Essay: Online education and its advantages

Academic Advancements
Over the years technology has taken over so much of our lives, including how students are learning. Online Education is an individualized learning opportunity. Starting in the 60’s with platforms to post in-class content, online education opportunities skyrocketed and are now a very common option for education. For college students, online education gives amazing opportunity to work towards their degree even faster and on a more comfortable level. With all of the positive aspects online learning brings, there are always challenges; accessibility and adaption. While online education can be complicated, it is vital for colleges students; it provides more room for opportunity and flexibility.
Online Courses can potentially be beneficial for students as well as educators. The biggest perk that comes with online education is the flexibility and the comfort that comes along with it. College can be a stressful time in a student’s life and a normal college may not be realistic for some. “Online education provides a workable option for many students by allowing greater individualization and flexibility than traditional “brick-and-mortar” schools” (Gale). Self-directed learners will find online learning much easier by working at their ow pace and in a more comfortable setting. Technology based learning also provides more opportunity; online universities offer programs that may not be offered at a student’s local university. “A greater selection in course offerings will also motivate students and improve their educational experience” (Orgill). With this newfound opportunity, there will be an uprising in educated adults looking for practical jobs and working in our growing society. Educators also gain new opportunities with online learning. This can bring more jobs to the educators who cannot teach in a traditional classroom for whatever reason. Working from home is also a major benefit leaving so much room for flexibility.
With every growing idea there will be critics and challenges that it will face. Like every idea, online learning comes with skeptics. The major opposing argument is of course, accessibility. While technology may be a very powerful thing in our world today, it is not the most dependable source of learning; glitches and connection issues are practically inevitable. …if a home computer suddenly is “off line” on the day of a test, the student must be able and willing to take the test at a work computer or from a friend’s house.” (Seigel). Lack of a strong connection can lead to failing grades and maybe even lead to a dropped opportunity. Another concern is related to educators. Many believe that educators can have a hard time adapting to converting in-person class work and lessons, completely virtual and accessible to online students. Another assumption is that online courses will slowly weed-out traditional educators leaving them jobless (Orgill).
Online education gives an option. This is a new way to learn and study on your own terms and to take leadership of your education. For college students, online education gives amazing opportunity to work towards their degree even faster and on a more comfortable level. Many college students have more opportunity and new programs offered online that they may not have access to in a regular college or university. As all new opportunities, online courses come with concerns and while they are completely valid, there is no stopping the success of online education considering all the new advances and growth that it can bring.