Is it Better than Attending Traditional School?

Online education has helped millions of people transform their lives. Before online learning became widely available, factors such as employment, family commitments, geographical isolation, and physical challenges prevented many people from advancing their formal education. Online colleges help level the playing field. Online students have the dual benefits of dictating their own schedules and — according to a recent government report — possibly receiving a better education than on-campus students.

In 2009, the US Department of Education published their Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies. The evaluation considers 1,100 scientific studies of online learning conducted between 1996 and 2008.  On page 11 of the report, the government concludes that “on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”

How have online degree programs managed to outperform on-campus programming? The government found that on average, the students receiving online-only or blended (online and offline) instruction had additional learning time and were taught in more ways than students in traditional face-to-face programs. These factors helped explain the better performance of students at online colleges.

Online schools likely attained such high quality as a result of competition. According to the Sloan Foundation’s report entitled “Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning”, the growth in demand for online courses has far outpaced the demand for on-campus courses since 2001. All of this demand has led to better products. By 2007, even the most historic universities had entered the age of online learning: two-thirds of accredited colleges and universities were offering courses online.

What are the advantages of online learning? First, when getting an education from an online college, you’ll choose where to learn. Sometimes this can be virtually anywhere. The University of Maryland, for example, makes its lectures available in MP3 format so that students can listen away from their personal computers. However, some online learning requires occasional travel at set times. The University of Wisconsin, for instance, requires attendance at interactive television sites. Since these are located throughout the state, they are more accessible than the branch campus is to isolated students.

Second, with online colleges you can choose when to learn. Whatever subject interests you, there are bound to be multiple online program options. You can choose a program that’s accessible 24 hours a day or, at the least, one with daily or weekly participation requirements that fit your schedule. Program lengths are also highly variable. Part-time and accelerated programs are offered for people with unique scheduling needs.

Of course, getting an excellent education online requires dedication. Some people have the misconception that online studies are simpler than traditional school. As the Department of Education study suggests though, online students spend even more time learning! To reap the benefits of online college, you’ll need to “be your own parent”. Manage your time wisely, study hard, and give yourself rewards for great work.