Why do students flock to the online learning environment? With over 4 million students are enrolled in online schools and universities (and that number is growing 30% per year), there are many compelling arguments for attending a cyber classroom (Lewis, 2005).
1.
Students can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere. This means that parents can attend to their children, then sit down to class; working students can attend classes no matter what their work schedule might be, folks that travel for business or pleasure can attend class from anywhere in the world that has internet access.
2.
Online learning enables student-centered teaching approaches. Every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually others do better when they "learn by doing."
3.
Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and re read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments. Often spoken material in the classroom passes students by due to a number of distractions, missed classes, tiredness or boredom.
4.
In an online environment, attendance to class is only evident if the student actually participates in classroom discussion. This increases student interaction and the diversity of opinion, because everyone gets a say, not just the most talkative.
5.
Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe. This allows students to be exposed to knowledge that can't be learned in books and see how class concepts are applied in real business situations.
6.
Using the internet to attend class, research information and communication with other students teaches skills in using technologies that will be critical to workers in the 21st century business community that works with colleagues globally and across time zones.
7.
Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom." Anonymity provides students a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. Students can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. In a traditional class room, the conversation could have gone way past the point where the student wants to comment.
8.
Because online institutions often offer "chat rooms" for informal conversation between students, where student bios and non class discussions can take place, there appears to be a increased bonding and camaraderie over traditional class environments.
9.
The online environment makes instructors more approachable. Students can talk openly with their teachers through online chats, email and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient. This option for communication provides enhanced contact between instructors and students.
10.
Online course development allows for a broad spectrum of content. Students can access the school's library from their PC's for research articles, ebook content and other material without worries that the material is already "checked out."
11.
Students often feel that they can actually listen to the comments made by other students. Because everyone gets a chance to contribute, students are less irritated with those that "over contribute" and can ask for clarification of any comments that are unclear.
12.
Over 75% of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online degree programs, with online degrees as respected as "on the ground" degrees. (Lewis)
13.
Online classrooms also facilitate team learning by providing chatrooms and newsgroups for meetings and joint work. This eliminates the problems of mismatched schedules, finding a meeting location and distributing work for review between meetings.
14.
Students often comment that online learning lets them attend class when fully awake and attend in increments of convenient time block, rather than rigid 2 or 4 hour stretches once or twice a week.
15.
Because there are no geographic barriers to online learning, students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work. This is especially true for professional training such as medical billing training or purchasing training and for students in remote rural areas that cannot support college or vocational training centers.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Nursing-Education Journal Gives Thumbs Up to Online Doctorates
An article in the latest issue of Nursing Education Perspectives paints a promising picture of online doctoral programs in nursing.
The authors of “Twenty-First Century Doctoral Education: Online With a Focus on Nursing Education” used a matrix of learning benchmarks established by the Higher Learning Commission and the Institute for Higher Education Policy to evaluate the online doctoral program at the University of Northern Colorado.
They found that Ph.D. students in the online program felt their studies were rigorous and academically challenging, had ample opportunity to collaborate with other students on research and form meaningful mentor relationships with faculty members through frequent e-mail and chat-room contact, and were inspired to incorporate new learning concepts into their workplaces.
Online doctoral-degree programs, which broaden access to high-quality Ph.D. programs and allow nursing instructors to pursue further study alongside full- or part-time employment, may be instrumental in stemming the shortage of Ph.D.-prepared nurse educators, the authors suggest. —Paula Wasley
The authors of “Twenty-First Century Doctoral Education: Online With a Focus on Nursing Education” used a matrix of learning benchmarks established by the Higher Learning Commission and the Institute for Higher Education Policy to evaluate the online doctoral program at the University of Northern Colorado.
They found that Ph.D. students in the online program felt their studies were rigorous and academically challenging, had ample opportunity to collaborate with other students on research and form meaningful mentor relationships with faculty members through frequent e-mail and chat-room contact, and were inspired to incorporate new learning concepts into their workplaces.
Online doctoral-degree programs, which broaden access to high-quality Ph.D. programs and allow nursing instructors to pursue further study alongside full- or part-time employment, may be instrumental in stemming the shortage of Ph.D.-prepared nurse educators, the authors suggest. —Paula Wasley
Earn a Doctorate Degree Online
Earning a doctorate degree online can improve your earning potential and qualify you for a variety of prestigious career options, all while learning from the comfort of your own home. As the highest degree attainable in the United States, a doctorate degree can prepare you to work in leadership positions, university-level professorships, or other highly skilled professions. But, how do you choose a doctorate degree online program? How much work does an online PhD require? And, what payment options are available for online doctorate students? Read on.
Who Should Earn a Doctorate Degree Online?
Earning a doctorate degree online requires a significant commitment of time and money. The best students are those who are able to set aside study time each day and balance their studies with family and work responsibilities. Because most online doctorate degree programs are reading and writing focused, doctorate students should be highly literate. They should have advanced research skills, be articulate, and have the ability to comprehend complex texts. Additionally, students should be self-motivated and able to work independently.
Keep in mind that earning a doctorate degree online may not automatically improve your salary. Most jobs requiring a doctorate degree offer a decent salary and a certain amount of prestige. However, many academic jobs such as professorships may pay less than jobs in the non-academic sector. When contemplating earning a doctorate degree online, research your future employment options to determine whether a new degree in your field will be worth it.
Online Doctorate Degree Program Accreditation
Many diploma mill schools offer the promise of “quick and easy” online doctorate degrees. Don’t fall for their tricks. Earning a doctorate degree online from an unaccredited school will be worthless. Many former diploma mill “students” have lost their jobs and their reputations by listing a diploma mill school on their resumes.
Because the doctorate is a culminating degree, proper accreditation is especially important. When selecting an online doctorate degree program, your best bet is to choose a school accredited by one of the six regional accreditation organizations. These are the same organizations that accredit reputable brick-and-motor schools. If your school is accredited by one of the regional organizations, your degree should be accepted by most employers and your credits should be transferable to most other schools.
What Else to Look for in an Online Doctorate Degree
In addition to selecting an accredited program, study potential online doctorate programs to determine which suit your needs. How are classes held? Are there multimedia components? Must the degree be completed in a certain amount of time? Will you be assigned a mentor to help you through the difficult years ahead? Create a list of questions and interview a representative from each online doctorate program.
In addition to completing courses, doctorate programs generally require students to pass in-depth subject-matter exams, write a dissertation, and defend their dissertation in a meeting with university faculty. Before enrolling in any online doctorate program, ask for a list detailing the college’s specific graduation requirements.
Types of Doctorate Degrees Online
Not all doctorate degrees can be earned through the internet. Some training, such as that received by medical doctors, must be highly supervised. However, many other doctorate degrees can be earned virtually. Some of the most popular online doctoral degrees include: Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), Doctor of Psychology (PhD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Online Doctorate Degree Residency Requirements
Most online doctorate degree programs require students to spend time taking classes or attending lectures on an actual campus. Some online programs require only a limited residency, asking students to attend a few weekend lectures or meetings. Other programs, however, may require a year or more of on-campus residency. Residency requirements are generally non-negotiable, so be sure that the online PhD program you select has requirements that fit your schedule.
Paying for a Doctorate Degree Online
Earning a doctorate degree online can cost tens of thousands. While many brick-and-mortar schools offer doctorate students paid teaching fellowships, online students are not afforded this luxury. If your new doctorate degree will help you be a better employee, you may ask your employer to pay for a portion of your doctorate degree costs. Many graduate students qualify to take out government subsidized student loans with lower-than-average interest rates. Additionally, private student loans are available from banks and lending institutions. Your online school’s financial aid advisor can help you determine which options are right for you.
Don’t Give Up
Earning a doctorate degree online can be a challenge. But, for the right student, the rewards are definitely worth it.
Who Should Earn a Doctorate Degree Online?
Earning a doctorate degree online requires a significant commitment of time and money. The best students are those who are able to set aside study time each day and balance their studies with family and work responsibilities. Because most online doctorate degree programs are reading and writing focused, doctorate students should be highly literate. They should have advanced research skills, be articulate, and have the ability to comprehend complex texts. Additionally, students should be self-motivated and able to work independently.
Keep in mind that earning a doctorate degree online may not automatically improve your salary. Most jobs requiring a doctorate degree offer a decent salary and a certain amount of prestige. However, many academic jobs such as professorships may pay less than jobs in the non-academic sector. When contemplating earning a doctorate degree online, research your future employment options to determine whether a new degree in your field will be worth it.
Online Doctorate Degree Program Accreditation
Many diploma mill schools offer the promise of “quick and easy” online doctorate degrees. Don’t fall for their tricks. Earning a doctorate degree online from an unaccredited school will be worthless. Many former diploma mill “students” have lost their jobs and their reputations by listing a diploma mill school on their resumes.
Because the doctorate is a culminating degree, proper accreditation is especially important. When selecting an online doctorate degree program, your best bet is to choose a school accredited by one of the six regional accreditation organizations. These are the same organizations that accredit reputable brick-and-motor schools. If your school is accredited by one of the regional organizations, your degree should be accepted by most employers and your credits should be transferable to most other schools.
What Else to Look for in an Online Doctorate Degree
In addition to selecting an accredited program, study potential online doctorate programs to determine which suit your needs. How are classes held? Are there multimedia components? Must the degree be completed in a certain amount of time? Will you be assigned a mentor to help you through the difficult years ahead? Create a list of questions and interview a representative from each online doctorate program.
In addition to completing courses, doctorate programs generally require students to pass in-depth subject-matter exams, write a dissertation, and defend their dissertation in a meeting with university faculty. Before enrolling in any online doctorate program, ask for a list detailing the college’s specific graduation requirements.
Types of Doctorate Degrees Online
Not all doctorate degrees can be earned through the internet. Some training, such as that received by medical doctors, must be highly supervised. However, many other doctorate degrees can be earned virtually. Some of the most popular online doctoral degrees include: Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Public Health (DPH), Doctor of Psychology (PhD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
Online Doctorate Degree Residency Requirements
Most online doctorate degree programs require students to spend time taking classes or attending lectures on an actual campus. Some online programs require only a limited residency, asking students to attend a few weekend lectures or meetings. Other programs, however, may require a year or more of on-campus residency. Residency requirements are generally non-negotiable, so be sure that the online PhD program you select has requirements that fit your schedule.
Paying for a Doctorate Degree Online
Earning a doctorate degree online can cost tens of thousands. While many brick-and-mortar schools offer doctorate students paid teaching fellowships, online students are not afforded this luxury. If your new doctorate degree will help you be a better employee, you may ask your employer to pay for a portion of your doctorate degree costs. Many graduate students qualify to take out government subsidized student loans with lower-than-average interest rates. Additionally, private student loans are available from banks and lending institutions. Your online school’s financial aid advisor can help you determine which options are right for you.
Don’t Give Up
Earning a doctorate degree online can be a challenge. But, for the right student, the rewards are definitely worth it.
Benefits of Online Education
Perhaps nowhere has the Internet's impact been greater than in the world of online education and distance learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of students taking distance education classes more than doubled between 1995 and 1998 and is expected to continue growing at a phenomenal rate. Why are so many people flocking to online classes? What advantages do Internet-based courses offer?
Convenience
Probably the greatest benefit of online education is the incredible convenience that it offers. Unlike a traditional class, online courses usually don't have regular meetings (though there are still due dates for assignments and exams, and you may have scheduled meetings or "chats" occasionally). As a result, you can do your schoolwork and studying based around your schedule. No more 8am classes, no more 4-hour lectures... heck, you could wear your underwear to "class" and no one will ever know. After all, it all takes place in front of your computer, on your time.
This obviously has huge implications for students who have jobs, a family to take care of, or both. Instead of trying to juggle your classes around a 9-to-5 job or your son's soccer practice, distance learning gives you the flexibility to take your classes when you can fit them in. It's still a challenge, no doubt -- but at least now you'll have options.
Probably the greatest benefit of online education is the incredible convenience that it offers. Unlike a traditional class, online courses usually don't have regular meetings (though there are still due dates for assignments and exams, and you may have scheduled meetings or "chats" occasionally). As a result, you can do your schoolwork and studying based around your schedule. No more 8am classes, no more 4-hour lectures... heck, you could wear your underwear to "class" and no one will ever know. After all, it all takes place in front of your computer, on your time.
This obviously has huge implications for students who have jobs, a family to take care of, or both. Instead of trying to juggle your classes around a 9-to-5 job or your son's soccer practice, distance learning gives you the flexibility to take your classes when you can fit them in. It's still a challenge, no doubt -- but at least now you'll have options.
Unlimited Offerings
When it comes to local schools and colleges, a student in New York City has far more programs to choose from than someone living in Bismarck, North Dakota. But when you're taking classes online, geography doesn't matter anymore! If a course or program isn't offered in your area, you can almost always find an online school that offers a comparable distance learning program. You no longer have to be at a disadvantage because you live in a remote or less-populated area; thanks to the Internet, everyone (around the world, even!) has the same opportunities at their fingertips.
Greater Communication
"Wait -- how can there be more communication in an online class if I never actually see my teacher?" It may sound strange at first, but you'll often have more opportunities for more direct communication with your teachers (and classmates) in an online classroom.
Instead of being limited to asking questions during class or office hours, you'll have direct access to your instructors via email or message boards. This can be especially helpful for students are normally a bit shy or reserved in a traditional classroom setting -- online, you can take the time to develop articulate questions and responses without worrying about your nerves getting in the way. It's important that you use this opportunity to speak up -- if you don't speak up when you need help in an online class, it's a lot easier to fall behind and slip through the cracks.
In just a few years, the Internet has turned online education into a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry; the majority of colleges and universities now offer some form of distance learning as part of their curriculum. And with the benefits we've listed here (and a host of others), it's easy to see why online education has become so popular.
When it comes to local schools and colleges, a student in New York City has far more programs to choose from than someone living in Bismarck, North Dakota. But when you're taking classes online, geography doesn't matter anymore! If a course or program isn't offered in your area, you can almost always find an online school that offers a comparable distance learning program. You no longer have to be at a disadvantage because you live in a remote or less-populated area; thanks to the Internet, everyone (around the world, even!) has the same opportunities at their fingertips.
Greater Communication
"Wait -- how can there be more communication in an online class if I never actually see my teacher?" It may sound strange at first, but you'll often have more opportunities for more direct communication with your teachers (and classmates) in an online classroom.
Instead of being limited to asking questions during class or office hours, you'll have direct access to your instructors via email or message boards. This can be especially helpful for students are normally a bit shy or reserved in a traditional classroom setting -- online, you can take the time to develop articulate questions and responses without worrying about your nerves getting in the way. It's important that you use this opportunity to speak up -- if you don't speak up when you need help in an online class, it's a lot easier to fall behind and slip through the cracks.
In just a few years, the Internet has turned online education into a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry; the majority of colleges and universities now offer some form of distance learning as part of their curriculum. And with the benefits we've listed here (and a host of others), it's easy to see why online education has become so popular.
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