Can you get a superior college education online?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
May 21, 2008 10:01pm CST
I've been thinking about taking some college course online, maybe to get my education restarted in a good direction. A little extra education never hurt anyone.
I've heard that it can be harder to understand online courses, because there are no professors to explain concepts and little support system. The course are not all that expensive compared to traditional classes. But, the quality may or may not be as good. I can't be sure. Would appreciate some feedback.
What's your experience with online college courses? Please share.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
16 Jun 08
This is a very good discussion topic, beauty. Being 4 weeks old, I can't believe I haven't seen it before now.
I consider myself a lifelong learner. I always think about different classes I would be interested in taking. I will be that 80 year old women sitting at the front of the class someday, taking notes and wondering how "kids these days" can learn anything when they come to class dressed that way, etc. 
But right now, my life is all about providing enriching experiences for my 3 yr old and I can't imagine getting to take classes like I enjoy. I have been considering online courses and wondering what direction I could take with it.
But right now, my life is all about providing enriching experiences for my 3 yr old and I can't imagine getting to take classes like I enjoy. I have been considering online courses and wondering what direction I could take with it.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
18 Jun 08
Thanks for the best response.
I'm sure I will go for it someday. I have a BS degree in Finance and the equavilent of a second degree when I earned my teaching certificate. I always thought I would get masters some day. But my priorities have happily changed in the last three years. Once my little one goes to school I bet I start getting the itch to take classes again.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
17 Jun 08
I'd say, "Go for it!"
Every ounce of education you get
online or offline is pure gold and money in
the bank.
Even if you don't complete a degree, a potential
employer will look highly on all education you
have received.
It would certainly put you in good standing if you
ever needed to find a new job.
My spouse is always encouraging me to take online courses.
I haven't decided which field I would want to specialize in.
I'm thinking business management, because managers in our
area earn up to $65,000 and for us that would be a lot of money.
I might take our state real estate, life insurance
or property and casualty program online.
It's very affordable
(less than $300 each course) and you only have to go and
sit for the exam after you are done.
The regular courses take several weeks in a class and
I don't have that kind of time to take away from the house.
I know that it's not a degree, but it's in a field that interests
me.
Be well and thank you for your kind comments.
(P.S. Thank you for celebrating my special MyLot anniversery with me! 
)
)@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
18 Jun 08
That's wonderful to hear!
Isn't it funny how family and kids
change priorities?
It's worth it though and certainly
if you choose to return to college
or the work force later, you're well
prepared. A short time off from work
is always a good thing for family's sake.
Be well.
Thanks for chatting with me, today.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
16 Jun 08
Hello dear beauty queen. It is a good idea of yours to have some online courses to enhance yourself for more knowledge to broaden your view. I am also one who loves to study all life long, but I think that I have to study by myself as I am busy with my teaching job if I would like to study another major. Anyway, I am happy with the time that I can spend here at Mylot as it is considered to be some kind of self-study of mine, especially in the language learning of English.
To speak more of online study, I think what is the most important is the time you can spare in studying the courses you take. Secondly, you will have to be persistent in your study if you would really like to get a degree. Thirdly, there is also disadvantage, that is, you cannot have a teacher face to face to help solve the problems you meet with in your study. But anyway, once you start to do something, please do it well. It is better not to give it up halfway.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
17 Jun 08
You are so right, my dear friend. I had not considered many of those aspects
of online education.
I took some correspondence courses when I was younger, and had so much
free time to devote to study.
Now that I am a full time mother, business owner and MyLot member, I have precious
little time for anything else.
Thank you for your advice.
P.S. Your English is very fine!
Thank you for taking time to contribute your wisdom to my discussion!
Your presence and insight are always welcome.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
18 Jun 08
Thank you so much for your nice comment, my dear beauty queen. Have a good day.
@richiem (3644)
• Philippines
16 Jun 08
I have not had an online education but here's my opinion on this.
I think education depends more on the part of the student. Online education is convinient for the fact that it can be done at home. The downside being there is not enough interaction between the professor and the student can be compensated by the student doing the professor's job. If the student has a question and he couldn't find the answer in a material given, the student should look for it himself. It entails much hardwork and perseverance from the student. I think, those who really learn from an online education are really dedicated students.
