Online Degree Programs for Adults
Many adults today are looking for ways to finish their studies or add a second degree to their qualifications without disrupting their family and work schedules. The traditional way of studying severely limits the learning opportunities of adults in this kind of situation. Fortunately, there are now other options available to them such as the online degree programs.
Traditional Course of Study
The traditional way of obtaining degrees is to go through the different phases of education which includes the primary,secondary, and tertiary levels. This is done by attending brick-and-mortar educational institutions. Physical presence in classes is absolutely required and all schools require a minimum number of days for attendance or risk being dropped for a particular school year. Generally, all school works, assignments, and projects are to be done in school or at least submitted personally in school. Examinations and tests are taken inside the classroom. The time for each subject is set by a prescribed schedule which is expected to be followed by each and every student. Graduations are marked by ceremonies that are likewise held inside the campus or some other designated areas deemed proper by the school authorities.
Distance Learning
Distance Learning, also known as Distance Education, was known to have existed as early as 1728. However, it actually took off sometime in the 1840s via correspondence learning. Great Britain was the first country known to have used the postal services in offering learning courses. The University of London is said to be the first university to offer distance learning degrees in 1858. Sometime in the 1960s, America promoted more modern communication technologies for use in distance learning. The so-called open universities started offering courses through radio and television broadcasts. The 1970s saw the advent of telecourses and computer-assisted instruction. Before the 1990s ended, there were several fully online universities in the US accredited to offer online degree programs to the public.
Online Learning
Online learning gave rise to what is known as virtual universities. These can either be brick-and-mortar educational institutions who decided to include online degree programs in their curriculum or institutions which offer only online study programs without any physical campus and is usually represented physically by an office where transactions that cannot be done online are entertained. There are actually online schools that offer neither a physical campus or a physical office and thus may be risky in the matter of acceptability of completed credits. Online degree programs are usually offered for the purpose of completing a college degree although there are already several being offered for high school diplomas and obtaining non-degree certificates. The main advantage of taking online degree programs is the convenience it offers through flexible schedules and the absence of the need to be physically present in traditional campuses. Online students are advised to choose only officially-accredited online schools so as to avoid transacting with diploma mills issuing fake degrees.
Who Benefits from Online Degree Programs
Online education seeks to address the educational needs of people with disabilities who may find it difficult to commute to and fro in a traditional university; full-time employees who have no time to attend to regular degree programs in campus; soldiers who are on duty or whose official assignments prevent them from staying put in a single location for a fixed period of time; and stay-at-home parents whose domestic responsibilities prevent them from pursuing traditional degree programs. Online schools are now able to offer completion of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. An Internet-connected computer is the main tool for study in the online environment.
Challenges of Online Study
Given the advantages of online study, it is worth knowing that there are downsides and challenges to be hurdled for successful completion. The home atmosphere may not be exactly conducive to learning because of the existing domestic responsibilities. Online study requires students to exert more effort in understanding the course of study independently as there are no instructors physically present while taking the program. Unreliable technology is also a great obstacle in online learning. Public perception is likewise a major challenge to overcome. Many employers still do not put the same weight for online degrees as compared to traditional degrees. Online degree programs are not necessarily cheaper than traditional degree programs although there is substantial savings in transportation, learning materials, and living quarters. The wide availability of online degree programs has also produced a unique phenomena of hyper-competitive individuals whose desire for additional educational qualifications border on the insatiable.
My Say
Online degree programs are quite common in progressive countries such as the US and the UK. The level of acceptability of online degrees is increasing. More countries are expected to follow suit as the delivery of online programs are improved and the results of such are guaranteed and acceptable to employers.
lencilicious
That’s true. I am in fact enrolled in two online courses and hoping to finish in few months time. And I’m enjoying it since I can study on my own phase.
Teresa Martinez
Good luck to your studies and I hope to hear more about it when you’ve completed it.
Mtr Guanlao
Yes,it’s good that even at home,we can learn and study online. I like to try it but still undecided what course to take,hehe!
Teresa Martinez
I am also contemplating on this but I really need to lessen my workload as it is.
Maricelcel
I really want to get me an online degree for the longest time now. But time is in short supply no matter how advanced technology is these days. So many things to do and so little time.
Teresa Martinez
We are on the same boat. There are so many things I like to do but can’t due to time constraints. Professional time managers will be challenged by my schedule as it is.
Mary Anne Velasco
Online learning is definitely a good way of getting a new degree if one is unable to attend regular classes everyday. For stay at home moms or those who are presently working, studying in the comfort of your own home during your free time is always a plus.
Teresa Martinez
This is really a very good option for earning degrees for those who cannot attend traditional schools.
Nova
education for me is really important, for it is the only thing you can take with you wherever you go, that’s why it is really important to finish a degree in order to have a higher chance for a better life…
Teresa Martinez
Education opens up more opportunities that is why most Filipino parents would say that education is the only legacy they can leave with their children.
Chubskulit Rose
Online courses is beneficial especially for working individuals. Hubby is enrolled to a master’s program that will start this January, it’s one way he could attend school after working hours.
Teresa Martinez
I have been wanting to enroll myself but time does not permit yet but I’m still hoping to squeeze it in.
melandria's musings
i really wanted to study again, perhaps korean or another language.
Teresa Martinez
I believe there are schools offering language courses online.
Tess Chancellor
USA offered a lot of online course and a lot already graduated from this.I am planning to enroll too.
Teresa Martinez
I hope you get the chance to pursue this.
Adeline Yuboco
I’ve taken a few short courses online. The key with these is really discipline. You really have to be committed to finishing the courses since there is no one that is really checking your attendance.
Teresa Martinez
Discipline is a must since learning happens in an informal environment which is the home.
Lessons Of A Dad
Is there online degrees for literature?
Teresa Martinez
An online search will easily provide results for schools offering online degree programs in English literature and most are based in other countries. The nearest to your subject of interest I am aware of is the online Journalism class offered by Ateneo de Manila here in the Philippines.
Rizza Javier
Yeah, sure! Why not! I see how some people may go for the online route to learning.
Teresa Martinez
There are people in specific situations who gain much from the availability of online degree programs.
Janine
for me, Philippines badly needs this for we are in a third world country.. we should learn how to get fast.. basic education is the ONLY thing that Filipinos need. napag iiwanan na tayo ng aksyon.
Teresa Martinez
At present, there are only a few schools that offer online degrees such as the UP Open University but you are right, Filipinos can benefit much from this when online programs are made widely available.
Demi Barbra Angeles (@mishidems)
I’ve tried Online Learning via Coursera and it’s fun! It takes a lot of discipline though, especially for those who don’t manage their time properly.
Teresa Martinez
That is true. Its advantage of being able to study while at home can also be its main disadvantage when the right discipline is not observed.
Jevelme
Nowadays, we are all using new technology. I guest online degree for adults is the best solution in terms of earning money while staying at home and learning at the same time.
Teresa Martinez
An online degree program is a very good option for stay-at-home adults to pursue further studies.
Robi
I agree! Most employers weigh higher to traditional rather than online degrees. However, other busy and working people prefer the online one.
Teresa Martinez
Online degrees are not yet as widely accepted especially by employers but acceptance is expected to improve in time as online study programs are able to answer to actual employment needs.
Orly Ballesteros
Very true in fact I am planning to enroll to an online course.
Teresa Martinez
Good luck with your plans for online study.
amayachika
Because of the technology that we have now online education is rapidly increasing. E-learning as what we commonly used in all schools and in offices, to inform and educate people.
Teresa Martinez
The advances in technology have allowed many people unable to attend traditional schools to continue their studies.