Many people consider taking a college course online, but admittedly, online schools are not for everyone – even though online education is where the future of education is taking us.
On one hand, it is possible – and even probable – that a form of “brick-and-mortar” public school will always exist. Social skills and learning to interact with others are important, and will become ever more vital as society (hopefully) moves from the destructive, greed-driven, self-centered “winner-take-all-you’re-on-your-own” mentality of mindless globalization and predatory free market hypercapitalism toward a more cooperative, localized, community-based model focused on human needs rather than those of the market.
However, these public schools of the future are likely to focus on traditional group activities, such as ensemble music, team sports, theatre and industrial skills – endeavors which require co-operation and live interactions.
On the other hand, there are many academic subjects that can be studied more effectively without the usual distractions. This is one reason that college degrees online are becoming increasingly popular (and high school degrees are following suit). Many people find it easier to focus on their studies in the peace, quiet and privacy of their own homes. This is one major advantage of online college degree programs.
The challenge lies in the fact that there is nothing to force one to study – no bells, schedules, live professors, senior classmates, nor any of the other people and things that normally motivate us. Pursuit of an online degree requires a high level of intrinsic – that is to say, internal – motivation, or locus of control.
That said, the fact that you are reading this indicates that you are already have the intrinsic motivation to pursue studies online, on your own.
In fact, if you are a working adult with a family, studying at an online college makes a great deal of sense. Not only do you set your own schedule, you set your own pace as well. Most online courses allow a student up to an entire year to complete class requirements – which are pretty much the same as they are in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting; you’ll be expected to read text assignments, hear lectures (either in some type of audio/video format or via podcast), complete written assignments (yes, term papers) and take exams.
Of course, online education isn’t just for older, “non-traditional” students. High schoolers can get a “running start” on their college degrees online. In fact, increasing numbers of high schools around the nation are coördinating just these sorts of programs. Young people of high-school age should check with their counselors about such opportunities at their schools.
Completing college coursework online can also save a great deal of money. Up to the first two years can even be completed by examination through the College Level Examination Program, or CLEP. Successful completion of these exams enable one to earn from 6 to 12 credits for a small fraction of the cost of a traditional college course.
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