Mary Kosco is among the 4 million American students pursuing an online education. She's working toward her bachelor's degree in accounting through the University of Phoenix.
"I work in the collections department at Cardinal Health, but really want to work in the accounting department. That's what I hope to gain by getting my degree," Kosco says. "It's already opened doors for me. I'm doing really well, and I like it a lot."
More than ever, working adults like Kosco, as well as traditional-age students, are flocking to the computer to earn their degrees. A 2008 survey by the Sloan Consortium, a nonprofit focused on online education, found that online enrollment grew 13 percent in 2007 over 2006, far outpacing the 1.2 percent growth of overall higher education. More than 80 percent of online students are undergraduates, while 14 percent are graduate students.
Demand for higher education of all types increases when the economy sours and jobs are scarce. Working adults, in particular, are drawn to the classroom to improve their chances for advancement or enhance their résumé. For many, online education adds flexibility and convenience.
"Online education turns obstacles into a stepping stone for success," says Heather Loughley, director of University of Phoenix's Columbus campus. "The reality today is that you'll do better with an education and a degree. For some students, our online classes are the only access they have to higher education."
Questions linger, though, about the value of an online degree. Some bias exists, even though a number of online degree-grant-ing institutions are accredited by the same organizations as traditional brick-and-mortar colleges.
"The challenge I see is that hiring managers don't have personal experience with online learning. They just don't translate the concept of online education to the college experience, even though many businesses deliver their job training with online materials," says Karen Solomon, vice president for accreditation relations with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Students should carefully research the institutions they're considering to ensure they receive a quality education in return for their effort and monetary investment. Seek out accredited institutions, and steer clear of schools that have reputations as mere diploma mills. Employers may want to take another look at current online degree programs, so qualified job candidates don't land at the competition. The economic trends, enrollment statistics and lifestyle demands of today's students all indicate that online learning is here to stay.
Appeal of Online Learning
In Central Ohio, the private, for-profit DeVry University and University of Phoenix and the public, not-for-profit Franklin University are among the institutions that offer online associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of disciplines. Ohio State University also has online learning options for its students.
"Time is a precious commodity. Online learning lets them maintain their lifestyle, whether it's a job or kids, and go back to school. Even traditional-age students are balancing school with work as grants and loans dry up," says Sherry Mercurio, Franklin University's public relations director.
Adult students often must reinvent themselves for today's workforce. "Some are looking for a subsequent degree. Some have lost their jobs. Others want to advance or start a new career that they like better than what they're doing now," Mercurio says.
Younger students, meanwhile, are attracted by the cyber world. "Students in their teens and 20s are particularly comfortable with the online environment and have been brought up in a technology environment that is rich in communication and feedback," Galen Graham, regional vice president for DeVry University in Columbus, writes in an e-mail.
Most institutions that offer online degrees also offer classroom courses. "Some students excel in onsite courses, others in the online environment. A lot of students mix and match their online and onsite classes. For some it's a matter of learning style. For others, it's a matter of scheduling and convenience," Graham says.
Students in all DeVry degree programs take courses online. In Ohio, the most popular online courses are in the business administration and technical management degrees. At University of Phoenix's Columbus branch, the business, information technology and health-care related curricula garner the most interest. Enrollment in Franklin's online classes is fairly balanced across the curriculum, Mercurio says.
At OSU, certain degree programs offer more online coursework than others. "Ohio State offers programs in nursing, engineering and the College of Business that are primarily online programs. Each area works out its own tuition and fee structure," says Joanne Dehoney, senior director for learning technology in OSU's Office of the Chief Information Officer.
The university has hundreds of online courses that are offered at instructors' discretion. Dehoney says OSU is working to develop an expanded e-learning strategy to encompass curriculum requirements, student and faculty support needs, technological requirements and connection to the university's strategic goals.
Class Work
Like their counterparts who trudge to class on campus, students studying online also have reading assignments, write papers and participate in discussions.
"Our discussion forums are equivalent to classroom time. Students listen, ask questions and contribute to active discussions. They're based on the reading materials and outside relevant topics," Loughley says.
Johnstown resident Anthony Starr began studying for an associate degree in web development at University of Phoenix last year. "I want to participate in school and I have lots of opportunities to do that online," he says. "I'm 19, but many people in my class are older than me. Our interaction is good and we spark up a lot of good discussions."
Reading material for nearly every University of Phoenix class is online. "Periodicals, business journals and scholarly papers are all right there. All they have to do is log in, whether they're at home or on their lunch hour," Loughley says.
Franklin University incorporates video and audiotapes of lectures. "Online students access them when it's convenient. Our courses also have group activities where students must interact with others on projects and presentations," Mercurio says.
To read the full article written by Lisa Hooker and featured in Columbus C.E.O., please clickhere.
