Most people assume that an online degree is the "slacker's choice." However, I am currently enrolled in two colleges at the moment: A traditional university, and an online school. Through my experiences, I can officially say that online learning is not a slacker's choice for upper-level schooling.
Why an Internet Degree is Not Only for Slackers
I've taken quite a few online classes. I've taken them through my online school, my traditional school, and even at a community college over a summer break. Sure, it was nice to sleep in and do my homework in my PJ's.
Why do people assume that makes it easier though? Does doing your homework in your PJ's mean the content is easier to understand? Does waking up early because you have go to class instead constitute for a more prestigious degree? No!
Because there is more freedom, it is a lot less stressful. However, a student's stress level does not mean courses are easier. The same amount of work is being done in an online classroom as it is in an offline classroom.
It is completely illogical to think that because somebody is learning online, that they're not learning as much.
May be a Better Learning Style
I actually feel as though I learn better online. Like I said before, whenever I took an online class, I was not sleep deprived. I studied when I felt most productive. That's not to say I studied whenever I felt like it. Just like offline courses, there are schedules, final exam times, and homework due dates. I just didn't have to wake up at 7am to learn the material.
Another beneficial part to online learning is that you're notes, homework assignments, etc. are all right there. As you take notes from a video lecture, or your professor gives them to you, you have them all right there on your computer. Taking notes from a professor in a classroom may mean you skip a lot!
Now I am not answering the title of this article with a full-on 'yes.' With my own educational background out of mind, I'd say my final answer is, that it depends. Depends on what you ask?
The Degree Type
Another big argument for online degrees vs. traditional degrees is whether or not the student received adequate hands-on training.
I'm getting an online degree in Fine Arts and Web Development. If I were to get a web development degree at a traditional school, my day would go something like this: Wake up for an early class, go out into the cold weather, walk halfway across campus, enter my classroom which is a computer lab, and then follow assignments and guidelines from the instructor while working on the computer. In other classes, I might have a project, which I would be able to do completely on my own computer. For a degree like this, it is almost ridiculous to actually go to a class. Why not take advantage of the convenience?
The funny thing is, that my degree program for this school used to be offline. This university has offline campuses all across the nation, featuring degrees in technology and arts. After awhile though, they decided to move my particular degree program online, because all of it was online work anyway. It is the same for the web design degree, and multimedia design degree.
On the other hand, I am getting a Bachelor of Computer Science at my traditional university. Should I have traditional schooling for this? From my experience, yes. Although a lot of schools do offer Computer Science degrees completely online, there is some work with the hardware involved, not to mention a bigger requirement for general electives.
The Specific School
Just like traditional schools, a big thing to consider is the online school's credentials. Most online schools are new, and may not be as prestigious as, let's say, Harvard. While prestige shouldn't matter as long as they have a good program, one does need to consider the age of a school, because school age does indeed tend to affect program value.
Definitely do your research. Look for school ratings, degree ratings, and what percentage of students have a job after they graduate.
What Employers Say
This very much relates to the degree type. Some employers in certain niches will say it doesn't matter at all, while others would prefer an employee with hands on experience. Keep in mind that employers will view the dicipline levels of online school different from offline schools, and this may affect employment. However, some employers may see the online learner as a self-motivated individual.
With all aspects put into consideration, an internet degree is not necessarily worse than a traditional degree. In some senses, it may be more beneficial than a traditional degree, as it is less stressful, can save you money, and some degree programs can be completed in a shorter timeframe.
There are things to keep in mind when deciding whether to go to school online or in a classroom, but the overall effect is the same. Employers and the general public alike seem to have a stereotype against online learners, probably because it's such a new concept. Surely, with time, the status of the online degree will grow.