Today nearly 70 million students have attended 8,000 online courses created by teachers from more than 800 universities around the world. Thus, it’s safe to say that online education is a great way to gain new knowledge. Nevertheless, there are a lot of skeptical opinions about it. So, let’s try to take up all aspects of online education and strike a balance between its pros and cons.
Online Education Is Not Valid: Myth or Reality?
Online learning is a modern and powerful tool, but it can show its effectiveness in the hands of an experienced teacher who knows advanced technologies quite well. Much will depend on whether an online course is done in a quality manner, how interactive and exciting it is and how the feedback system between the teacher and students works. However, a vital factor is going to be the student’s self-discipline. Neither a teacher nor Dean will be looking over your shoulder, demanding to prepare your assignments. Many students can get overwhelmed when they have to do their assignments as only they can hold themselves accountable. The nice thing is that there are many online resources and apps to help ease the burden of this workload. Whether it’s looking for a top online paper writing service, time management apps, or even software to help you with mindset and attitude, there are many resources to help every student succeed.
However, some subjects can be challenging to complete by only doing it online. If this is the case, mixed education might be the necessary option. Not every student who starts an online course will take it all the way to completion. But those who take the full course usually pass the exams successfully.
The Job Market Does Not Always Recognize the Online Education Certificate
Online learning may or may not be a good choice as it can never wholly replace traditional education, and a computer won’t always replace a teacher’s work properly. After completing an online course and passing the exam, a student receives a digital certificate. It’s crucial for any specialist that an employer can evaluate his primary education and work experience, but also the skills he has gained. Anyone can say they took an online course, but it’s difficult to validate those courses sometimes, so the job market might not always accept those certifications.
A lot of popular social networks provide an opportunity to add certificates and diplomas to the user’s profile, where a potential employer can see the best candidate’s qualities.
How to Provide the Quality Assurance of Acquired Knowledge?
Online education is based on trust. The system of remote monitoring of passing exams has been developed and is actively used. Most often, this system provides access to the webcam, microphone, and the student’s desktop. The program can determine who is going to pass the exam or inform an observer that the person who is taking the exam, is looking around and probably cheating. Taking exams in front of your computer or laptop can help to reduce the stress of being in an uncomfortable environment.
Students choose online courses more and more often because they can study at any convenient time. To take these types of courses, you need to have enough passion for new knowledge, be organized, and have a good internet connection.
For more great college tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.
