Online Education: Classrooms Without Boundaries
May 21, 2008 – 7:58 pm by KimGone are the days of stuffy lecture halls, uncomfortable plastic chairs and getting sneezed on by the sick kid behind you. Taking the classroom online has eliminated the need for snow days, the hassle of course scheduling and the spread of germs. E-learning is taking education to new heights and has made earning a degree easier than ever.
During the fall of 2006, 3.5 million students enrolled in online courses around the country. As of this year over 75% of colleges and universities in the U.S. now offer online degree programs that carry the same esteem as degrees earned “on the grounds”. In terms of education, getting your degree online is so hot right now.
And why wouldn’t it be? Online learning allows for smaller, interactive classrooms and enables student-centered teaching approaches. Instructor lectures are available 24/7 and threaded discussion groups can be joined at anytime, thus providing an education that works with you, not against you.
In my opinion, the best thing about getting an online degree is that many employers actually provide full or partial reimbursement to their employees for taking online courses. What’s more is that these employees can then maintain their personal and professional lifestyle while earning a degree that will better their future career and salary potential.
There are many choices out there and often the hardest part is figuring out where to get started. Below are some recommendations for top online colleges and universities.
Ellis College is an example of an online university that offers degree programs at the associates through master’s level, as well as continuing education. It is a fully accredited extension of The New York Institute of Technology and offers majors ranging from accounting to computer science and human resources.
If you are interested in a services related field, check out the New England Institute of Technology. They offer associates and bachelor’s degrees and cover majors in auto body technology, surgical technology and electronics engineering.
DeVry University offers technology-based, career-oriented degree programs and is one of the better known online universities out there. They offer associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as continuing education.
Try American Intercontinental University if you are looking to earn your degree in criminal justice, healthcare management, marketing or information technology.
Grand Canyon was ranked number one by the Online Education Database in 2007 and has over 16,000 students enrolled in online and campus courses. Check this school out for their programs in nursing, business, education and social sciences.
Saint Leo offers the same classroom curricula online as they do on campus and has the largest undergraduate degree program online. Check it out, then enroll for courses at your convenience.
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