The global online education market has grown by over 900% since 2000 and expects 57 million users by 2027. This magnificent growth in just 27 years is due to the unparalleled benefits of online learning.
With around 63% of U.S. students engaging in daily online education, 70% believe it is more effective than traditional learning. These stats highlight the growing popularity of online education in America. According to a survey by Coursera, the country has over 17.3 million e-learners and has the highest number of remote learners.
Online education has made education more accessible. You can pursue diverse degrees and quality education from anywhere. E-learners can stay in their hometown and get degrees from reputable places like New York, which ranks 9th in education.
If you are also considering enrolling in an online program, here are a few things you should know:
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Value of accredited online degrees
Accredited courses ensure quality education. It provides a standard for your learning experience and provides credibility for future employers. It would be best if you chose a trustworthy institute while pursuing your graduate or undergraduate degrees to prevent wasting time and money.
Accredited universities are more rewarding because they ensure you receive reliable and consistent education through their online programs. The credibility of your online graduate degrees depends on getting them from a reputable source, which increases your chances of getting hired after graduation.
Why get a degree that employers will reject? Getting online higher education from an accredited college is a wise investment that can set you up for future success. So, carefully investigate the status of possible institutions before enrolling.
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Pros and cons
E-learners have control over their education and complete independence, which helps them retain 25% to 60% more information than traditional learners in 40% to 60% less time. You can set your own pace, choose your setting, and set your learning outcomes. This approach is a more active learning style than passively absorbing information in a classroom setting.
However, online education is not for everyone. According to a 2020 survey on student academics, 69% of fully online students reported having trouble focusing. Many students require a hands-on approach and rely on peer interactions to facilitate learning, so on-campus students struggle less than their online peers.
Motivating yourself while pursuing online education can be difficult if you are prone to procrastinating and need someone to monitor your progress. Remember that there will be little instructor supervision, class timings, and deadlines to keep you on track. So, create a schedule and develop consistency to pursue your online degree effectively.
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Diversity of E-learning programs
Online education provides a diverse selection of degrees belonging to specific niches. It removes geographical boundaries and empowers you to explore niche subjects you might’ve been unable to access in your area. You can choose graduate degrees like M.S. in Criminal Justice or Public Administration. You can also pursue degrees in Cyber Security, Liberal Studies, or Psychology from credible institutes without having to relocate.
Apart from various specializations to choose from, online education offers asynchronous or synchronous learning. Synchronous learning connects you with your teachers and peers. You learn together simultaneously, like in a virtual classroom or a Zoom meeting. Studies suggest that these online meetings exert a social influence, positively impacting your grades because of the opportunity to offer feedback. You can ask questions, share ideas, and have real-time discussions. It’s like talking on the phone or having a group video chat with friends. You’re all online together, learning together. This learning mode facilitates students with low motivation levels by providing peer support and instructor supervision.
On the other hand, asynchronous learning is more flexible, like watching a recorded video or reading an email. Here, you follow your schedule and set the pace of your studies. You access learning materials whenever it suits you best and review the content as often as needed. This learning mode facilitates students with busy schedules by removing the rigidity of traditional education.
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Broader networking opportunities
Global institutes give you access to a network worldwide. Online education lets you network with people beyond your institute’s area. Instead, you can talk to people from different states, cities, or countries. You can actively participate in online forums and chat groups to interact with your peers. You can talk to a limited number of people physically on-site. However, you can instantly connect with hundreds of people online. By forming connections with more people, you facilitate learning through peer support and enrich your academic experience. You can also learn valuable tips from your instructors and industry experts.
A global network can also increase international career opportunities. Online education lets you interact with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. It prepares you to interact with international clients, employers, and other stakeholders. You increase your chances of getting jobs or internships. You can also collaborate with your peers on international projects.
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Common misconceptions
A few myths about online education might make you hesitant to pursue it. Many people assume that e-learners must learn everything independently and find their own resources. Some folks might worry that it’s less effective than traditional classrooms because it needs more interaction. However, the advancements in technology have made it possible for real-time interactions.
These common misconceptions lead to the belief that online education is less effective than traditional learning. However, according to this Forbes article, online education’s continuous advancement and flexibility make it superior to traditional learning. The article references studies where 85% of students believed e-learning was better or the same as on-site learning, and 37% thought it was superior. So, online education is a reliable learning mode despite no face-to-face interaction.
Conclusion
Pursuing an online education is an empowering journey that encourages independent learning, instills adaptability, and builds resilience. Education is now more accessible without the time and geographical constraints. Using it to advance your career, explore new horizons, and pursue your goals would be a good decision in this fast-paced world. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours to make.