| The answer to whether an online degree is right for | | | | It’s not always easy to get work done if |
| you depends on several questions only you can | | | | someone isn’t there reminding you all the time. |
| answer but research has demonstrated online | | | | Once you learn the importance of getting tasks done |
| distance education is as effective as traditional | | | | on time and how to achieve your goals, you’ll |
| education. | | | | have learned one of the most important concepts in |
| Both forms of education require the use of technology | | | | your educational process. |
| and provide ample learning opportunities for students | | | | What Should You Expect From An Online Education |
| to participate in. Each form requires the student to | | | | Participation – you will be expected to |
| learn the essential body of knowledge required to | | | | participate via email, teleclasses, or discussion boards |
| graduate with a degree and be prepared to go out into | | | | with your professors and classmates. This tends to |
| the job market. | | | | work in favor of students who are extremely shy and |
| Furthermore, studies have shown there are no | | | | stay out of conversations in traditional settings. |
| significant differences in final course grades between | | | | Work – just because you are not attending a |
| distance education and traditional education. It was | | | | physical classroom setting doesn’t mean you |
| found many online education methods fit perfectly with | | | | don’t have to work. As an online student you |
| students’s preferred learning style including the | | | | will be expected to do the same amount of work, if |
| ability to work on course material in their own time | | | | not more, than a traditional classroom situation. |
| frame. | | | | You will be involved in group projects, writing papers, |
| Advantages of an Online Graphic Design Education | | | | posting responses to the class message board while |
| The main advantage of pursuing an online education is | | | | taking practice quizzes and discussing topics with |
| accessibility. As an adult, you often don’t have | | | | fellow students. |
| the time or ability to go a traditional school to earn a | | | | Questions – expect to ask and to be asked |
| higher degree. It may be family; it may be a full time | | | | questions by your professors and fellow students. If |
| job. Either way, an online distant education program | | | | you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. There are |
| provides the flexibility needed to further your education. | | | | other online students with more experience available to |
| You may have a job that requires travel preventing | | | | answer your questions or help with a difficult |
| you from attending all your classes. With online | | | | assignment. |
| education as long as you have access to the Internet, | | | | Requirements for Online Graphic Design Degree |
| you can “make it to class”. And your | | | | Programs |
| classes are available 24/7. | | | | Because you will be taking your graphic design classes |
| Study Pace – for those of us who don’t | | | | online via your computer, there naturally will be some |
| learn at the same pace as others, an online degree | | | | hardware and software requirements. First of all, you |
| program allows you to learn at a pace that fits your | | | | need a computer with hardware and software that is |
| style. It may take you a little longer to complete a | | | | compatible with the schools programs. It may be |
| course but achieve a better outcome not feeling | | | | required you only work on an Apple computer and use |
| rushed. | | | | Adobe software. Another school may have different |
| On the other hand, you may be a fast learner and | | | | requirements. It is important you find out these |
| want to push through the programs more quickly than | | | | requirements before you sign up. |
| someone else. In a traditional setting you may be held | | | | You will also be required to have an Internet |
| back by the rest of the class or the teachers pace. | | | | connection and the faster the better. Since you will be |
| Self Motivation – many employers will look at | | | | spending a lot of time on line, a high-speed connection |
| your online degree and appreciate your initiative and | | | | will make your life a lot easier than a slow dial up |
| self motivation. Completing a program working at your | | | | account. |
| own pace can be daunting so an employer might | | | | Peripheral Equipment - most schools are going to |
| consider your ambition an asset to the company. | | | | require you have access to a CD burner or DVD |
| Flexibility – Web based degree programs allow | | | | burner, printer, scanner, digital camera and digital |
| you to learn when you have the time to learn not | | | | drawing tablet. Be sure you budget these items into |
| when you are told to learn. Whether you’re a | | | | your costs before making a commitment to a school. |
| stay-at-home parent or have a full time job, online | | | | Conclusion |
| campuses give you the flexibility to go back to school | | | | If you are interested in going back to school for a |
| for that degree that can help you raise the bar to your | | | | degree in graphic design but don’t have the |
| success. Self Discipline – to be successful in life | | | | flexibility to go to a traditional school setting, an online |
| and career, you have to have self-discipline. To be | | | | education is a great alternative. |
| successful in distant education programs, you have to | | | | As studies have shown, you will get a comparable |
| have self-discipline. By learning how not to | | | | education at your pace, in your environment. The next |
| procrastinate and being accountable for getting your | | | | step is to find distant learning programs in graphic |
| work done properly and on time, you gain a skill that is | | | | design that fit your needs. |
| very valuable in the marketplace. | | | | Good luck and much success in your endeavor. |