In terms of cost, convenience and academic potential, is an online education more beneficial than a traditional education?

Yes

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by Natalie Powell

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Apples or Oranges? Is an online education "half-baked" when compared to a traditional education in a brick and mortar establishment? The concept of online learning and that found in a traditional environment can be like comparing "apples to oranges" but it is noteworthy to point out that they can share an ultimate goal: you can earn a degree.

While both should follow the specific educational goals required by the department of education, the delivery method is significantly different. Traditional education facilities are moving more and more into the technological delivery of academic materials whereas online education relies on these modalities almost completely. With the infinite resource of the internet, learning is no longer confined to a building, an instructor, and books. The explosion of information found at our virtual fingertips is remarkable and validated by every learning environment.

Technology and Curriculum! New technology brings with it exciting opportunities which online education embraces and now traditional facilities are as well. There have been some adjustments. Time-honored methods are simply not cast aside to be replaced with new-fangled ideas. Instead, we have observed a melding of the two by recognizing that individuals respond differently to many varied learning environments.

How can they meld the time-honored methods with the new? By using interactive software, virtual classrooms, DVD, CD's and discussion boards many experience a uniquely adaptable environment for each learning style. Reviewing the content on a CD is like being able to virtually "rewind" your instructor. Interactive software boasts a very successful self-paced atmosphere.

The curriculum is practically the same; however it is delivered by so many modalities that it reinforces the material as you go. You won't be cramming for tests like you did before. What is being tested is explained in detail. Questions can be brought to the class discussion boards or to the instructor. Yes, there is still an instructor for an online class! You won't be doing this all on your own.

Dedication. Online learning does present some fabulous opportunities to earn a degree while your life has other commitments and responsibilities. You can work or care for your children while pursuing an education. Online education fits within your schedule however it requires just as much diligence as one would need to accomplish a traditional education. There are deadlines, mid terms and finals. You must be committed to accomplishing your goal in either educational environment however online simply offers more flexibility as well as affordability.

Affordability! Money is always the bottom line isn't it? Americans typically want to get the most for their money and why shouldn't they? Is an online education a great value compared to a traditional education? Yes! Here is the "apples and oranges" comparison:

Online education is affordable. In many cases online courses are significantly less expensive than those in the traditional brick and mortar institution because there simply is not the overhead. More often than not, the learning materials are transmitted via the internet or delivered by software. There is no need to maintain an expensive library when all that same information can be found at your virtual fingertips. A significant difference online learning has over a brick and mortar education is the likelihood that you will actually get into the courses you need rather than depend upon a lottery-like competitive system often found in traditional learning environments.

An online environment adds some flexibility to an instructor and classes tend to be larger. Software and automated testing aids can make larger class sizes much easier to deal with by allowing an instructor to spend more time interacting than grading papers. Fellow students in the class discussion boards are a built- in support system. You literally compare each other's notes, ask for help and offer advice.

Accreditation.The most significant difference between online learning and traditional education is accreditation. In both learning environments there should be an accreditation agency that has confirmed the legitimacy of the curriculum. Typically most four year colleges will transfer a majority of an online university that has the same regionally accreditation. While it would seem rational to think a national accreditation would be preferred, four year colleges tend to prefer regionally accredited affiliations. If your goal is to ultimately transfer to a four year college it is important to be aware of that college's criteria for transferring units/credits.

Goals. Degrees which require detailed skill, demonstrated service, and have a high interpersonal service trend such as nursing and physicians demand something more than online education. Internships and labs require hands-on field work to be done under supervision of a recognized educational authority in that field. While technology has brought us leaps and bounds past a typical classroom environment, it is important to recognize that online learning cannot deliver the practical hands-on skills required in some professions.

Flexibility! Ultimately it is important to recognize that online learning to assist you in your path to higher learning. Most would agree that accomplishing that goal while at home on your computer in your bunny slippers and at the convenience of your personal schedule is perhaps worth far more than you previously thought. Whether your goal is to earn a degree, obtain a certification, or merely to acquire some new skill-sets, online education is a valid, affordable alternative to a classroom. YES! You can obtain an affordable and valid education online!

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