What Is Online Education?
Online schools (virtual or e-schools or online schools) teach students entirely or primarily online or via the Internet. It is defined as “education that uses one or more technologies to provide instruction to students who are separated from the teacher and to support regular and substantive interaction between students.
Online education exists all over the world and is used at all levels of schooling (K-12 high school/high school, college or graduate school). This type of learning allows individuals to earn transferable credits, take accredited exams, and progress to the next level of education over the Internet.
Number of students enrolled in distance learning courses by level (2012-2015). Virtual education is most commonly used in high school and college. Students 30 and older tend to take courses online at a higher pace. This group accounts for 41% of the online learning population, while 35.5% of students aged 24-29 and 24.5% of students aged 15-23 participate in virtual education.
More than 4,700 colleges and universities now offer digital courses to students. In 2015, more than 6 million students took at least one online course, an increase of 3.9% over the previous year. 29.7% of higher education students took at least one distance learning course. Between 2012 and 2015, the total number of students enrolled at private campuses decreased by 931,317.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Online Education
Potential Advantages:
- Personal circumstances or health interruptions, especially contagious viruses like COVID-19 and the common cold, or injuries don’t stop learning because the physical demands are much less.
- Digital transcripts for courses can also help absent students continue with classes they missed.
- Online learning is ideal for students and families who need flexible arrangements. However, synchronous learning is limited by time zone.
- The integration of Internet resources provides a vast content library, and students can quickly and proficiently use online tools, resources and research.
- Greater flexibility allows independent students (such as self-taught or gifted students) to explore study outside the standard curriculum, pursue individual skills and ambitions, or develop at your own pace using online resources. Part-time students with busy jobs or families can benefit from the flexibility of an online schedule.
- Online schools can serve as a counterweight, as age, appearance, and background are less visible, thus reducing harassment, bias, or discrimination. Instead, groups are categorized based on individual abilities.
- Students benefit from exposure to other people of different cultures around the world, which enriches their understanding of history, geography, religion and politics while developing social skills.
- Online educators can collaboratively engage or discuss common or real-world issues, an essential skill for a successful career.
- Increase access to distance education for poor or rural areas who commute to school or lack resources.
- Increased opportunities may allow students to take more courses of interest that are not offered nearby.
- Cost savings for schools or districts as it allows teachers to instruct more students than in a face-to-face classroom setting.
- Online Master’s Programs may be less expensive for students than traditional courses because fewer resources may be required. Additionally, many online learning resources are free, easily accessible, self-paced, and beginner-friendly.
Potential Disadvantages:
- Remote learning reduces participation and interaction and leads to lack of socialization, which may reduce students’ social skills or skills, such as the ability to work with others.
- A home or online environment can be more distracting or disruptive than an actual school environment.
- Organizing an online school is more expensive and more complicated to organize or lead.
- Virtual education will not be available to those without access to technology or equipment. While some schools can lend devices to students, those without access can easily fall behind.
- Many virtual schools are relatively new and inexperienced, so they may not be suitable for properly educating students.
- Technology or the internet can be more unpredictable as it is more prone to power outages, internet outages, hacks, exploits, online trolls, glitches or bugs which can be harder to fix or deal with online.
- Potential employers may be skeptical about the reliability of online degrees and virtual courses.
- Fraud online may be easier or more attractive because online resources may be more accessible and the restrictions or consequences may be milder. Increased online anonymity may further encourage or enable ongoing inappropriate behavior, such as trolling.
- Online schools may be overly permissive or alienating, and thus may encourage or shield potentially disruptive and indisciplined behavior that could threaten a student’s future or career.
- Do not use physical tools that could impair student ability or capacity.
- Online may be limited because physical or hands-on activities, especially classes such as physical education, art, and chemistry, may be harder or occur less or more frequently. Bachelor’s degree online may take away the value of the positive elements that some courses demand and will not provide the same teacher-student relationship. Students also may not experience the same critical thinking, observation, creativity, and creative thinking skills.
Things To Know About Online Courses Seattle
Washington state university online degrees enable students to complete college-level courses through the Internet. These programs are perfect for students with busy schedules, family responsibilities or day jobs.
- Tuition Information: State tuition fees apply. covered by financial aid.
- Additional Fees: Technology Fee of $7 per credit hour.
- Technical Requirements: Internet Explorer or Firefox browser access to IBM compatible or Macintosh computer, Internet connection and e-mail account.
Like many colleges, universities, and vocational schools, Seattle’s online teaching programs provide continuing education for adults interested in pursuing advanced teaching for professional or personal reasons. The type of courses or classes you take are unique to your reasons for enrolling in a continuing education program. Common services include:
- Industry Professional Development
- Professional Development for Educators (24/7)
- Workforce/Job Training
- Professional Certification and Licensure
- personal enrichment
Upon completion of the online program, students will earn an online associate degree and certificate, imparting the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a variety of careers. Additionally, an online associate degree is often a stepping stone for those who want to pursue further education by earning a bachelor’s degree. In fact, some of the colleges listed offer a number of transferable courses to help students transfer successfully to a four-year university in Washington.
read more: https://seattleducation.com/online-courses/
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