ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The most attractive advantages of Online Schools are flexibility, convenience, and the ability to work at your own pace. Electronic classes allow students to participate and complete coursework according to their own schedules. This makes an Online education a viable option for those that have other commitments such as family or work. Other advantages of Online Schools may include the ability to communicate with fellow students from around the country, flexibility to the student's needs, and more variety in the learning experience with the use of multimedia and the non-verbal presentation of teaching material. Video instruction provides visual and audio learning that can be reviewed as often as needed. A disadvantage of Online Schools include the lack of face-to-face interaction with a teacher. Supporters of online education, however, claim that human interactions can be encouraged through audio or video-based web-conferencing programs, threaded discussion boards, live chat, blogs, email, or other means.

Nearly 3.2 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2005 term in the United States. The explosive growth is nearly 50 percent a year. Virtually all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes.

For those who are shy or have English as a second language, online education can be a very effective way to learn.

Students save huge amounts of time and money. There are no out-of-state fees, room and board fees, nor time invested in commuting to class and no travel costs.

There are virtually no limitations on class choices. No matter where you live, you will have the same course choices and schedules as any other student.

Courses allow you to learn at your own pace. Online classes are available anytime, anywhere, making it possible to study when and where you want.

You can learn while you earn. You can work part-time or even full-time while you take courses. Some employers will help pay for courses that relate to your job.