If you’re seeking a higher education but don’t feel like traveling great distances, and then have to pay for housing on top of books and tuition, you may want to look into the possibility of attending school online. It may be just the ticket for you. Taking courses online may sound too good to be true, but it’s for real. Online schools are fairly new, but are becoming more and more popular. Following are some pros and cons of online schools.
Pros
Convenience
Among the most popular reasons someone may decide to choose an online education over a traditional brick and mortar school is the utter convenience of doing the work from the comfort of your own home. The thought of being able to get up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee or tea and set down at your computer without having to fight traffic or get up too early is extremely attractive to some people.
Work According to Your Own Schedule
When you take online courses, as a general rule, you can make your own schedule. Basically you sign up for a course, and the only rule is to do the work and turn it in on time. Most courses have up to a year to complete their requirements, and you can complete the assignments at your own pace, which is particularly convenient for those who hold full or part time jobs. Instead of having to schedule their job around the classes, they can get their education between shifts and keep the paychecks coming without interruption.
Work From Home
For those people who live in a rural environment and would either have a long commute to school, or would have to relocate in order to take classes, online schools are particularly attractive. Online schools also have tremendous appeal for married people who have young children. Instead of having to hire a babysitter and be away from their family for long periods of time, they can do their online schoolwork at the kitchen table after the kids go to bed for the night.
Work At Your Own Pace
Some people have a hard time doing assigned work at the same pace as others. For those individuals, the convenience of online courses includes being able to work at your own pace. Most online classes only require you to do the assigned work within a general timetable, usually a semester or longer. As long as you complete the work on time, that’s all that matters.
Financial Savings
Although the tuition rates at some online schools are higher than comparable brick and mortar schools, the financial savings you may enjoy due to not having to spend money for housing and travel may make up for it. In addition, many online schools only require e-books or downloading software instead of having to buy books. This can save a great deal of money, and you don’t have to worry about being stuck with books you can’t use at the end of the school year.
Cons
Limited Access to Instructors
For some people there is no substitute for being able to walk up to your instructor after class and have them explain something that was not completely understood. If you take online classes, your only option may be communication via e-mail, chat rooms, or Skype. If you do have a question the instructor will most likely not be reachable via Skype unless you make prior arrangements. Furthermore, instructors are generally very busy people and may not be able to take the time to help you succeed.
Lack of Social Interaction
Because you’re studying online, you won’t have social interaction with other students. Your only contact, generally speaking, is via e-mail, chat rooms, or Skype. These are poor substitutes for actual physical contact with other people. Another downside of not having social interaction is that you won’t have the chance to develop lasting relationship with fellow students. People who attend traditional brick and mortar schools have continual contact with the same people, whether they actually attend the same classes or not, throughout their time in school. These relationships can develop into lasting friendships, both business and personal. This lack of networking can severely limit you in the future.
Computer Knowledge Is a Must
Although most online schools attempt to keep their students computer skill level requirements to a minimum, there is a need to be at familiar with computers and somewhat computer literate. The more you know about computers and computer programs when you begin online courses the better off you’ll be. If you have to spend your time learning about computers and computer programs when you should be studying, it will not only increase the time you spend on a course, but will also increase your stress level.
Guest post from Robin Price. Robin writes about online colleges for OnlineColleges.net.
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