For centuries the traditional brick and mortar university has existed in order to educate individuals and prepare them for the business world. Of course, some brick and mortar universities are better than others, and are judged on many elements giving the reviewer an idea of how good, or bad, the university really is. Then came the introduction of the Internet and with it distance learning education, which is in essence studying via the Internet at a virtual college eliminating the need for travel and increasing the flexibility for thousands of Americans to get a college degree.

There are basically two types of distance learning education which is online classes offered by brick and mortar universities and online classes offered by completely virtual colleges. The question at hand, however, is whether or not distance education is as good as a traditional education, what options are available for studying online, and who might best benefit from this.

Online College Versus Traditional College
Many basic studies have been conducted regarding distance learning education; however it has not been in existence long enough to really compare the two based on statistics. Regardless, crude study results show that distance learning education is indeed as effective at teaching material and students learning as the traditional brick and mortar university. In fact, many studies show virtual universities have all around higher exam and end of term grades when compared to the exact same course given at a university. The reason is because online students are generally older, more motivated, and focused on learning the material and making good grades. This is not a definitive answer, but most students who have studied traditionally and online respond they learned more in their online classes. Individuals who protest against virtual educations and degrees says this simply cannot be so because students learn more from the teacher than they do the text and as such need to study in a traditional classroom. However, the teacher is present in the virtual classroom, just in a different manner than the traditional classroom. And the reason most students say they learned more in an online class as compared to a traditional one is as simple as passive versus active learning. Online classes require active learning while many students engage in passive learning in traditional classroom settings.

More Than One Virtual?
The debate is also up in the air regarding completely virtual universities and brick and mortar universities offering online classes. If you complete the online university your degree will note you studied virtually. However, if you are accepted to a brick and mortar university and only take online classes then your degree will reflect you studied at a brick and mortar university rather than virtually. There are several reasons why the debate exists over the two types of onlinel studies and is centered on getting a job with an online degree and level of recognition of the university.

First of all, many employers look at a college degree as a college degree, regardless of whether it was obtained online or on campus. And while the number of employers who view online degrees in this manner is growing, there are still a large number who believe online educations are not "real" degrees. This of course depends on the institution. There are online degree programs that have been around for some time now, are accreditation, and are generally known by the average public whereas there are new online colleges popping up every day, some of which really do not offer a true college education. So, if you are interested in studying online you should choose an institution that offers online courses, or else you should choose a virtual college that has been accepted as a true university interested in educating its students. During interviews you may be asked about your virtual studies, but for most people it won't prevent them from getting a job and for most it will help because it shows determination and a willingness to succeed.

Who Should Study Virtually?
Anybody can study virtually, but individuals who find this setup most advantageous are the employed, parents, disabled, and individuals who have crazy schedules that simply do not allow for traditional university study. When you study online you will be able to make your own schedule and study in the morning, at night, alternate different times of the day, and really whenever you choose. Most online classes require participation, but not at a specific time and you have the whole week complete assignments and then turn them in. The online setup is amazingly convenient and gives you control of your schedule, which means when you do make time for class you are focused and ready to learn.

If you decide to go to college keep the virtual option in mind, especially if you need to work, have a family, are disabled, or have any other reasons that would make studying online easier for you.

Written by: University-College.net Staff Writer - Copyright University-College.net all rights reserved

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