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3 Academic Advantages of Online Programs

By U.S. News & World Report

Some people believe that online education provides a sub-par learning experience. But I think that’s hardly the case.

As an online student earning a master’s degree in communication from Purdue University, I have come to know that some of my most memorable and enriching learning experiences happen within the virtual classroom.

In my mind, there are three unique academic advantages of an online program.

1 . Enhanced class discussions: The discussion forum of an online course offers the unique chance to gain an in depth understanding of your classmates’ views. In an in-person class, it’s sometimes hard to hear thoughts from introverted classmates who typically shy away from speaking up.

[Learn how to ace discussion board assignments.]

Discussion forums also bring intense focus to course content, as students come together to analyze the readings and expand on each other’s thought processes. As a student, it has been very fulfilling to know that others are actually taking the time to reflect on my points and offer support in the development of my ideas.

Through discussion forums, students can also learn how to accept constructive criticism from peers and effectively express gratitude or back up their argument through citations.

2. The chance to improve virtual communication skills: When interacting online, it can be easy for students to lose track of the tone they are projecting. Constructive feedback can come across as critical or arrogant. Thoughts written in a stream of consciousness style can be confusing.

To prevent any miscommunication, I’ve learned to be very organized and to the point in every message I send to my online peers and professors.

An online program also offers the opportunity to become functionally effective with new communication technologies, including new video conferencing tools. Being able to convey a message effectively through a webinar or Skype presentation is becoming essential to entrepreneurs and support staff in numerous industries.

If you have ever felt like your messages just don’t get across, taking an online program will advance your professional communication skills like you never thought possible. After all, with globalization in the 21st century, business will inevitably be conducted from a virtual office.

[Find out how to get academic help in an online course.]

3. Increased knowledge retention: Let’s face it, without knowledge retention, the whole purpose of enrolling in a program to further your education would be pointless.

A strong online program takes full advantage of the interactive power of social and multimedia. The ability to engage through live or videotaped lectures, webinars and infographics and online groups opens up new channels in which to apply concepts in any given subject.

Multimedia tools have been scientifically proven to improve memory in our brains by providing strong sensory cues that help us remember what we learn. I know from experience that a highlighted section in a textbook is not as memorable as a large, colorful infographic packed with animated images and compelling facts.

The takeaway: If delivered well, online education provides a richer and more interactive classroom, allows students to develop a set of sophisticated virtual communication skills and utilizes the power of multimedia to help students remember what they learn!

Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.

More from U.S. News

5 Ways to Find Academic Help in an Online Course

How to Tell if an Online Program Is Accredited

4 Time Management Tips for Online Students

3 Academic Advantages of Online Programs originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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