The Pros and Cons to an Online Education

Online education has not always had a positive connotation.  Over the last few years it has improved in quality and reputation.  Although, the education has improved, some may still feel that earning a “virtual education” is not their preferred method.  Listed below are some pros and cons to online education that may help you decide if this educational avenue is appropriate for you.

PROS:

• Flexibility and Convenience:  An online education schedule is not based on a semester or quarter program.  You take a class when you have time.  You can set your own schedule and work around your job and family. 
• Quality Education:  As previously stated, years ago online education had a negative connotation.  These days there are ample credible programs available.  Employers are less likely to shy away from this type of earned education versus a degree earned while attending at a college campus.
• Cost:  The cost of an online education is often less expensive than attending an institution.   
• Travel:  You don’t have drive to the school or search for parking.  You just have to walk to your computer and turn it on.  This is a real positive to those who want to avoid traffic and congestion at all costs.
• Learning Style:  For those who are visual learners and benefit from reading material, versus hearing it and deciphering the important parts, an online education can be optimal.  All the important, assessed parts of your learning are spelled out in black and white.  You can also read and absorb information at your own pace rather than struggling to keep up with a rambling professor.  
• Social Benefits:  Some students of online education claim that the student-to-student education is increased in this learning environment.  Whether it’s figuring out the technology or learning instruction, student’s converse more with one another.
• Technological Skill:  As you become proficient at performing requirements for your teacher, you skill for navigating a computer and its function will increase.  Those skills are desirable to employers.

CONS:

• Ineffective Teachers:  Some educators are given the assignment of teaching an online class and may be uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the technology.  This inexperience can affect the quality of education you receive.
• Testing:  The quality of assessments can by affected by this online arrangement.  An educator may be limited to the type of test she would administer.  Another downfall of online testing is the credibility of the test-taker.  One could question the honesty of students who are test taking in an uncontrolled environment.
• Negative Connotation:  Some employers may still have the attitude that an online education is inferior to one sought out at an actual educational campus.  This may affect their likelihood of hiring one with this type of education.
• Social Interaction:  The amount of time spent with peers is eliminated when you can stay home to get your education.  Some experts agree that this social interaction is vital in developing good skills for working in group settings and without it you are missing out on a key part of your education.
• Beware Procrastinator.  If you struggle with procrastination, this educational avenue may not be for you.  You need to be a self starter and get yourself focused and working on your assignments without any outside factors.  This can be difficult for some.

Hopefully, this list of pros and cons will assist in your decision of seeking an education online or at a college campus.