Back to the Future: Earning a Traditional College Degree Online
Email this articleAttending college the old-fashioned way is often inconvenient for busy adults who work full time. E-learning, also called distance learning, is becoming more and more popular with students seeking associate's, bachelor's and graduate degrees. Thanks to the Internet, it's now possible earn an online degree in subjects from accounting to zoology.
What to Expect in Your E-Classroom
E-learning courses are offered in a variety of styles to suit students' needs. In-class discussions, group learning activities, and presentations are important aspects of traditional college coursework. Although e-learning can make these types of activities challenging, it is possible to accomplish them within online formats. Here is what you can expect as part of your e-learning course:
Online chat sessions with your instructor and other students: These can often be accessed with a regular Web browser, and will be scheduled by your instructor for specific times.
Discussion boards and bulletin boards: These can be a great way to interact with your e-classmates. You can post discussion questions, discuss homework assignments, and work with your fellow students to complete group assignments or to work out difficult problems.
E-quizzes: You can take tests and quizzes online. These are useful for assessing your progress.
Books, Homework, and Research Papers
A popular misconception about e-learning is that there is less reading, writing, and homework to do. You can expect to purchase (and read) assigned texts, do assignments and research, and to write papers. Some online degree programs require short residencies on campus, meaning that once or twice a year, you may visit a campus location for instruction and testing.
Due to stringent accreditation requirements, e-learning programs are designed to be as rigorous as traditional on-campus courses. In order to receive college credit for courses taken online, the program you choose must be offered by an accredited school, so research your choices carefully. This helps to ensure a quality educational experience, and makes e-learning programs quality alternatives to receiving on-campus instruction.
About the Author
Karen Lawson spent more than twenty years in the business world before returning to college. She used student financial aid programs while earning her MA degree in English at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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