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Pros and Cons of an Online Education

It seems like you can find everything online today, and that includes an education. Online education has become increasingly popular. But is it right for you?

Students who have to pay their own way through college may want to take online classes. Additionally, online education is perfect for stay-at-home parents.

Before deciding to seek your education online, you must seriously consider both the pros and cons of this option.

These are the most popular reasons that people choose online programs:

Flexibility

There are two types of online education programs. The first type includes courses and tests that can be taken whenever you are ready, as long as you complete the course within a set time frame.

The other type of online education is classes offered through a university. These are also flexible but may require occasional webinars or lab time in an actual classroom.

Ability to keep working

For students who are paying for most or all of their education expenses, the ability to continue working while completing their course work is a definite bonus. By enrolling in online courses, students can continue to work their regular schedule and complete their homework when they are off work.

Affordable

The fact that online courses are usually cheaper than those offered by a college is a huge draw for many students. The classes are generally cheaper per credit, but students save in other ways as well. For example, they can continue living in their own home and do not have to drive to classes or buy additional food. Online courses usually include the cost of books, software, and other learning tools in their tuition fee. These are usually extra expenses at a traditional college.

While there are obviously many benefits in attending classes online, there are cons as well. Consider these factors before making your final choice.

Not all skills can be taught online

If you desire to become a doctor, for instance, you will have to spend time in a lab and in a clinical setting. A massage therapy student needs to practice their skills on real people. You can still take what is termed hybrid classes, where the classroom teaching is done online and you go to the campus or clinical setting to practice certain skills.

Requires self-discipline

It can be easy to procrastinate when you have no real deadlines and no instructors hovering over your shoulders. If you know that you have difficulty staying on task, you may not be cut out for online courses.

Sometimes employers are hesitant to hire those with online degrees

While online degrees are becoming more popular, some employers still want to see the old-fashioned form of education before they will hire you. However, many programs circumvent this problem by allowing their students to do apprenticeships. An apprenticeship is a non-paying position that helps a student gain experience.

There are many factors to consider when desiring an online education. Hopefully, this short guide has helped you see some of the pros and cons to consider when deciding to seek your education online.
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