There is a border between the traditional students and the non-traditional ones accouting for 40% of all, who aren't fresh out of high school and moving out of the house for the first time. Back to school for a degree program is kept in their mind, to enter a new job or move forward in carreer.
Since these non-traditional students are often working adults or adults with serious family responsibilities, a full-time college schedule isn't always possible. One possibility for them, and traditional college students, too, is to take a class from an online college or university program. One definite advantage that online classes offer is the ability to take several classes before they actually have to commit to a degree program.
The economic issues of the day may be one reason that many non-traditional students have chosen to return to school.
Although they know they want to improve their employment opportunities, they may not know what direction they want to go in, career wise. Choosing an online school can help guide them in their path, because they can take several different classes that will help them decide what path is right for them.
Another great advantage to an online college is that a student needn't be tied down to someone else's schedule. Online schools allow students to create their own schedule; some classes are completely open ended, while others have certain due dates. Non- traditional students can choose the type of class and schedule that will work the best for them, and they won't have to worry about having to quit their jobs to go to school.
Because many non-traditional students haven't been in a classroom environment for several years, they might be concerned about their academic performance.
If they are worried their scholarly skills aren't quite up to snuff, an online class is a good place to hone them. An online class will allow a student to familiarize themselves with college level work without the worry of peer pressure, because they will be able to study at their own pace and in the privacy of their own home.
More and more educators are seeing the real benefits that online education can offer students. At the secondary level, some public schools are even offering a great deal of coursework to their students in an online format. Time will only tell, but it seems that as online education becomes more prevalent, degree holders from online school will be just as common and in the same upper management positions as degree holders from traditional colleges.
The workplace is definitely being transformed by online education. Many employers want to see their workforce as highly educated as possible, and are willing to help them with tuition assistance or other funding for school. Online degree programs are ideal for this, because employees can invest in their employees without worrying about them having to take precious time away from work.
