Online education and e-learning both refer to completing courses in an online learning environment. Your education can be completely online, or can be a hybrid, consisting of both online and campus-based classes sometimes referred to as
blended learning.
E-learning is the term used to describe education received through a computer over the Internet, to students at remote locations so that learning can be done anywhere and anytime. This unique feature allows students to log in to a virtual classroom 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from virtually any location and interact in real time with fellow students and instructors.
Web 2.0 technologies have improved online learning environments providing an effective means of learning while the proliferation of high-speed Internet access has made e-learning convenient, more accessible and increasingly popular. Schools and businesses worldwide now offer fully accredited online degree, vocational, and continuing education programs in various degrees and programs.
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E-learning uses many different forms of technology for delivery and interaction. Delivery of materials can be in the form of print, audio, video, and data. Methods of interaction can be through emails, listservs, web forums, teleconferencing, or videoconferencing. Oftentimes, colleges, universities and schools combine different types of technologies to produce the most effective learning experience.
Obtaining your degree is important in achieving both your personal and professional goals, which is why Choice Degree's mission is to help you find the educational program best for you. In today's competitive job industry, a degree can prove advantageous in a number of ways. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2003 that unemployment rates decrease with each level of educational attainment. You will have an easier time finding employment with a degree. In addition, the National Association of Colleges and Employer's (NACE) final salary report for the college Class of 2005 also found that wages are increasing. The following chart lists the average starting salaries for different industries. As you can see, a degree will provide the skills and knowledge necessary to get the job you want and higher pay.
What are the perceptions for online degrees?
Deciding to obtain your degree requires a significant commitment of time and hard work, and therefore the decision can be difficult. One of your major concerns may be what people will think of your online degree. Is an online degree perceived well? What implications does this have for your future career?
You will be happy to learn that as online degree programs continue to grow, professionals also acknowledge the role and importance of onlinelearning.
Many colleges and universities do not distinguish on diplomas whether a degree was obtained online or not; educators hold their online programs to the same level of quality as on campus
programs.
Human Resource specialists are pleased with the trend towards continuing education and believe every degree is beneficial for a job applicant.
The main point is: it doesn’t matter whether you have traditional or online schooling. Your hard work, time, and commitment dedicated to obtain your degree will be recognized by others.
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No geographical boundaries.
No time and money spent on commuting.
Learning done at your own pace.
Learning scheduled at your convenience.
Usually cheaper than its traditional classroom counterpart.
Effective for many types of students: Working students, Stay-at-home Moms/Dads, Continuing education, New or Change of Career
The enrollment process differs depending on the online school and program of your choice. However, one key requirement common to all schools is that you must have completed the proper prerequisite schooling
for the type of degree you wish to pursue. For example: if you want to pursue an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master's degree, you need to
have completed your High School Diploma or GED. Aside from that requirement, enrollment processes vary with requirements such as: applications, interviews with an admission officer, career placement tests, etc.
What if I'm not a computer expert?
You do not have to be a computer expert to be able to take an online course. You simply need basic skills such as: typing, cut and paste, Internet and email usage, printing, etc. In addition, some schools even
offer a recommended online orientation which explains how to enroll in and take an online course. Overall, each institution is there to help you and answer questions. Many have help desks, and you can always
speak to your professor if something is not clear.
Just like traditional schooling, you are expected to “attend” your classes. There will be deadlines for assignments,, discussion sections, lectures, and tests; however, within these constraints you can attend your
course whenever you like (late nights, weekends, etc). Most schools do have some sort of attendance policy requiring that you login to your class a certain amount of times, so be sure to ask the institution of your
choice for specific attendance policies.
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Students will have a variety of homework and exams depending on their coursework. You will be able to access, complete and submit assignments and exams via the Internet,. In addition, you may be required to
participate in online group activities such as discussion sections or online forums.
In addition to your coursework, many schools offer a variety of other services to enhance your educational experience. These could include things such as: Career Services, Virtual Libraries, Financial Aid
Assistance, and Tech Support.
