Online education is the fast-growing, explosive new future of distance learning. It gives many students the ability to acquire the necessary credentials to promote success in their careers, and to increase their earning potential. It provides flexibility, fosters the building of computer skills, provides an unfathomable array of choices, and saves money on transportation and college housing costs.
As the technology of the Internet and the World Wide Web expands by leaps and bounds, it has brought amazing opportunities for those who are willing to walk through the vast futuristic portal of online education. Buzz words like streaming video, virtual classrooms, whiteboard technology, and multimedia presentations describe only a few of the emerging innovations that are defining the direction of online education. Without leaving home or quitting a job, it is now possible - via computer - to complete the coursework necessary to boost one's earning power in any number of specialized fields.
Armed with a career-related professional certificate or a higher college degree from an accredited online school, thousands of students have gained a competitive edge in an already difficult job market. Job promotions and advancement are often the fruit of pursuing supplemental education and training; and the almost limitless choices in online courses, professional certificate programs and degree offerings provide a virtual educational smorgasbord of paths to follow.
When you enroll in online courses, it is generally possible to study at your own pace - when you have the time, rather than being locked into inconvenient class schedules. Also, with online courses, feedback from instructors is usually prompt via e-mail or other technologies. A sample of popular subject areas for study includes: information technology, business and management, computer science, accounting and finance, education, criminal justice, engineering, nursing and healthcare, paralegal studies, psychology, theology, creative writing, and fashion and design.
Background of Online Education
Before online education became mainstream, distance learning existed primarily through correspondence courses. (Distance learning refers to education in which the instructor and student are geographically separated.) The correspondence method has sufficed since the mid-1830's but in the last 35 years, internet and computer technology have combined to create a boom in the field of online education. And each year, numerous traditional colleges and universities add their names to the roster of accredited online schools.
Reasons for Choosing Online Education
For some students, online education is the only viable choice. These students include:
Full time employees who cannot take time off from work to attend school.
The unemployed who need to improve their qualifications in order to be hired.
Homemakers who are raising children.
Caretakers of someone who is homebound.
Active duty military personnel stationed overseas.
Disabled students who face physical challenges in maneuvering around a campus.
Home school students seeking to supplement their education.
To these and many others, online education has brought new freedom and turned unfulfilled dreams into reality.
Tools Needed for Online Education
With just a few necessary tools - including a computer, an internet connection, and word processing software - the journey is ready to begin. Optional tools for more specialized coursework may include a high speed internet connection and additional software.
Where to Find a School
Once the field of study has been chosen, there are a number of ways to find the corresponding online educational program.
Check with local community colleges and universities to find which online courses are offered.
Visit the local library and check their resource section.
Seek information in your local or online bookstore. Be careful that the listed online schools are accredited by the proper accreditation authorities.
Summary
Online education is the fast-growing, explosive new future of distance learning. It gives many students the ability to acquire the necessary credentials to promote success in their careers, and to increase their earning potential. It provides flexibility, fosters the building of computer skills, provides an unfathomable array of choices, and saves money on transportation and college housing costs. For those who are motivated, self-disciplined and willing to enjoy the benefits of online education, there is no need to wait another day. Step through the portal and into the future . . . your future.
By Vida Lynne Olivier Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.
