| With many people either unemployed or | | | | number of credits per semester or per quarter. By |
| underemployed, increasing numbers of people are | | | | contrast, with this type of education you can take one |
| pursuing continuing education in its many forms. | | | | or two classes at a time. This can also be easier |
| Employees may be trying to earn an advanced | | | | financially since it makes it more likely that you will be |
| degree in their field or break into an entirely new field. | | | | able to pay for your classes as you are taking them |
| No matter what their ultimate goal is, many people | | | | rather than having to borrow money for tuition or |
| consider online education at one point or another. They | | | | because you are unable to work while going to school. |
| may see a commercial about taking classes online, | | | | In general, online education is an excellent choice for |
| read a brochure, and wonder if online education is the | | | | people who are self-motivated. With online education, |
| answer for them. If you are asking yourself the same | | | | there no one there to tell you that you need to be |
| question, here are several factors that will help you to | | | | keeping up with your reading or working on a paper. It |
| determine whether or not online education is right for | | | | is up to you to make sure that you are staying caught |
| you. | | | | up and doing your best. This means that online |
| One of the best aspects of online education is the | | | | education is not a very good choice for people who |
| potential for a very flexible schedule. Many people who | | | | need lots of accountability and handholding in order to |
| pursue online education do so because they can | | | | complete tasks and assignments. With this type of |
| arrange their school schedule around a job or a family | | | | education you are accountable for the final product |
| life. Because online classes are collaborative there is | | | | that you produce, but it is up to you to actually |
| no specified meeting time. Papers and assignments | | | | motivate yourself along the way. |
| with due dates can be completed in the evenings or | | | | In addition to being self-motivated, there are a few |
| during other down times. Discussions are often via | | | | other things that are necessary in order for your online |
| message board and students can participate on their | | | | education to be successful. Obviously you need to |
| own schedules. This flexibility enables people who | | | | have access to a computer with reliable internet |
| would be unable to commit to a traditional class | | | | access. However, this could involve a laptop with free |
| schedule to successfully complete online coursework. | | | | internet at a library or coffee shop. Lastly, you need to |
| In addition to enabling you to set your own class | | | | be willing to put the time in that will be required. Online |
| schedule, this kind of education allows you to work | | | | education is flexible but that does not make it any |
| towards a degree at your own pace. At a traditional | | | | easier than traditional college classes. Online classes |
| college you are often expected to take a certain | | | | will still require significant effort if you want to do well. |