On-Line/Accelerated Progs. vs Traditional
 

What do you think about on-line and accelerated degree programs? Do they provide the same level of education as traditional programs?

Good afternoon,
My opinion is that they can provide the same level of education that a traditional program can but it depends on the student. If that person is willing to put in the time, then they will get as much out of it as a person in a traditional setting. My undergrad was traditional and my grad is accelerated/online. Working on my degree online is more demanding and time consuming because there are certain deadlines and you have to show a presence or you will get left behind.

Here is where I feel that it is lacking however, the personal interaction. If I have a question, I have to email it to the instructor. Now I wait. Then the instructor will reply. If their response leads to more questions, then we can go back and forth. More waiting. This process is very time consuming. Also, if I wanted to study with classmates or if we’re working on a project together, then we have to post on a forum. Sometimes it can be hard to coordinate meeting times with others due to different time zones, obligations, etc. That takes more time. I have found ways around this however. With the instructor, I call them if the question leads to more questions and I’ve been fortunate enough to get time with them. About working the project with classmates, we can set up a time to call each other or we can all jump into a chat room or use an instant messaging program. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Another place I find it lacking is in the college lifestyle portion. I went to a City University of NY school so I didn’t have the campus life but I know several people who have and they’ve found this to be invaluable. They found a support system and friends that they still have years later. This also falls under personal interaction. I’ve had them tell me that making contacts in college is a very important part of the collegiate experience.

I think a person can get just as much out of online as they do traditional. It will depend on how much work they put into it.

Henry