October 13, 2011

6 Advantages of Online Universities

1. Anonymity
Students feel shy when it comes to class participation, which is essential for a quality education. For some, it can be nerve-wracking to speak up in a class, especially if you’re giving your opinion, not just answering an objective question about the work. Online, there’s a certain level of anonymity, which can really help you come out of your shell. In an online classroom, it is much easier to ask questions as well, so you’ll get the answers you need to understand the material better.

2. Best Professors/Faculties
When you go to a campus college, you’re limited to working with professors who live in your area. While most colleges are home to amazing professors in at least a few fields, an online campus isn’t limited by location. So, if the best teacher for Introduction to Anatomy lives in New Mexico and the best teacher for Biology 101 lives in South Carolina, you can have access to them both. With every class, there’s the potential for the best professors.

3. Schedule
Most schools advertise the fact that you can work on your own schedule, even in your pajamas, but it isn’t just about scheduling school before the kids wake up or after you come home from your day job. At an online university, you have more flexibility to work at your own pace. So, even if you can only devote a limited amount of time to your schoolwork, you can still get your degree.

4. Professors are easier to contact.
With a traditional college, most professors have office hours during which time they are available to answer your questions. If you aren’t available during those hours, you might be out of luck, since some professors don’t check their email often. Professors at online colleges will contact you almost exclusively via email, which means that you can ask your question any time day or night, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.
5. Cost
With a campus college, your tuition doesn’t just cover the expense of going to class. You’re also paying for access to classrooms, a library, and other facilities that aren’t a part of online universities. Server space costs a lot less than actual buildings, and that savings will be passed on to you, so saving for college is easier.

6. Balance a Job and Class
Many students do not want to leave their current jobs. They don't have to while earning a degree online. Students will be able to go to work during the day and study at nighttime. Many people go to night school after work. They are exhausted by the time they get home each night. Online classes provide the same instruction without the exhaustion.