More and more, the draw of an online education has become increasingly appealing to those seeking a degree. A decade ago, when online classes were a brand new concept, the prospect of earning a degree on the Internet was met with a fair amount of skepticism. Today however, employers often don’t seem to take issue with prospective employees having earned a degree online, a factor that has added significantly to the positive reasons for taking classes online.
According to Kayla Webley for Time, “perceptions of online-only degrees are slowly shifting. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employers’ views of online education have improved over the past 5 to 10 years,” of the ways in which online degrees are becoming more welcomed by employers. Although online degrees are becoming more universally accepted, there are still many pros and cons to consider as you work on planning how you want to experience higher education. Here are some factors to contemplate:
Pros of receiving an online education:
- The scheduling is flexible, which is great for folks who have to juggle a lot in their personal lives.
- You can take classes from anywhere – a local coffee shop, the library, or right at home!
- Online classes are typically much more affordable, making earning an online degree remarkably cost-effective.
- The pacing is flexible, and ideal for someone who likes to work and learn independently.
- For many, the convenience of online classes is paramount.
Cons of receiving an online education:
- There is limited instructor and peer interaction, so if you’re aiming for a social experience, online classes might not be for you.
- Online classes require a huge amount of self-discipline.
- Taking classes online means that you need a strong Internet connection, as well as basic to moderate computer skills – if you’re technology impaired, online classes might be even more stressful than being in a classroom.
- There is often a lack of feedback that comes with taking a class online. You’re required to rely on your own skillset while you learn, so if you prefer having a lot of instructor feedback, you may feel frustrated by the structure of online classes.
What do you think about online classes? Is earning a degree online something you’ve ever considered?
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