Online Degree vs Traditional Degree: Which One is Better? The education system that we know from twenty years ago is no longer the same. There are numerous academics, experts, employers and entrepreneurs whose path to education did not meet the clear cut standards as we know them. There are many agreements where people of high learning have concluded that the value of one’s credentials does not lessen if they have gotten them online. Online learning is standing side by side with traditional means of education, especially when it comes to universities and colleges. As long as the online school is accredited according to certain regions, it is acceptable. Thus, you do not need a big campus and student body to be a good school.
Despite this, the question remains: which is better, online or traditional education? A lot of people who have sat through brick and mortar rooms to learn new skills and gain knowledge, others have taken the aid of the internet for their education to proceed. As we go into 2020, we see that even the best universities in the world are offering full-fledged degrees on online platforms. Alongside classes on campus, this is a fantastic aid for distance learning as well. But does this mean that the shift has changed? Or are traditional universities still preferred?
Online Learning and its Popularity
Even though distance education has been a part of society since the 1840s, it has not become commonplace until recently. Whether you are considering an online MBA or need to get your Ph.D., it can be done online at a more affordable rate than traditional institutions offer. Modern internet has paved the way for distinct and better courses to become readily available to anyone and everyone. These will not be defined as anything less than that of traditional courses because the work is just as much, if not more. The motivation and effort that an online degree takes are different than that of traditional education, but that does not mean that both of them aren’t beneficial.
Students benefit in many ways from online degrees which all have their own strict criteria. There is also the presumption that online universities are subpar to the institutions we know from decades ago. But the popularity of the online learning portal is no longer a fad. There is a change in global perception and the credibility speaks for itself. How you earn your degree matters more than where you get it from.
There have been studies conducted regarding online learning that show 28% of students taking some sort of online course. This is a big step in showcasing the value of these degrees, which we will discuss later on.
The Value of Online Degrees
The new age has seen more and more employers embrace online credentials and what they bring to the table. Schools have put their trusted courses on certain platforms for people to benefit from, which is why traditional means of learning are now regarded as obsolete. Even if you are located in another state or country, you will be able to have unlimited resources at your disposal for the best education possible. When we ask ourselves how valuable online degrees really are, we often think along the following lines:
- Will my degree be accepted in a certain state or region?
- Will potential employers consider it to be valid?
- Will I get more benefits from traditional education in terms of my future?
Online Degrees vs Traditional Degrees: What Should You Choose?
There are many factors that you consider when making a comparison between the two. From accreditations to global acceptance, here is everything you need to know about these two different kinds of educational means:
Convenience and Flexibility
When it comes to convenience and flexibility of timings and classes, online schools win by a long shot. You can plan your study time according to your moods and find all your material online. Traditional schooling does not provide this sort of accessibility and you will often have to make long trips to campus and the library multiple times a day.
Overall Expenses
Large private colleges are unbelievably hard on your bank account. The type of school you go to will also give you a range of expenses and loans that you will pay off for many years. This is especially true for bigger schools where you will have to spend up to $50,000 just in tuition fees alone. Not only this, but then come the cost of books and other learning materials. Online degrees do not give you this many expenses and are considered affordable in comparison.
Changing Attitudes
As we see the age of technology come to play, it impacts almost all aspects of our lives. This also includes the way we acquire knowledge and skills and the way we impart our teachings. Online college courses are a big step in the technological advancement that favors new age methods of learning. Although this is still a fairly fresh process, there are changing attitudes which means that it has been accepted on a significant level.
Getting Respect for Your Online Degree
For those who went to an online-only school, the respect lies within the degree they have finished. This is because of the following benefits an online course will leave you with:
- Fantastic time management skills
- Self-motivation even through the most trying times
- Advanced collaborations through online portals
- Speedy and timely computer literacy
- Independent learning techniques
- Better discipline and perseverance
- Excellent reviews on a collegiate level
It is also a good idea to point out that the future of most industries is on the internet. We live in a high tech world where the educational experience also needs to adapt to changing needs. Therefore, pointing out this vital importance is adding respect to your degree.
Course Difficulty
A lot of prospective students have their conceptions about online courses and how they may be easier than what most brick and mortar institutions have to offer. This is a mistaken assumption as an online undergrad and postgrad programs are easier to complete and require minimal effort. The Department of Education found that students who took tests in online conditions performed better than their counterparts.
Conclusion
While there is a direct competition between online degrees and traditional degrees, there is no saying which one is better. While the traditional degree is a whole experience, the online route takes students to an entirely new sphere of learning. This entails that one has to pick and choose what they prefer and what works for them in the long run. Afterward, you will be able to tell which option is right for you.