For years online education has gotten a bad rap.  Perhaps even you have discounted this very convenient option because you have heard that an online education is not as good as that from a traditional brick and mortar school?

Well, you can now enroll in an online degree program with confidence - the Department of Education released a report last month which found that online instruction is equal to, if not better than, its face-to-face counterpart.

The report was based on 51 studies, 25 of which were on undergraduate learners and 19 on graduate or other students. By doing a “meta-analysis” of these, it concluded that “on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”  This is something that online educators have known for years!

The report made note of the gaining popularity of online learning, the reason for it being its flexibility - or the “access to content and instruction at any time, from any place.”  Other factors for the increased interest on online learning given by the report include:

• It increases the availability of education to people who cannot or would not go to a traditional learning facility.
• It enables instructors to maintain quality of education, even when the number of students grows.
• It is more cost-effective.

The Perfect Choice for People with Busy Lives

The Department of Education report is, of course, great news for the online education industry.  But it is also great news for many people who have put off getting their education because they just don’t have enough time and have not considered online schools because of their stigma.

Does this sound like you?  Perhaps you already know that if you have a job or a family, getting a degree is often times an overwhelming and unrealistic goal.  However, with the convenience and flexibility that online colleges offer, it is now more attainable.

Plus, online schools offer a large variety of programs, with new ones being added every day!  Whether you are interested in getting an associate’s in medical assisting, a bachelor’s in graphic design, or a master’s in business administration – there is an online degree program out there that will help you realize your dreams.

Need help in making an informed decision about your education?  Visit Education Connection today to learn more and to get matched to a school that is right for you!