Benefits of Online Education

Distance Learning Education Online Articles : Benefits of Online Education by Tiffany Provost

The advances in technology have lead to the increased popularity of online education. Some people still prefer the traditional educational system. There are good and bad points about both, so what are the "fors" and "againsts" of online education? To determine whether online learning is suited to you, continue reading.

1. No geographical boundaries. A real advantage of online education is that location does not matter, you can be anywhere you choose to be and still learn online. You may choose to log on for your online lessons from home, a hotel, or your aunty's spare room and still be part of an online learning community. All you require is a modem and a laptop.

2. No rigid timetable. Another great thing about online education is that it is flexible. There are no specific times you have to commit to for your online learning. Just get learning when it's most convenient to you. You can enter chat rooms and post up comments at 3 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon if you want. If you have an important appointment or simply if you are more of a night person than a chirpy morning person, time is really not an issue when you are learning online. You can also reach your professors electronically which means the library computer, cellular or laptop will all keep you in touch with the online learning community. Online learning is really about accessibility; see how easy and convenient it can be.

3. Not so good for social butterflies. One disadvantage of online education is that the social aspect just isn't there. You may miss out on some of the fun parts you get with traditional education. You will miss the opportunity to visit with your peers before the start of class, to make friends with those who share your dorm and you won't get to celebrate graduation in a public way. You won't be known by fellow students as a real live person, but only as a character on the computer screen, known only by the words you type. Keep in mind that it will be difficult to form lifelong relationships from an online learning environment, as you are not allowing your personality to shine in that environment.

4. There is a minimum amount of pressure. Taking courses through the internet allows you so many options that sometimes it is hard to stay focused. Students feel no pressure to focus on their studies when they're learning from the comforts of their own home. With no timetable, time does not have to be set apart for learning, which can lead some students to underachieve. All of the motivation to learn stays with the student. Taking a course online means that you have to stay disciplined without the help of a set schedule, teachers or fellow students.

Educating yourself online certainly has benefits and disadvantages. If it is your only option in getting an education, then just go for it. An education is important in giving you self-esteem and more employment choices. So, in the end, it is important to get an education regardless of whether you wind up sitting in the classroom or in front of a computer at home.

About the Author
Tiffany Provost writes about Schools Online and Educational tips for HowToDoThings.com.

Source: Distance learning education online information at goarticles.com