One Snarky Chica with Issues

I am a big fan of online degree programs. However, they are not for everyone.

I ended up getting both of my degrees through an online degree program. With each one I initially started out attending class on campus like everyone else. But it worked out better for me to transfer to the online program.

I think that online degree programs are great for people that are working full-time. I know when I was going to campus while working I would work all day, then speed over to campus for a 6pm class that did not get out until after 10pm. And I did this four days a week. I did not live close to campus either. So, you can see how an online degree program was a great option for me.

My brother, on the other hand, needs the structure of a traditional program to stay afloat. You see, he is not good at motivating himself to do his work. And he is not a self-starter at all. But he is obedient. So, when he was having to attend campus classes he was there every day like clock work and his grades were up. When he transferred to an online degree program he did so because he thought it would be less work. And he never learned how to juggle his social life with needing to get online and do some homework.

In my experience, to be successful in an online degree program you have to be able to motivate yourself to keep up with the work. And my online classes seemed to be much more work than my traditional classes. On top of doing regular homework and reading assignments there was a message board that required participation as it was factored into the final grade.

All in all, I know that I learned a lot more from the online classes. And I don’t think it was because the teaching or the curriculum was that much better. In the traditional classes, I was able to get away with being a slacker and still maintain a good grade. In the online classes there was no way you could get away with being a slacker. I was definitely more involved with classes during the online program.

Something that you will want to consider before signing up for an online degree program is that you will want to make sure that the school you are signing up with is accredited. Most traditional universities and colleges have their own online degree program, which will obviously be accredited. But a lot of online schools do not have the accreditation that you want them to have. And you have to be careful when checking accreditation as there is a special accredidation for online schools and that is not the same as the accredidation at your traditional schools. The good online schools have both.

More info:

• 5 Signs That an Online Degree is Right for You
• 10 Hot Careers You Can Land With An Online Degree
• Is Distance Learning Right For You?
• How to Find the Best Online Degree Programs
• How Do Online MBA Programs Compare to Programs at Traditional Schools
• The Pros and Cons of an Online Degree Program
• Check any US School accreditation