Online Education
Online education can mean completing an entire degree through an online university, casually browsing and reading articles, or a middle-ground of viewing webinars and taking continuing education credits offered online. Despite the wide range of opportunities available for online education, there is one constant among each opportunity: Benefits of online education are directly related to the amount of effort on the part of the student.
Online educational offerings are, by their nature, self-directed and require motivation and discipline. There is a big difference between going to class at an appointed time each day and taking tests with 500 other students, and completing coursework on your own. Online educational opportunities abound.the entire internet could be considered one large online classroom, but some resources stand above the rest.
Reviewed Sites
The University of Phoenix: www.phoenix.edu
Out of the hundreds of online universities, the University of Phoenix stands above the rest. Some major brick and mortar universities offer online degree programs, but the University of Phoenix is entirely online. The University has refined its focus to offer coursework and classes for working adults, though any student may enroll. The UoP is recognized by employers as a legitimate degree-granting institution, aiding in the job search. Student reviews are mixed; however, most of the positive reviews heavily discuss the need for effort from the Student to make the experience a success.
Elearners.com: www.elearners.com
This website provides a wealth of information about online degree programs, continuing education programs, certificate programs, etc. Student reviews help those seeking a quality online educational experience choose wisely for their individual needs. Blogs and discussion forums allow those walking similar journeys to share their experience with one another.
Research and Statistics: www.uwex.edu/disted/statistics.cfm
The University of Wisconsin has put together a website full of resources and links to research and reports about the state of online education and distance learning. Their website links to reports of research conducted by government and independent institutions dedicated to improving online education.
McGraw-Hill Online Learning: onlinelearning.mhhe.com
McGraw-Hill has been publishing textbooks for over one hundred years. They have now moved into the age of the internet by building online courses that schools can integrate into curriculum. The McGraw-Hill courses are written by experts in the field, and developed with the newest, attention-keeping technology. For instructors struggling to keep up with ever-changing technology and shorter attention spans of students, McGraw-Hill online learning is a great resource.
FunBrain: www.funbrain.com
Online education and learning is as beneficial for children as it is for adults. Children are more likely to stick with it if their online learning opportunity is fun. Funbrain.com fits the description. The web interface is designed with kids in mind.bright colors, interesting subjects and resources for web-savvy kids make this site a daily must-visit.
Tips for Success
- Decide upon your ultimate goal for your online educational experience. Enrolling in a degree program is much different than casually browsing free online tutorials.
- When considering embarking on an online degree program, determine whether you will have the time and the privacy to complete your degree. Once you begin, keep regular hours for completing coursework.
- Make use of the wide variety of resources and formats available. The best online educational resources are those moderated by professionals or operated by universities and public school affiliates.
- Teachers and professors can find a wealth of online resources to supplement their traditional classroom learning experiences. Students today have grown up with computers a part of daily life and can make the most out of self-directed online tutorials that enhance regular assignments.
- Read several reviews about online courses and degree programs before committing to one. Search Google for reviews, and you will find many from different sources. Weigh the advice from reviewers against your own attributes and needs to make the best decision.
| 
