Alternatives to a Traditional University Education

Online education programs allow students to learn the required material for a class or degree through the Internet. According to thebestschools.org, there are two main types of online classes:  

• Synchronous online classes: These require students and instructors to be online at the same time to complete the course
  • Student-teacher video conferencing and virtual blackboards fall into this category
  • Advantages: allows for real-time interaction with the professor and other students for questions and comments, a set time schedule for some students and may help with accountability, and helps to add more of a personal connection with the teacher and/or students 
  • Disadvantages: Similar to traditional course scheduling, so may be difficult for students with busy schedules, could be hard for students who prefer to study individually or get stressed by the presence of other students
    
• Asynchronous online classes: These types of classes allow students to participate in and complete the course at their own pace 
  • Pre-recorded video lectures with quizzes, online forums, and chat boards are all types of asynchronous online classes  
  • Advantages: Provide optimal flexibility in terms of scheduling, allows for students to learn in a style that’s best suited to them 
  • Disadvantages: Requires a strong ability to self-teach and plan for deadlines, hard to connect with other students or a professor (although discussion boards help with this), difficult to get immediate feedback for questions
    
• The most important thing to remember when choosing an online program is accreditation – an online degree may not have the same value as a traditional degree if it doesn’t have the right accreditations. In addition, it’s easy to accidentally join an online program that may actually be a scam or a “degree-mill”. Accreditation can be sought through regional accreditation, which is usually in the form of an organization that controls standards for a certain area of schools, or from professional organizations. For example, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the official organization that evaluates standards for engineering programs across the nation.
   
• Most online classes are provided as sub-programs of traditional universities. The total cost of attending an online course is about half the price of an average undergraduate program. Details of the breakdown can be found here: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/financial-aid/online-college-degree-cost/ 
• Finally, hybrid classes are classes that are a mix of online and in-person teaching. Usually, a designated day of the week might have an in-person lecture with the remaining material online, or exams may have to be taken in-person at a testing center. Hybrid courses can be a good option for students who like a mix of online and face-to-face classes.
   
• Overall, online classes are a great option for students who need flexibility for classes and hours, and are good at mandating their own study plans. A degree from a good online accredited program can open doors for the same types of jobs as a traditional degree, and should be seriously considered if you’re looking for an alternative form of education.
   
• Use this link for a list of accredited online colleges: https://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/online-schools