What is Digg?102 Comments
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15im a student at Drexel University. Well, I was. And technically, I still am. i've switched from full time on campus undergrad to "Drexel Dot Com". A completely online version of the same degree, with the same professors, and at the end, the same $120,000 piece of paper.
the only difference is that I don't waste time sitting in classrooms listening to boring professors. I work with other students in a forum environment, listen to recorded lectures with slides on my own time, and take exams/quizzes/etc. I can still take on full time work while managing a full time (12 credits) course load, and still have time to spend with my friends and girlfriend.
I had the on-campus experience. It was really, really great. But now business opportunities call, i can still make the money im having and finish up the degree i started. - trghpy, on 10/12/2007, -11/+23Few accreditated online colleges are 100% online. They usually have a physical campus somewhere.
You'd have to tell them you have an online degree, and that'd be your own damn fault.
I tried University of Phoenix online.
Dropped the first week in because the "classroom" is just a ***** news group via exchange public folders.
Phoenix also adds so much DRM that half my computers couldn't open the documents (yes documents not even a second audio or video)
In the end College is just proof you went somewhere and did something. It means jack ***** beyond that. - bikini, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10"an degree"?
if you didn't quite make it through grade school, i'm not really sure you have the authority to criticize ANY form of higher education.
baby steps, ya know? - trghpy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1090% of the online campuses ARE college extentions.
- 1wy1dange1, on 10/12/2007, -12/+20Achalemoipas: "12. Online college degrees have no value in the professional world."
Davedev: "1) An degree from an online University will never help you get a job..."
Welcome to the 21st century, fellow Diggers! People are doing all sorts of things online now that used to be impossible, and that includes getting good quality accredited online degrees. Here is just a little information about the shift in attitudes of potential employers toward the value of an online degree.
(Oh, and P.S. davedev, re: #2, when you get old enough, I think you'll probably discover there are plenty of ways to meet all sorts of people, and address many other "needs" online as well.)
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http://encarta.msn.com/elearning_article_whowouldhire_archive/Who_would_hire_an_online_grad.html
Randy Miller, CEO and founder of ReadyMinds, which offers distance career counseling to everyone from students in college to adult learners, says that just in the last two years, human resources departments have become more comfortable with online degrees. "They're realizing a lot of quality applicants are going the nontraditional route--if you can still call it that--and they don't want to miss out on this quality applicant pool," he says. Of course there will always be people--recruiters included--who are have reservations about new kinds of learning. But for some perspective, consider a survey by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) that found that almost 70 percent of corporate supervisors rated the value of a distance degree as "just as valuable" or "more valuable" than resident-school degrees in the same field.
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http://www.salary.com/learning/layouthtmls/leal_display_nocat_Ser287_Par411.html
Online education is widely accepted as being just as valuable as the classroom experience…Degrees obtained through online courses and programs can be just as valuable as degrees from more conventional programs, but it is important to choose one that is respected and accredited.
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http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/careerbytes/CBArticle.aspx?articleID=270&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=d6eee5e2112d4b19bf5eb9b9e8c6497c-226597193-TO-4
People that have been out of education for some time often worry that on-line degrees are less highly regarded than traditional, on-campus qualifications. This may once have been the case but online degree programs are now rightly perceived to be topical, challenging and highly relevant. They are designed with the needs of working adult learners in mind and are developed in consultation with experienced professionals in industry and business to ensure that students learn concepts and methods that are immediately applicable in their work environment. Technology has progressed so that quality and content do not need to be sacrificed to allow for flexibility and accessibility. And, in a technological age, the ability to complete a degree online is an asset. Employers are likewise impressed by the initiative, ambition and self-motivation demonstrated by an employee who takes advantage of the Internet to develop their knowledge and their career. It is important to ensure that the degree you pursue is from an accredited university so that it will be treated with respect by employers. Gaining accreditation is a difficult and costly process so it is a good way to identify legitimate
universities. - tucsonwc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9That is foolish on your part then. I know someone getting a degree from one. The assignments are the same as a non-online class, and there is a lot of rigor involved in making sure all writing work conforms to APA guidelines. No use of wikipedia, etc. There are group projects, individual projects and online discussion boards where participation is mandatory AND graded.
In both instances the students have lectures from the instructor. And in fact those lectures are available for playback.
In both instances the students have textbooks from which reading and homework assignments are based.
In both instances the students have the ability to interact with the instructor directly and in a group setting.
Having gone to a university AND taken UC extension classes I can say the online classes when taken at an accredited school are just as relevant.
Just because you have a bias against newer technology and approaches does not invalidate them. - Szandor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7It's THERE, goddammit.
- SenatorPerry, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Well,
I have a traditional Bachelors in Business Administration from Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. This is a traditional four years of school. I am also enrolled at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC in an online program. Despite the opinions, the online classes are as hard or harder than the classes in a traditional class. There are no slackers in the class and it is a struggle to maintain an 'A'.
Since I have been through both routes, it is easy enough for me to compare them. This may not be the case at other schools, but Limestone College has a very good program and those that finish it have my respect. - nrvous250gt, on 10/12/2007, -11/+18#1 If you want to be taken seriously, don't get a degree online.
I am directly involved in hiring in a technical field. Online degrees have almost no credibility or prestige whatsoever. - nixfu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7
I guess many people here on Digg should read the OTHER ARTICLE ON this site before they spout off their pie holes:
5 Online Learning Myths That Stop You From Getting a Degree
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A myth is a story told by other people about something.The popularity of online degree programs continues to grow, but some people still hesitate to enroll. Don't let one of these myths about online education stop you from getting a degree, because that might be the perfect match for your future happiness and success.
MYTH 1 ~ Online college is easy and anybody can earn a degree online
Many people look at online learning as a game, and they think that is eay.In fact it's not that easy.Since much of the work with online courses is completed independently, students need to be disciplined.You have to plan your time wisely and stay motivated if you want to accomplish something.Online courses may give you more flexibility than traditional classes, but they require just as much work.If you want to have success in an online learning environment you should also read 6 Key Factors to Have Succes with Online Learning
MYTH 2 ~ Employers don't take online degrees seriously.
I want to ask you a question first.If you think that online degrees are not something serios why Harvard, Stanford and other prestigious schools have online learning programs ? Just to be in fashion ? I don't think so.More and more people earn a degree online.A 2005 survey shows that 85 percent of employers find online degrees to be more acceptable than they were five years before. Earning an online degree can also show employers that you are motivated and disciplined to work.As more and more universities offer online degree programs, more employers will recognize and embrace someone who got their degree online.And let's don't forget that we live in a world where the internet is bigger and bigger everyday.
MYTH 3 ~ Online learning students do less work than traditional students
If they have more free time that doesn't mean that they do less work than traditional students.The secret is that they have flexibility and can do their work whenever they want.Consider the interruptions in a traditional school day: breaks, transition periods, busy work, waiting for other students to catch up, teachers trying to quiet down the class. If there were some way to take out those interruptions and just let students focus on their work, they’d probably finish in about the same time it takes online learners to complete their assignments.But let's dont forget that online courses are more t ime-consuming, because you have to spend time trying to understand the course.
MYTH 4 ~ Teachers give students less attention online.
Because is an online learning environment students have forums and groups where they could ask questions.In a traditional learning environment students can ask questions only when they are in class, so there is a limited amount of time.Online you can ask as many questions you want, and receive answers anytime without beeing limited by the amount of time.In fact, online learning will likely demand more instructional time and commitment than do conventional colleges. Courses designed for delivery online require considerable instructor involvement to simulate the interactivity of a classroom. Teachers devote time to e-mails, monitoring of discussion groups and other contact with students.Students usually get personalized feedback from their professors. Like any educational environment, students must make an effort to work closely with their professors.
MYTH 5 ~ You must be a computer expert to take online courses
This myth can make a lot of people to don't even try to take an online course.In fact you must have a basic understanding of how to work a computer to get started with online courses, you don't need to be a tech prodigy to succeed.Anybody who can do e-mail can do online courses. It's not too difficult to figure out.If you already surf the internet you have what you need for an online course. - yelkereb, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10@theungod
You've made this assertion now twice, the reality is you work for a company that is a very poor judge of character and uses surprisingly little effort in determining the value of education earned. I don't know what industry you're in but work experience always trumps degree's in somebody's ability to get meaningful work done in the engineering world. I've worked with a number of people from very well regarded schools, who were all but useless, especially right out of college.
But more to your real point, the kind of "lazy ass" who is working 50-60 hours a week to support his family while at the same time trying to finish school while not destroying the career he's started. It is ironic to me that you can so quickly dismiss the quality of education provided by an online program when you clearly have no actual knowledge of them or how they work. Some are better then others, but there are plenty of brick-n-mortar schools that are horrible and produce useless graduates. Quality people are hard to find, and the issuer of their degree is a fairly poor way of determining which an applicant might be.
You're company will be hard pressed to find truly dedicated and hard working individuals if it simply dismisses all the people who supported themselves by working full time and going to school online at the same time. That is the great equalizer though, while your company determines to not pursue candidates based solely on the cache of their universities, right-minded companies will prosper all around you for seeking talent over some silly notion that people attending online classes are some how deficient slobs too lazy to get off their butts. - nixfu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6
Well, this seals it ... Digg is full of stupid kids... got news for you all... ALMOST EVERY SCHOOL now has Online classes.
Many FULL state schools like say "Indiana" etc have Online Classes, many are for their MASTERS programs too. Places line University of Phoenix etc are pretty much the same as the small private schools that have always provided that service, usually somewhere between the state university and the community college.
How about some of you come back after you get out of high school, or a few years after you get done going to school that mommy and daddy are paying for while you goof off the rest of the day huh?
Frankly, as someone with teaching experience for a large state school online teaching masters degree classes to professionals already employed in a career, I have found it really starting to be excellent.
The technologies we use are starting to really make the classes take off. Many students get MORE OUT OF the online classes than they ever got sitting in front of a lecture staring at the cracks in the celing.
Online work is for MOTIVATED, and interested students. Most people on Digg are not motived by much except their Playstations.
Tell me the last time you read your textbooks cover to cover? Online students do that. And in fact online instructors spend LOTS MORE time and effort in finding great textbooks that are fun, and easy to read compared to most college professors that just think about what kickbacks they will get by making their students buy textbooks they will only read 2 chapters from. Because I can tell you from experiences, you will ACTUALLY read the textbook cover to cover, and in my opinion you will learn and retain lots more stuff from online classes than you will when its spoonfed to you on the blackboard while your thinking about the headlights on the girl three rows back. - emanpa68, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Harvard advertises on billboards in airports... does that make them not a good school?
- tucsonwc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Good Lord,
I gather some of you anti-distance learning types don't allow anyone to telecommute either.
By that standard, are you against VPN connections for off hours support? Or must your employes drive into work and be physically there when a 2AM crisis arises?
You numbskulls do realize that you are engaging in a remote distance based discussion? Right?
It is new technology folks, not like 10 years ago when your got YOUR degrees.
By this standard all open source community work which is done remotely and collaboratively must be WORTHLESS. As all the developers are'nt sitting in one place physcially at the same time doing development on the exact same machines.
Re-examine your biases. Be a little more open. - Hilton, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Is someone here who have an online college degree and can tell us more ?
- SparkyPine, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I am one week away from completing my capstone course at Capella University. After three years I must say that I have been more challenged than anything I have ever done in brick and mortar; I have a nursing degree from a brick and mortar. Prior to taking classes online, I took some web design classes at Penn State. All I needed to do was show up to get an "A." There were many times over the past three years that I wanted to go back to Penn State so I could just show up and not have to worry about doing any work. The demand with online education was far more intense than I expected and required an enormous amount of discipline. The good news is that I actually LEARNED something and have created tangible results, websites, databases, animations, etc. that I can show for it. I had to purchase text books, access the online school library to write papers, submit assignments, and participate in discussions with people I spent more time with than my family because I was working 52 hrs/wk.
This issue of online credibility seems to be fueled by those who seem to have a traditional biasness based on their personal experiences of having to "got to" a school. I would imagine there is also some resentment because if they had to go to a brick and mortar, "gosh dang it, so should everyone else." - Armor1901, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Let me set the record straight for a few of the people here who are "recruiters" or *Think they know what they're talking about.
I work for SallieMae as a supervisor in their DMO division. That's Debt Management Operations. I guide a team of people who collect on federally insured defaulted student loans. Every day, I talk to borrowers and review employment history and financial statements. I see the schools they went to. I know if they're online or traditional.
More people that are in default that went to online schools have the following:
1) Higher paying jobs (they just overextend themselves, but still higher paying jobs)
2) A family to support
I've talked to people all over the world, from Guam to Germany to England to every single state within the US. Some of these people went online, some did not. Some are losers, some are not. I can tell you for FACT that I've talked to a lot of people who are damn smart and have extremely well paying jobs (who again, just overextnd themselves most of the time) and have went to online schools.
I have a family to support. I work 60 hours a week. I go to Kaplan University, a school that has a physical campus in Chicago but also does entirely online classes for people. I've gone to traditional colleges before, and let me tell you: this school is MUCH more rigorous. They're regionally accredited. So for you to sit there and try and tell me that I'm "lazy" you can go straight to hell, because I promise you: chances are damn good that I and a lot of other people doing the same thing I am work a lot harder, and a lot more hours. So to set the record straight for all you "recruiters" and all the kids here that mock online education:
1) There's a damn good chance someone who did online classes is making a HELL of a lot more money that you are, including this guy
2) You "recruiters" don't know *****. Just because you have the title "recruiter" doesn't mean you know JACK *****. I've talked to THOUSANDS of people over the course of my career, and the applications and the colleges you've seen people go to amounts to about a weeks worth of work for me. Try knowing what you're talking about or having REAL experience before you talk *****. You may go back to your $15 per hour job with your "recruiter" title thinking you're hot ***** now, that is all. - 1wy1dange1, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7That's a very good question, Ngai.
One word: Accreditation.
That's how you know if a school is "legit." The school and the program you enroll in should be regionally accredited. Here's a list: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/accreditationinfo/a/regional.htm - karlkrogstad, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6Lovely to see the open-minded thinking of the Digg community. People, you need to realize online/distance universities fall into different categories:
1) University of Phoenix, DeVry, etc. These actually deserve the scorn people are throwing out. But note, these generally aren't even online universities, they are office park universities next to the freeway that offer some classes online. Avoid at all cost, because HR people will laugh at you and/or throw your resume away.
2) University of London External Programme, Harvard Extension, etc. These are the classic non-online distance learning programs. Reputable and worthwhile if you have the motivation to study on your own. Lots cheaper than traditional college. Most have added online components to the curriculum.
I got my undergrad from Upper Iowa University, a small reputable liberal arts school with an external degree program. Classes online and traditional correspondence. Cheap, accredited, and eligible for Stafford loans and Pell grants. I decided to switch from the liberal arts curriculum I took at community college to business, and was able to take equivalency exams for many of the prerequisites. Can't do that at a traditional college.
Don't fall for the scams. Any reputable online or distance program will have a traditional school with a real campus standing behind it. There are plenty of non-profit schools also, don't pay the ripoff tuition Phoenix and the others charge. And don't dismiss all online programs based on your preconceptions. - davdev, on 10/12/2007, -15/+191) An degree from an online University will never help you get a job
2) An online University means no ability to meet horny co-eds who will let you do shots of tequila off their breasts - davdev, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7No one is going to mistake the University of Phoenix for Harvard. And I don't think extension schools were what this was refering to.
- pineandpalm, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5I currently carry several degrees, one from an online university (bachelor's) and others from your standard brick and mortar universities. The online university is fully accredited--and I worked my ass off to get the degree (graduated with high honors). The reality is, not all of us are handed life in a basket where mommy and daddy pay all of the bills. I had to finance over $50,000 worth of education to get the degrees I wanted to get myself ahead. I have 2 kids and a wife that I support--and I work over 80 hours a week. I still found time to do over 40 hours/week to get a degree here and there to further my education and further my career (and graduate with high honors). Traditional schools would not work for me--my schedule is too crazy. I found online universities to be a dream. It challenged me more--and I found it much more enjoyable--than any of the brick and mortar schools. The politics were still there--dealing with frustrating teachers, students, etc. The social experience was not nearly the same as I had at the brick and mortar schools--but the education was as good, if not better.
I've held several professional jobs in my career since I received my online university. I have never been asked where the school was or if it was online or not. My experience, skill set and education speaks for itself.
Moral of the story: There is absolutely nothing wrong with an accredited online university. The education is only what you get out of it--whether you go to a traditional school or an online school. If you are young, fresh out of high school, and have the time and money--definitely go to the brick and mortar school. You will get a lot out of it and you can't replace the types of experiences you have, the people you meet and the sense of responsibility that you are thrown into. But, if money is tight, time is tight, and you simply can't squeeze in a traditional college--go for the online university. It will not hurt you. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about. I've seen both sides of the fence and can give you an honest reference point. If an employer will not hire someone based solely on the fact that you went to an online university--then you don't want to work for a place like that anyway. Clearly they are missing the bigger picture when they interview these potential candidates as there is so much more to look for than where the degree came from.
A college education is very important--not just for the training and education itself--but for the other experiences you gain from working with other students, interacting with teachers, etc. It better prepares you for the real world and shows you how to successfully interact with other people. There are a lot of opportunities out there to get this type of education--take advantage of it, you won't regret it. - SuckMyDigg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Somehow the words 'mature' and '*****' don't mix well with me.
- SuckMyDigg, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8That's a pretty shoddy way to look at someone's work ethic. If you were in the position to hire, which I doubt you are, would you rather hire some punk kid fresh out of college who probably leeched off mommy and daddy the whole time, or someone who was working, paying bills, and raising a family while getting their education?
- whiledo, on 03/25/2009, -0/+4@therippa
It's pretty ironic in a discussion about education, people can't educate themselves to know this crucial difference. The online degrees being offered by ACCREDITED schools today are indistinguishable from the traditional ones. The only way anyone would know is if the interviewer asked "so, did you get this online?" and the interviewee says "yes." - skelly6, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I don't know about for technical fields, but for computer animation (films, games, etc), which is what I do, online educations are getting more and more popular.
AnimationMentor (which I am a part of) is one of the most respected animation schools in the world, and it's all online... Students learn one-on-one from the people who are actually out there making their favorite films and games - what's better than that?
I think online education has tons of untapped potential to bring the brightest minds from around the world to teach you. The social aspects are catching up more and more, and the benefits of being able to be mentored by the people who are currently the top people actually working in your field? That's invaluable, in my opinion.
Besides, you can always meet girls out at the clubs or bars... :)
just my 2 cents... - BGFeltenink, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4And you don't name this place because...?
...because you're full of *****.
Your warning is fine, and true, but your story doesn't add up unless you give us more info. - sysoprock, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6@emanpa68
I'm sorry you were swindled by DeVry. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7Maybe you say that college degrees from online learning environments are useless, but do you know that year after year these degrees are more and more popular ?
And a question for you ... if they are without value, why Harvard has online learning programs ? Just for fun ?! - edzieba, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6O RLY? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_university
- therippa, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5I think everyone arguing about whether or not the degrees are taken seriously are missing the point...
The Drexel.com guy is going to a real college, he just happens to be doing it online. On his resume he gets to put "Drexel University - Bachelor Degree in Computer Science".
The DeVry/Phoenix people are not going to a real college, more of a technical school. On his resume he gets to put "Phoenix Online - Certificate in Computer Systems". - betacmag4u, on 10/12/2007, -5/+8Not everyone is financially able to attend higher than community college. I bet your 'Daddy or Mommy" paid for your school. Grow up.
- jcgill, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Actually, yes. My BS in Info Systems is from Grantham (grantham.edu). I learned a lot from most of my classes, while some were wastes of time. I have attended traditional a community college and a traditional university, and my experience was much the same. Consider how large the average beginning biology class is at Florida State University (look up Ruby Diamond Auditorium). Five hundred students to one instructor is piss poor compared to what I can expect through an on-line medium.
Now I've moved on to a Masters in Info Tech from the same school, and I can honestly say I've got a competitive advantage over my peers.
BTW, I'm active duty Air Force. It's hard to a quality degree in a traditional format that doesn't take 10 years because of deployments and other duty commitments.
@theungod,
Join the military. THEN tell me what you think of the idea of distance/nontraditional/online education. - RickAM, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4as with almost any degree, an online education is probably what you make of it. if you view an online degree as second rate, then you'll probably approach your studies and even future interviews with a negative outlook. before started your online degree study, did you try to speak to a counselor to learn what earning a distance degree would be like? maybe you'll find this interview with an online professor helpful. good luck!
http://www.allonlineschools.net/rc/guide/professor-profile - shirosamurai, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5I'm able to attend a 4-year university AND study abroad without a dime in my non-existent college fund or even a scholarship. It's called federal aid. Sure, you'll be in debt, but for some people, like myself, that doesn't stop them. College is ridiculously expensive, but that shouldn't be an obstacle to achieving a proper education.
- Ngai, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4The real question is... is online college truly "legit". Thats what I wanna know and hopefully someone here will tell me.
- SenatorPerry, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I posted later in the thread, but I finished a traditional bachelors degree and later enrolled in an online program. The online program is comparable to the traditional degree with the added advantage that you aren't full of the inaccuracies and biases that professors add. We are also required and encouraged to contact the authors of referenced work directly. When was the last time you verified a reference in a traditional class by emailing the source directly?
The online program is a BS in Computer Science:Internet Management at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC. The traditional program program was a BS in Business Administration at Newberry College in Newberry, SC.
My recommendation is to go to a traditional school when the opportunity is available. For me, I work at a Nuclear Power Plant that embraces distance learning and it is a path to the future educational experience. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6First thing you should know is that the online game testers degree is totally legit, I forked out my hard earned money and now have a degree to hang on my wall.
- DooM, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I just finished my MBA online - it is a LOT more work than brick and mortar classes but it's also easier to BS your way through a class discussion since they can't see the dumb look on your face or watch you rip through pages and pages trying to find an answer. :)
- yelkereb, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6Clearly your father didn't work in an industry where he was required to be in the office during "normal" business hours, or was interested in a degree that had flexible class times. My degree doesn't offer classes in the evening or early morning at any of the local universities where I live. I can't leave work for 2 hours in the middle of the day because that's the only time third semester Calc is offered.
I'm glad to hear you company has been successful in the past, but if I was you I'd start selling stock soon. Narrow minded companies have a way of failing quickly under silly misguided leadership. - Armor1901, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Ah yes that's another thing, Kaplan has a real library and they send us all our textbooks. Their library is huge, if I need something, I just check it out and it gets sent to me in a day.
- SuckMyDigg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I knew a man who was getting a masters in comp sci online. One of his previous professors at a $30k/year school was the one who suggested going the online route, because he himself had completed his masters the online and it was much cheaper.
- djshinodalp, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Dang, typo... I meant Warwick MBA, not Wharton... was talking to someone online about Whartons and that stuck onto my reply. Sorry.
- Rodalli, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4@Shirosamurai
Here, here. I'm in the same position. My mother is dead and my father is a 30-year sailor and drunkard who could give two ***** about how my education is going. So no help is coming from the parents. Don't have any savings or inheritance. But there's this thing called FAFSA and the Pell grants, pays nearly my entire tuition every semester and I take out a student loan from the government to pay for books and to supplement my income (not much time to work as a full-time student). It's worked for 2 years so far and I should have less than $10,000 student debt when I graduate. Less than the price of an econo-car. Doesn't sound bad to me.
There's only reason for anyone in this country to not get a 4-year degree is a) they're just not interested in one or b) they're an illegal alien and therefore cannot receive federal or state grants/loans. Anything else is ignorance or sloth. - BGFeltenink, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5I'm seriously considering going the online route to finish up my GE requirements to make up for things I didn't do so well in during high school. Yeah, I screwed up in HS but they make you jump through so many hoops to go through a community college first. In fact, the one I am going to has me wondering if it's purposely trying to keep the students there longer than they should be.
I could probably do just fine on the ACT so really I'm thinking that online classes might be the way to go to get over to a university sooner than spending 2 years at a crappy community college that I hate.
Anyone have any advice on that subject? - shirosamurai, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I'm not going to state my opinion on the 'credibility' of online schools, but as far as the learning experience goes, I can't imagine myself enjoying an online college. At my university I have the opportunity to interact, talk, and learn with scholars and researchers. That, by itself, is more than anything I could get out of listening to a recording or watching a video sent via newsgroup. Going to a university really allows you to incorporate yourself into an academic environment and community; perhaps that is why online schooling is looked down upon by many.
Like I said, this is just my opinion, but I don't feel like I'd have the same sense of achievement getting a degree from an online school rather than attending a real university. Along with that, the people you meet and get to know during college can really open doors for you in the future. - betacmag4u, on 10/12/2007, -5/+7If your getting an online degree you are probably the first person in your family to get a degree. They will be in awe of you.
- pvaras, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Brilliant. Congrats to you for making such an informed, well researched comment. Please, share with the group your valuable opinions on other topics, such as world politics or the latest stock market woes?
I enjoy reading the articles on Digg, but really, some of the commentators are giving this site a bad name. - djshinodalp, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4We will surely see a lot more colleges provide online/distance education programs in the future, as more businesses no know physical, country boundaries etc. Example: Wharton school of business's MBA program is ranked about 15th best in the world or so and they provide a wonderful distance learning program with a caveat that you travel to their local campus (close to London, UK) once a year, for a week. Many schools are adopting podcasts to spread their voice to anyone who's really interested in learning, rather than doing it just for the want of a degree. These are good signs really.
- computerguydk, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2People that go to online universities are not lazy or stupid, they are going there because they are professional working adults (unlike some of the people commenting in here negatively about online education) that do not have the time to go to brick and mortar colleges. The curriculum at some online universities is actually more difficult that standard brick and mortar schools. The degree you can get at online universities is just as valid as any other degree you can get if the school is properly accredited.
If you don't believe me, check out the Higher Learning Commission website:
http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/
Many online universities are listed on the SAME list as well known traditional colleges. -
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