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When most people hear the words, “online
education,” their first thought is of those adults who are seeking out
new skills or training or who are looking for a degree with limited
time to commit to the process. But many colleges are utilizing online
education for traditional college students. There are some major
benefits for both student and teacher, and these college classes are
eliminating some of the negative points of online education.
The major advantage for both student and teacher is the fact that much
of the course work can be completed at the student's leisure within the
confines of time restrictions established by the teacher. Often, online
education is used in conjunction with regular class times. For example,
a class that is scheduled to meet three times each week might only meet
once a week or even less often. Students know ahead of time when class
will physically meet and when assignments will be online only.
Finding the motivation to stay on track with assignments is a major
problem for many students of online education. The fact that the
students are given deadlines for completing assignments help them stay
caught up with the class even if they wouldn't have had the motivation
to do so on their own. Because classes still meet at least
occasionally, the students have an opportunity to interact with other
students. Discussion boards increase the students' interaction with
each other and with the teacher, allowing other students to view the
threads of conversation.
Online education classes are especially beneficial when the course work
is related to the computer or Internet. Students are encouraged to be
online more often simply to check messages from the teacher and other
students, and to keep track of assignments. But online education
courses are also a valuable option for other subjects as well.
An online education has both real benefits and some real drawbacks, but
by combining the classroom with the technology of online education,
college students get the best of both worlds.
About the author:
Matt Norman is the founder of Easy Distance Learning a website
providing information on learning online
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