Interactive Online Continuing Education
Interactive online continuing education has been seen as a legitimate form of education for more than 10 years. More and more traditional schools are offering programs online to potential degree seekers in an attempt to enroll more students and as a way for degree seekers, who work full-time or have families, to pursue a an undergraduate or an advanced degree.
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Features
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Depending on the educational needs of the degree seeker, online continuing education works in many ways like a traditional classroom setting. For example, a student in an online university can select to go full-time or part-time. In addition, virtual classrooms exist where the degree seeker can read and print the course syllabus; discuss material with the instructor and other students through chat rooms; turn in work and assignments through attachments such as Microsoft Word and take class tests, midterms and finals.
Growth
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Interactive online continuing education is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years as continuing education is viewed as a necessity in today's competitive job market, according to WWL: Online Continuing Education Courses. Moreover, Educause suggests that enrollment numbers in online education continue to grow.
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Types
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Currently there are over 200 colleges and universities that offer online classes and degrees. In addition, there are learning opportunities online for associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's programs, doctoral programs and various certification programs. Furthermore, online educational schools and programs are open to federal financial aid programs as well as military benefits such as the G.I. Bill.
Benefits
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There are several benefits to an online education. For example, students can work at their own pace and select the time of day in which they log in to class and complete their assignments. Perhaps the largest benefit to online education is the fact that there is no travel involved, and students can choose a school they might not be able to attend, because it is too far from work and family.
Considerations
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The main concern that a potential student has in searching for interactive online continuing education is whether or not the school is accredited. Students simply need to ask a school's admission department to provide a list of links to a school's accreditation. While a school that is not accredited can educate a degree seeker, a non-accredited program may not be as beneficial when starting a career.
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References
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