If you’re graduating from high school, changing careers, or updating your resume, a fast track education might be right for you. The ability to attend a wide range of classes at the time and place of your choice, as well as to adapt courses to your own learning style, provides opportunities previously unavailable to college students.
Before you decide, though, you might want to consider the following questions and check out various schools and the curriculums they offer.
What is a fast-track education?
College is an expensive and time-consuming process. A fast-track program enables you to graduate more quickly by completing courses in condensed class time, sometimes giving you credit for work experience, and allowing you to work around your own schedule.
While online courses are usually more flexible, online schools sometimes partner with other institutions to provide a wider curriculum.
Is an online education right for me?
The following skills and personality traits are necessary for successful online learning. Do you have them, or can you acquire them? If so, you are off to a good start.
- Independence, self-discipline and a love of learning
- Strong writing and reading skills
- Effective time management
- Computer and Internet proficiency
- Good digital communication
What is my learning style?
Everybody uses a combination of learning styles, but most people retain information more effectively when information is presented in a specific way. Learning styles may be summarized into three broad categories:
- Auditory, or hearing
- Visual, or seeing
- Tactile, or touching
If you remember things by hearing them or if music helps you concentrate, you may be an auditory learner. If you like to use charts, maps, illustrations, or graphs, you are likely a visual learner. If you are a hands-on learner who prefers to touch, build, or draw, you are probably a tactile learner.
Most classrooms operate around one style, but e-learning gives you the freedom to use the one that works best for you. You can discover your learning style with online tests like the one at educationplanner.org.
What are some of the advantages of online learning?
- Flexibility of time and place
- Individualized, self-paced learning
- Lower cost
- Convenience
What are some of the disadvantages of online learning?
- Lack of social interaction
- Technological issues
- Potential issues with transferring credits
- Little or no face-to-face communication with teachers
Pros and cons vary with different schools, as well as with different students and teachers. Because online education is growing quickly, there is a learning curve for both students and teachers. Technology issues may delay or complicate communication at times, and less independent students may not get the encouragement they need from seeing teachers in person.
On the other hand, every complication can also be an asset. If students and teachers enjoy communicating through the Internet and students are self-motivated, they may excel in ways not possible in traditional classrooms.
Other issues to consider include the transfer of credits to other schools and the cost of tuition, but these are less likely to be a problem in virtual programs that are highly accredited and well respected.
How can I find an online program that fits my needs?
As online programs become more popular and more widely offered, finding the right program for your needs can be a tedious process, but help is available. The website for the National Center for Education Statistics is among many that provide up-to-date filtered searches to narrow the options.
After you find a potential school, talk to students who are already enrolled in the program, as well as instructors in your area of study. The more opinions you get, the more unbiased your information will be. If you plan to use financial aid, ask questions to make sure what you need is available. If you plan to transfer credits, check with both schools to make sure the credits are transferable.
How does financial aid for online classes work?
Federal financial aid is only available for schools that are accredited by the United States Department of Education. In those schools that are accredited, federal student loans follow the same regulations as traditional campuses. Many universities, in fact, provide both onsite and virtual courses.
How do I know if the program is a scam?
Information about accreditation can be misleading and confusing. According to an article in the U.S. News & World Report, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission can answer questions about individual schools. Other red flags include schools that ask for money up front or pressure students to enroll.
While you might be able to get credits for work experience or fast-track your degree, be suspicious of anything that sounds too good to be true.
What are the five most popular online degrees?
According to the successfulstudent.org website, the most desirable online bachelors degree in 2017 are the following:
- Business administration
- Criminal justice
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Education
Degrees in healthcare management, computer science, accounting, and human services are also popular.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education. In the end, an online bachelors degree is as good as the school that offers it. When it comes from a reputable source, it is equal to a traditional one. Students, however, vary in needs and circumstances, and what is best for one may not be best for another.
Choosing an online program, whether it involves bachelors of science degree or bachelors of arts, should be based on the quality of the institution and your individual needs.
Nisha Pandey
Latest posts by Nisha Pandey (see all)
- Trucking Business In California – What You Should Know Before Starting It - October 11, 2021
- Top Reasons to Practice Mindfulness - September 29, 2021
Recent Comments