Online Education

So my school's Twitter feed had an interesting article posted. It was a CNN article I believe sponosored by CareerBuilder. It was supposed to discuss the emergence of Online only schools as a viable alternative to traditional schools, particularly for those of us that cannot find the time to get into a traditional campus. To me it read more like a hit piece against Online education.

It did have the obligatory section on what to look for on the sidebar. I did agree with a good portion of it such as making sure it is truly accredited amongst them. However, it stated that you should make sure it charges per credit hour. Why in the world would that make a difference? The only thing I can think of was it was a plug to push people towards online classes at a traditional school or a more expensive online/classroom university. The article stated that if you can accelerate your program or use "life" experience towards your degree then its not really viable. One graduate quoted in the article discussed earning a "true" degree by going to a traditional school but taking some online classes.

Some good things mentioned in the article, 61% of CEOs and small business owners are familiar with online or distance learning programs. 83% of executives in the survey say that an online degree is "as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program."

Although the basis of the article and the minimally covered main point is that business owners and executives see online degrees as viable and just as good as long as the programs are properly accredited, the writers couldn't help but take a shot at the schools as well. That's not surprising to me coming from a news outlet such as CNN. It does however paint the picture that the author is somehow in the tank for traditional universities. I think one has to look at the subtle digs made by the writer in an article to discover some of their true intent.

I love my school! It is awesome! I think it has better accredidation than most traditional universities. I LOVE the fact that I can accelerate my program and save the money. Who can honestly be served by an online program that requires you to pay per unit. To me its just the school trying to increase the cost and therefore their income. Of course, I attend a non-profit school. I love the fact that it is "competency" based. So yes, I can use that life or career experience, whatever it is and use that knowledge to help me pass my exams to show I know the material. After all, isn't that what exams are all about. Employers love the fact that the school uses a competence based approach. It ensures that the graduate actually knows the material and wasn't just sitting through the class with drool coming down the side of their mouth.