Despite the growing popularity of distance learning, many people still hesitate to enroll in an online school. Their knowledge may include misconceptions that keep them from taking online high schools and universities seriously. This is unfortunate, since distance learning has a lot of advantages for working people who wish to continue their education or people who are in situations that make attendance in traditional schools difficult.
Most people are concerned with the cost of an online education. Most online schools offer reasonable tuition fee rates. In the case of online high schools, there are state-sponsored charter schools that offer distance learning for free.
Expenses can be reduced further by getting credit for courses already taken in another school. With this, students do not need to pay for all courses in the curriculum, and can even help in getting a diploma in a shorter time.
Online schools do not give good quality education. Truth: Unless the school is a diploma mill, online schools with proper accreditation are obliged to have curriculums that are comparable, if not better, than those in traditional schools. A prospective student can ask for a trial class and get feedback from past and present students and faculty to get a feel of the distance learning environment.
Work done in online schools is easier and less challenging. Truth: The workload is the same as in traditional schools, but the added challenge for the student to be responsible for the schedule and pace of his learning. This is not as easy as most people think, since there are many things that could distract a student from his or her tasks.
Students are isolated and lacking in socialization. Truth: Socialization can happen outside the classroom. Distance learners connect with people in their neighborhood or community. Some course assignments require collaboration with other students like themselves.
Online schools are not respectable. Truth: Respectability is assured by proper accreditation. This is why would-be students are advised to stay away from institutions that are not accredited or still in the process of accreditation.
Credits or degrees earned in an online school cannot be transferred or will not be accepted by employers. Truth: Again, this is not an issue with properly accredited institutions, especially those associated with established colleges and universities offering online degree programs. - 29940
Most people are concerned with the cost of an online education. Most online schools offer reasonable tuition fee rates. In the case of online high schools, there are state-sponsored charter schools that offer distance learning for free.
Expenses can be reduced further by getting credit for courses already taken in another school. With this, students do not need to pay for all courses in the curriculum, and can even help in getting a diploma in a shorter time.
Online schools do not give good quality education. Truth: Unless the school is a diploma mill, online schools with proper accreditation are obliged to have curriculums that are comparable, if not better, than those in traditional schools. A prospective student can ask for a trial class and get feedback from past and present students and faculty to get a feel of the distance learning environment.
Work done in online schools is easier and less challenging. Truth: The workload is the same as in traditional schools, but the added challenge for the student to be responsible for the schedule and pace of his learning. This is not as easy as most people think, since there are many things that could distract a student from his or her tasks.
Students are isolated and lacking in socialization. Truth: Socialization can happen outside the classroom. Distance learners connect with people in their neighborhood or community. Some course assignments require collaboration with other students like themselves.
Online schools are not respectable. Truth: Respectability is assured by proper accreditation. This is why would-be students are advised to stay away from institutions that are not accredited or still in the process of accreditation.
Credits or degrees earned in an online school cannot be transferred or will not be accepted by employers. Truth: Again, this is not an issue with properly accredited institutions, especially those associated with established colleges and universities offering online degree programs. - 29940
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There are a variety of reasons why people would sign up with an online academy to finish their education. Classes are available for online high school down to elementary school.
