The top reasons online education can work for you
Linda Brattain has a full-time job, a pet-sitting business, and the need to sharpen her professional skills in a constantly changing professional field.
She said that the online classes she has been taking through Lone Star College have been productive, and is serious about the opportunity online options afford.
“The good thing about online courses is their flexibility. This semester the professor made distinct dates that information and assignments were available and due, but within those dates, if 10 p.m. is your only free time, you can do your homework,” she said.
At Lone Star College, 9,421 students are taking all their classes online this semester.
The school reports that 53 percent of their current students take only “faceto-face” classes, 30 percent take a combination like Brattain, 16 percent take online only and 1 percent take hybrid courses that are offered both in the classroom and online.
“Lone Star College is committed to helping all its student succeed whether they take classes online or with face-to-face instruction,” said Wendi Prater, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor of Lone Star College Online. “(Online) students have access to many services including online advising, live chat, online tutoring and a 24/7 service desk.”
With so many options, here are reasons to consider distance learning for your higher education needs.
Time – Commuting to your own computer or tablet and having the flexibility to build your education schedule around other commitments and priorities remain the largest advantages.
Tools – Only a few years ago, options were limited by both the quality of broadcast technology at the schools and home internet speeds and capacity. Today, most classes have seamless production and participation tools and can be completed on a PC, tablet or smart phone.
Geography – Choices for working adults are no longer limited by programs within commuting distance. It’s possible enroll in the best possible program for your needs, regardless of the brick-and-mortar location.
Quality of programs – While some in traditional academia still voice resistance to distance learning, most of the top colleges and universities in the world have at least some online offerings, and many are highly competitive.
Test the waters – Massive open online courses (MOOCs) and paid single class offerings allow you to explore new majors and subjects with a minimum of time investment to find the best possible fit.
Control your learning environment – Everyone has their own learning style. Distance learning allows you to establish the environment that works best for you.