{"id":985,"date":"2022-09-12T07:20:57","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T07:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/?p=985"},"modified":"2022-09-12T07:21:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T07:21:00","slug":"what-to-think-about-when-considering-an-online-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/what-to-think-about-when-considering-an-online-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"What to think about when considering an online degree"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"adjxo64f1d79582ac9\" ><a href=\"http:\/\/affiliates.milesweb.com\/2325-1-1-18.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img style=\"border:0px\" src=\"https:\/\/affiliates.milesweb.com\/media\/banners\/728x90-MilesWeb.jpg\" width=\"728\" height=\"90\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 1201px) {\r\n.adjxo64f1d79582ac9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) {\r\n.adjxo64f1d79582ac9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) {\r\n.adjxo64f1d79582ac9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) {\r\n.adjxo64f1d79582ac9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {\r\n.adjxo64f1d79582ac9 {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n<p>Distance learning, also known as online learning, is an alternative method of completing a degree course offered by a university. You study at home or work instead of attending lectures and seminars on campus. All instruction, materials, and support are provided online, and assessments are submitted online. You may, however, be required to travel to take exams in person in some cases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distance education is far more adaptable than on-campus learning. Courses are divided into bite-sized modules, and each one is worth a certain number of credits and study hours. You earn credits as you complete each module, up to the total number of credits required for the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distance learning&#8217;s flexibility and independence often appeal to those whose circumstances prevent them from studying on campus at a set pace for several years. This could be because of a full-time job or other obligations, such as caring for dependents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many students, however, can benefit from distance learning. Although it does not provide the same campus culture, it does offer a legitimate and practical path to obtaining a recognized degree qualification. However, a distance learning degree does require a significant time commitment, so you should carefully consider your options before applying. This entails fully comprehending a course and weighing it against your lifestyle and what you hope to gain from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at what you should consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first consideration is the amount of access students have to the course&#8217;s digital resources, as well as the variety of resources available. An excellent online degree will give students the same level of access to university materials and services as on-campus students. Career counseling, student experience teams, library resources, and communication with module leaders are all examples of this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When weighing your options, look for examples of good student services. A satisfied online student should believe that the variety and quality of resources available benefits their learning to the same extent as if they were studying on campus. Students can expect to learn using a combination of cutting-edge technological resources at institutions that have transitioned to using 100% online resources, with no need to travel to attend lectures, exams, or in-person discussion sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legitimacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, licensing or authorization requirements for educational institutions vary by state. However, most states require that a learning institution be certified, authorized, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/education\/2022\/08\/19\/acics-accreditation-recognition-colleges\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">accredited to award degrees<\/a> to students. Unfortunately, some schools do not meet these standards. As a result, several levels of fraud have been discovered in some educational programs and schools. They range from simply selling diplomas to using the student&#8217;s work history as the learning period that earned the degree. These diploma mills have existed for many years and should be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid being duped, take the time to double-check that the university, college, or education company offering the course is a legitimate provider. Governments worldwide have registers, so be sure to do your homework before applying. Some institutions specialize in online degrees, but many traditional universities are also offering online versions of their courses. This has also resulted in more universities offering students the option of pursuing an undergraduate degree online. Universities recognize that students must be prepared to study and work in a digital world, and the rise of online university degrees reflects this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meeting like-minded people and making contacts is frequently regarded as one of the most valuable aspects of a postgraduate degree. A student studying online, just like a student on campus, should feel like they are part of a community with similar industry or professional interests. Therefore, it is important to look for an online degree emphasizing peer-to-peer interaction as the network you build could benefit your professional development. Group work, student discussion forums, and synchronous sessions are common online networking opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Platform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some prospective online students may believe their learning materials will be delivered via email or snail mail, but most online institutions are abandoning this untrustworthy method of delivery. Instead, the learning resources for the course or module will be delivered through the institution&#8217;s online learning environment or platform. The learning platform\u2019s features will vary depending on the software used but will typically consist of a central online platform that students can access from their PC, mobile device, or tablet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The technology used varies significantly between courses. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/category\/education\/\">Students<\/a> should try to find out how easily they can communicate with their classmates and how interactive the course will be. To get a sense of the learning environment, inquire with universities about taster sessions. Some providers allow students to sample a module and try the course as if they were enrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distance learning may consist of synchronous (live) or asynchronous (non-live) sessions, depending on the program and institution. Transcripts and lecture notes are archived, so you can always go back and catch up if you miss something. If there are live sessions with student discussions, you can usually watch those after the fact as well. Assignments may be returned with audio clips so that your instructors&#8217; tone of voice can be conveyed, along with their comments. Printed documents may be mailed to you, or you may have the option of printing them yourself or reading them online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Budget is another factor to consider. Although online students can often save money by living off-campus and working while studying, tuition fees can still run into the thousands of dollars. There is a widespread misconception that online education is free. The costs are frequently comparable to on-campus courses; if you want to obtain a recognized qualification, you should expect to pay for it. Prices fluctuate according to where an institution sees itself in the market, so costs can be used as a rough indicator of quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The structure of your online program will be determined by the college or university you attend. For example, some programs are conducted entirely online, which means you will not be required to participate in any classes on campus. Others may use a hybrid model, which requires you to attend some classes in person. Learn about the structure of each program and consider the best approach for your learning style and schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other factors to consider are the student-to-teacher ratio and the average class size. Although the course is delivered online, success will still require individual attention from the instructor outside of the classroom and access to tutoring and mentorship opportunities. Check to see if instructors will hold online office hours, giving students the same access to instructors as those in traditional classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reputation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the reputation of the institution that will award your degree. When looking for an online degree, brand recognition is essential. More than half of online students select a program within 50 miles of their home. When evaluating a program based on its duration, consider the big picture. Choosing a newly introduced online program is not always a bad idea; look into other factors to determine its suitability. It&#8217;s a good sign, for example, if it is offered by a reputable institution that provides other successful online programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you discover that many students in the program do not complete it, this is a potential red flag that could indicate issues with program quality, delivery, engagement, or any other aspect critical to student success. Time to graduation, like retention rate, is essential in determining your chances of succeeding in an online program, so be sure to request data demonstrating students&#8217; post-graduation success. Employers will value the program if data on graduates who found suitable employment thanks to their degrees is available. Examples of the organizations that employ program graduates will also provide valuable insight into the program&#8217;s appeal to employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"kfjui64f1d79582b3c\" ><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1998875270506674\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5700030306\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 1201px) {\r\n.kfjui64f1d79582b3c {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 993px) and (max-width: 1200px) {\r\n.kfjui64f1d79582b3c {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) {\r\n.kfjui64f1d79582b3c {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 768px) {\r\n.kfjui64f1d79582b3c {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {\r\n.kfjui64f1d79582b3c {\r\ndisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you study online, university studies are about more than academics, and having a non-academic support system is invaluable for your emotional well-being. Therefore, before enrolling in a course, consider what kind of support is available to you so that you can be confident that assistance and guidance will be available if you need them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Courses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can a school provide associate&#8217;s, bachelor&#8217;s, or master&#8217;s degrees, as well as professional certification? If so, are they recognized by other higher education institutions? This is critical, especially if you intend to pursue advanced degrees. Furthermore, you should review the catalog for required coursework in your program to ensure that the classes are both interesting and challenging, and compare the programs to requirements at other online schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people have a negative attitude toward online degrees. This is often due to a lack of knowledge about what it&#8217;s like to earn a degree online. The truth is that online education, online degrees, and distance learning offer a highly flexible and creative way to complete your education. However, there may be some reluctance to enroll in an online degree program due to concerns about how employers will perceive an online degree. Are online degrees valued? Can they be as valuable in a professional setting as a traditional four-year, on-campus degree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common concerns is that a distance learning course will not be as well-regarded by employers as an on-campus course. However, it is important to keep in mind that online degrees are legally equivalent to on-campus degrees and produce the same results. Many degree certificates will not even mention that you studied online; they will appear the same as a degree you would obtain in person. As a result, many employers will treat on-campus and online degrees equally. Some may even admire your dedication and time management skills to complete a degree while juggling other obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The increasing popularity of online learning has led to a noticeable shift in how many people perceive online degrees. There is no longer a stigma associated with pursuing education via your home computer. Although it&#8217;s easy to provide anecdotal evidence that an online degree is just as valuable as a traditional classroom-based experience, there are also data to back this position up. The Department of Education, for example, discovered that students learning the same material online performed marginally better than students learning the same material in traditional face-to-face settings. Furthermore, the effectiveness of online learning approaches appears to be quite broad across different types of content and learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advantages of an online degree<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Online degrees are helpful for a variety of students. Whether you&#8217;re a mature student who needs to fit learning around your job or a young student caregiver who wants to continue their education even if they can&#8217;t leave the house, online degree courses can be a great option. Many students are concerned that their online degree will not be valued by future employers, but this could not be further from the truth. Employers should not care how the degree was obtained if the university, college, or training company that provided it is a legitimate institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The flexibility that an online degree provides students is one of its most appealing features. Distance learning is ideal for students who have other commitments preventing them from being physically present in a university classroom.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distance learning allows you to create your own study schedule, attend online classes, and complete assignments around your daily life&#8217;s demands. Without needing to visit physical classrooms, you can conduct your studies wherever you want. If you wish to study an <a href=\"https:\/\/online.kettering.edu\/programs\/masters\/operations-management-masters-degree-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online master&#8217;s degree in operations management<\/a> from the comfort of your home or an MBA online program on a beach, the flexibility of distance learning means you can finish your education from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Earn and learn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s natural to want to advance in your career; the benefits of advancement are tangible proof of your hard work and perseverance. Career advancement is essential for job satisfaction and increased financial freedom as it ensures that you are challenged, engaged, and fulfilled at work. A new qualification is one of the best ways to advance your career.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be more qualified for higher positions within your organization if you further your education. You can also continue to work while studying with distance learning, which means you won&#8217;t have to put your life and career on hold to pursue your education. Instead, the skills and knowledge you gain from your degree program will allow you to improve your working life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Save money<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some online degrees may be less expensive than in-person degrees, depending on what you study and where you learn. Because online colleges do not have the same overhead as traditional colleges, they can charge lower tuition. Furthermore, you are unlikely to have additional expenses, such as transportation or on-campus housing, to account for in your budget when you earn a degree online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Skills<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it is true that you\u2019ll learn many skills when attending college in person, many of these same skills can be learned through online learning. These abilities will benefit you in various areas of your personal and professional life. You&#8217;ll also need to practice time management, setting your own deadlines, and sticking with your studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Online learners can complete coursework at home or in a library because they can study anywhere. This means that students can work in the environment that is most comfortable for them. As new online degree and certificate seekers investigate various options, they should prioritize those that provide a reliable internet connection and few distractions. Another consideration is space as some facilities&#8217; tables may not have enough room for a computer and reference materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Variety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another advantage of online education is that it enables students to attend universities that are not in their immediate area. Many of the country&#8217;s top colleges and universities offer online degrees and certificates, allowing students to attend a prestigious university without having to relocate because they can study from any location. This adaptability also saves money as living costs vary greatly between cities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to saving money, avoiding the need to relocate means that degree and certificate seekers do not have to leave behind their friends and professional relationships. They may also be able to live closer to extended family members. These benefits of online classes can lead to improved emotional well-being and reduced stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The bottom line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, online learning is now available in many institutions worldwide. Learning online has never been easier, and you can gain everything from certificates and PhDs to impactful online language learning and everything in between. Online learning, offered by some of the world&#8217;s top-ranked institutions, provides you with all the benefits of attending your dream university with the added convenience of a learning experience that is tailored to your schedule. Students are increasingly turning to online learning as a viable alternative to on-campus study, with courses available in almost every subject and a flexible timetable to suit virtually any lifestyle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Distance learning, also known as online learning, is an alternative method of completing a degree course offered by a university&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1637,"featured_media":986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[29],"tags":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/985"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=985"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/985\/revisions\/987"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.up-project.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}