The Satisfaction in Taking Online Courses

The popularity of online distances learning, or taking courses via the Internet, has really grown over the last decade or so. While it is a convenience for many, it is also a preference for some as well. One could easily argue that online distances learning is a much colder form of education, and will never have the same impact on students as those who have a chance to experience college life and learn in the classroom firsthand. This may be true, however there are steps being taken now to make the online learning experience a little bit more personal. Professors are offering up their email addresses and phone numbers to Internet students, so that they can contact them if they need to. In fact, some are now using online chat and instant messaging methods to become more accessible to students who are learning from home. This has added a much more individualized spin on online course learning, allowing both professor and student to get to know each other and their needs.

The level of satisfaction gained from taking online courses can vary, but probably the most obvious is the fact that those who learn online have much more freedom to work and live around their own personal schedules. Many students taking distances learning classes also have full or part time jobs, and sometimes are parents. The freedom that comes with taking classes online is something that is definitely unmatched when taking in classroom courses. Distances learning gives people the freedom to be able to obtain college credit while doing so at their own pace and on their own time. This alone has been a big motivating factor in recent years for people looking to get the education they need while still having the time it requires to live a busy life.

There have been studies asking students how they feel about online courses versus attending the traditional brick and mortar school. A survey conducted between 1999 and 2000 asked students about the quality of instruction they received with online courses as compared to the instruction received in the classroom. About half of the students claimed that they were equally satisfied with both the online teaching and the teaching they received in the classroom. A little over 20 percent were actually more satisfied with it, while about 30 percent were less satisfied. Overall, the quality of online education has remained consistent, while allowing people to feel they have accomplished their educational goals.

Add this to del.icio.us | Add this to reddit | Add To Google Bookmarks | Subscribe to our RSS Feed