Modern technologies have genuinely enhanced the concept of “open university” or online distance education, as one may call it these days. You cannot deny that it is an exciting and innovative approach relevant to today’s globalization trend, but is it for you?
Indeed, online education has wormed its way into people’s consciousness, so much so that many, in particular modernists, have turned to it as an alternative way of finishing school and getting a diploma or a degree without having to set foot on an actual campus. Moreover, the emergence of online schools has made not only earning a degree from the comfort of your home conceivable but it has also made buying a diploma possible for those who cannot go to school for one reason or another.
However, traditionalists or those who are not too keen on the idea of using the Internet to “go to school” cannot quite understand the allure of online education. To these people, taking advantage of technology to educate oneself is unfathomable and unacceptable, a disservice to one’s right to education.
Nevertheless, is that the case? Is online education doing more harm than good to students? Are its proponents the only ones who see its seeming advantages? Who stands to benefit from online education? Let us look into this novel concept and understand why it has become a feasible option for completing school.
The Allure of Online Education
Those who are a tad opposed to the concept of online education probably have not taken the time to analyze what it truly is. Believe it or not, there is very little difference between online and traditional classes as far as the goals are concerned. Both aim to teach students until they ultimately get their diploma, and in the case of online college students, their degrees.
However, online education is more than that. We mentioned in the get-go that the online education trend has made buying a diploma possible, and we were not joking. If you wonder, “Can you buy your diploma online,” the answer is yes, and we will get more into that later. For now, let us find out more about online education.
Suppose there was a considerable difference between online and classroom-based classes. In that case, it has something to do with the way schools conduct offline and online education classes to deliver lessons, instructions, feedback from submitted requirements, etc. Online education is not more complicated than traditional schooling.
It only looks complex because of how schools provide classes and how students learn from them (through technology, which is still an intricate thing to many). There is no doubt that anyone, including you, can find it a worthwhile alternative to attending a traditional school with some adjustments. If you are interested in getting an online education, it is best to determine if it will be a suitable option.
Is Online Education for You?
Deciding to enroll in an online course is a popular option for those who have difficulty attending a regular school. Are you one of those people? Is there a pressing need for you to enroll in an online class, or can you buy your diploma online instead? Perhaps considering the three questions and the accompanying answers below can help you decide:
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What is your fundamental reason for wanting an online distance education?
Suppose you have a physical handicap that makes it impossible for you to attend a conventional classroom education. In that case, it is a good reason to enroll in a distance education program. On the other hand, if you are employed and seek a way to advance your career, you can also benefit from this approach. If you want to enroll in distance education to have more time for a social life or because of laziness, then you must reconsider. While this mode of learning is different, it does not mean it is less demanding. If one intends to enroll in notable schools, expect work to be more challenging.
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Do you have a family situation preventing you from pursuing higher education in some distant place?
Having children who need attention is a frequent reason why many parents prefer not to pursue higher education. An ailing parent/s is another common reason. In situations like those, online distance education is a wise and practical solution. Yet, you must realize that you also need a supportive family to meet the difficulties of being a student. Just because you will take online classes does not mean it merits a laidback approach. It does not make it any less important. Even if you are merely enrolled in the online counterpart of one of the best schools in the world, you are still expected to give it the same dedication you would if you were enrolled in the actual campus.
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Do you have what it takes to do independent work and learning?
Online distance education calls for the right attitude if you want to succeed in it. Learning is at your own pace, but there are schedules and requirements to meet to pass the courses. Are you self-driven and independent? Can you manage your time exceptionally well? Do you enjoy learning and exploring on your own? Are your computer skills sufficient to keep you going?
Since you have taken the time to consider those three questions, do you still want to give online education a shot? Or perhaps now, you feel that buying a diploma is the better option. However, truthfully, can you buy your diploma online?
Yes! As mentioned, there are reputable brick-and-mortar schools with online counterparts. These counterparts work in partnership with legitimate providers that offer authentic diplomas and degrees to those who desperately and sincerely need them but are not in a position to acquire them the traditional way. You can read a detailed description of these providers by visiting their websites.
Now, as implied in the last item above, online education can be challenging. The questions in the next section might help you evaluate your decision regarding online school.
What Does Online Education Involve?
Just as it is in a conventional school setting, there are many things involved in online education. To be sure that you can survive the challenges associated with online education classes, make sure to ask questions and consider your goals before attempting courses online. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself and the online school:
- Do you like “interactive” learning? What about doing things on your own? Online learning entails a lot of writing, reading, and independent work. If these do not fit your learning style, better reconsider. Perhaps buying a high school diploma online is the better option for you. Online classes provide freedom to enrollees and work well for those who learn faster when they do things independently. All exchanges between instructors and students in the online classroom are written in messages, eliminating note-taking, but requiring students to read and write more.
- Do you have the basic computer skills and computer access to survive online education classes? You need not be computer savvy to succeed as an online student. Generally, it would help if you had a stable Internet connection, a PC or laptop, familiarity with some basic programs, and some standard Internet tools. If you have to download specific software, you can easily ask for help from some online contacts or family and friends.
- How do you decide where to enroll? Many offline schools are already expanding academic programs online. It is good to select these schools that you know are reputable learning institutions with experience in managing academic programs. Ensure that the program you are interested in is accredited and that the degrees, certificates, or classes they offer meet your educational and career goals. Please find out about your options, the cost, the profile of their faculty and mentors. Ask about their technical support, financial aid, registration, and other policies related to admission, retention, and graduation.
- What can you expect as far as work and participation are concerned? You may be surprised, but online classes have similar requirements that entail as much work and interaction as any traditional college or university. The virtual classrooms that online schools create require the same attendance by logging in before classes start and the same effort during discussions, doing assignments, projects, and exams.
- How do you keep your focus and energy level high? Take a recess. Just like in any traditional school, you should have breaks to give yourself a breather every so often. It would help if you did this to keep your focus when necessary and keep your enthusiasm high when studying. Even when you have the freedom to choose your study time, it is good to fix a schedule that will allow you to perform well; the secret is taking a recess when you need a break.
There is no doubt that online distance education is convenient, but it is not for everyone. It pays well to be realistic before anyone jumps into it. You need to think things through and ask yourself the questions above to gauge your ability to take online classes. You may think you have everything down pat but in reality, maybe buying a diploma is the best option for you. Only you can answer that; thus, it is best to make a thorough self-assessment before making your final decision.