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!
August 4, 2009
[...] 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. … See the original post here: U.S. Department of Education: Students Perform Better in Online … [...]
August 7, 2009
I AM so glad to hear that because I AM enrolled in an exceptional school which is located in San Francisco, CA. I live in Brooklyn, NY. If it were not for the online classes it would have taken me another 5 years to start school.
August 7, 2009
Congratulations on being enrolled in school, Carolyn. You have made it past the point where many people get stuck – which is making the decision to actually do it! Good luck with your education.
August 10, 2009
I agree with the flexibility and space provided by online courses. But i couldn’t figure out how students of online courses fare better than regular students. Can someone explain?
August 18, 2009
yeh right.. great post, Thank You
May 5, 2010
I find that I am easily distracted in an oncampus class. Would I be more likely to be able to concentrate at an online class?
June 16, 2010
I thought I’d have the same problem as darcy but the online classes I’ve taken really helped my GPA
June 21, 2010
I have tried college before and failed. Now I am enrolled in online class and getting all A’s. Is it possible that some people learn more easily online?
June 21, 2010
I am currently getting my bachelors degree but I feel like I will run out of financial aid before I am done. Where can I turn for more assistance?
June 22, 2010
Glad to see online education has come a long way. The flexibility of classes and the availability of financial aid makes it perfect for anyone!
June 26, 2010
This is such a great idea. I have a mother who is an invalid and I have to be home to take care of her. I have been wanting to get a degree as a medical assistant but cannot leave home to go to school. Will I be able to complete my entire degree online?
July 3, 2010
I find this article quite interesting. About 6 years ago I decided to go to school at night and get my associates degree. I worked all day and exhausted I went to class until 10 at night. Sometimes it was snowey and icy, but I went and graduated. I can’t believe that I could go now online, go home, put on my pj’s and get my bachelors degree. Yah!
July 3, 2010
I agree, my wife went at night after work and now she is taking online classes. What a pleasrue it is is.
July 14, 2010
This article is very interesting. Do I understand correctly that statistics are showing that students do better on their own, online, than in a classroom with an instructor present?
July 17, 2010
This post makes me feel much better about enrolling in an online school. Thanks!
August 4, 2010
I would think that going to school, especially if you are older and not interested in the social aspects of college, would be much less stressful. I also think you need to be really serious since there is so much freedom.
December 11, 2010
I did a mix of online classes and traditional classes to get my degree and I always had an easier time and got better grades in my online classes. It wasn’t just because the classes were easier either, often times they required more work but I was able to learn and plow through the work at my own pace which often times didn’t match up with the pace the instructor would set for the traditional classes.
December 13, 2010
Online classes are such a great idea. I had going back to school in my 30′s and got my associates degree. It was not easy working all day and then going to class until 10 at night and driving home that late. Now I am getting my bachelors degree online and I cannot believe how much easier it is. Not to mention that I have discovered that I have a passion for technology and want to do something technological for a living.
December 13, 2010
Not only are online classes less expensive, but I save moeny on gas and babysitters.
January 13, 2011
Yes Jill you are correct. The studied did indeed find that students were learning better in an online environment, great news for online students!
May 28, 2011
I’m currently in an on-line program for graduate school. I was told that because of changes by the federal govt. We now have to spend three hours a week on-line for each class we are enrolled. To me, this defeats the FLEXIBILITY of on-line learning. Also since this has gone into effect I’m currently in my last semester. Shouldn’t this start with the NEW classes and the old classes be grandfathered in? Is there somewhere that I can read this to get a better understanding of the change? This is only the second week, and I’m mentally drained from sitting on the computer three days a week for three hours each. HELP!!!!!
June 9, 2011
Hello Mert. We actually just posted about the new guidelines. Your school is likely to be making a lot of changes and you may want to seek further advice from an advisor or counselor to discuss your situation. Good luck!