Is Getting An Online Education A Good Idea?

Guest Post- By Alicia Moore

With the advances in technology, more colleges are giving students the option of taking some or all of their classes online. In fact, some universities operate completely online with no real physical campus. When considering whether an online education is right for you, it is important to consider the option from all angles to determine if it really is a good idea for your needs.

Convenience

One of the advantages of going to school online is that you can often complete your courses at your own convenience. In some cases, you may be required to participate in online sessions at a specified time. However, the majority of the time you are on your own to complete the work. This makes it easy to do your work at any time of day and in any place you have access to the Internet. Thus, if you are a single parent for instance, by taking online classes, you can work your regular hours, take care of your child when you are home and complete your school work during nap time or after your child goes to bed.

Motivation

Due to the fact you don't need to attend classes in person, it is up to you to motivate yourself to get your work done. The plus side is this allows you to work at your own pace, but the danger is that it can be easy to push things off to do things later. It can also be tempting to skip assignments that seem too easy or irrelevant. Therefore, if you lack the motivation and self-discipline to work hard on your own, online schooling may not be the best option for you.

Options

As Online Teaching Degree explains, taking your classes online can sometimes open up additional options for you, especially if you can't afford to leave your home and go away to a college. This can allow you to complete a program that isn't available at colleges near you without having to move. However, on the other side, some colleges that operate both onsite and online only offer certain classes online, which may limit the number of options available to you. Additionally, some colleges may require you to actually attend a few classes in person.

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important things to consider when thinking about going to school online. If you do not attend an accredited online school, the degree you receive might not be as valuable as those offered at traditional universities.  Employers and other educational institutions will often check to ensure the school you attended is accredited so they can feel confident in the education you received. However, as CNN points out, it is important to remember that not all employers value or accept online degrees.

Going to school has never been easier with all of the online options available. When deciding if it is the best route for you, it is important to consider whether you have the motivation to deal with the flexibility that an online education provides. You also need to make sure your school is accredited and will be accepted in your field.