Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Is Online College the Higher Education System of the Future?

Have you ever wondered what the college system would look like 20 to 30 years from now? What about going back 20 to 30 years and imagining Online Colleges and Universities. Well, it's a reality to have online colleges and universities dominating the higher education system and having great success. Let's take a stroll back 30 years to what we thought would be the college landscape for years to come and couldn't for see anything out of the ordinary changing during that time. Well, also within the past 30 years there has been a lot of changes within our country and work force.

This is not an article debating the two sides of Online College vs. Traditional College. Rather, this is an article focusing on the trends in corporate America, the working mom and the young adult looking for promotion at work. Hearing their point of view will give others knowledge on their journey. Now, there are a lot of great benefits to both. Let's look at the traditional college setting, in which, some like to call it the "College Experience!" During my time in college I can honestly say it was a true experience. From the first time walking on the campus and seeing all of the other students to meeting my best friends in the living hall where I live, it is indeed a moment that stays with a person forever.

With the traditional college education you get the ability to build and foster true mentoring relationships with professors, advanced students and other faculty. Not to forget about the college experience of joining a student organization and meeting countless of other inspiring students looking for a great opportunity. You will get the same education as an online program; however, some might say that it's the experience of traditional college that prepares you for life. The different outlooks from students, professors, conversations and working within group settings you do get more of a life changing experience. There's nothing like face to face communication and hands on experience to insure that you are making the right decisions. Some areas of study can't be taught accurately online.

Now, when we look at the process of Online courses it offers more people than ever the ability to get a secondary education. Because it is a self-directed program, it may not be suited for those that aren't highly motivated and organized. Getting education online offers more than you might have ever thought possible. Think about it you can learn from the comfort of your own home. That's one of the biggest perks to it. Saving countless hours of traveling back and forth wasting money on gas and/or a bus pass would mean better savings for future endeavors. You can avoid any conflicts within your schedule, well most at least.