assigned to you.

Conclusion

If you are new to online courses, making the adjustment to this style of learning can be intimidating. But, knowing that you have support from your peers and professor, as well as a big reason "why", will help to keep you on the path to success.

Best of luck in your online endeavors!

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Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes: Pros and Cons

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Online classes are no longer a novelty; they are quickly changing the entire structure and experience of college. For some, this is a welcome change. For others, it can feel intimidating.

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Is online learning the future of education?

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In a recent survey, almost 80% of young people said they've taken an online course. Is this the future of education?