Pursuing an online degree program can be a great decision as it allows you to study while keeping up with work, family and other responsibilities. However, it’s crucial that you make the right choice, as it will shape your future educational and career path.
There are many options when choosing an online degree, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing if you don’t know where to start. For instance, the learning experience and support structures can vary widely from institution to institution. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure that the online course you choose suits your learning style, budget and career goals. After all, what good is an online degree if you don’t find the right program that fits your needs?
Many factors are involved in choosing an online degree to help set you down the right educational path. Keep reading to learn more about what you should look for when choosing an online degree program.
An overview of online learning
Online learning is a type of distance education that allows students to complete their coursework and earn their degrees without attending physical classes. This type of learning is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a flexible and convenient way to pursue higher education.
Some institutions offer online nursing degrees, allowing students to graduate with a BSN or MSN. These courses enable students to kick-start their careers and progress towards their goals. They are also ideal for professionals who work full-time jobs and are looking for a career change.
The essential elements of an excellent online course
When selecting an online course, it’s crucial to consider the various elements of your program and how they will fit together to make a cohesive whole. Let’s take an in-depth look at what factors to consider to help you make an informed choice.
A clear problem statement
A great online course will always start with a clear problem statement. A problem statement is the why behind the study.
Creating relevant and valuable content for students will be difficult without a clear problem statement. You might consider accessing all the modules at the beginning of your course to understand the problem statement better.
Interactive study
For a course to be considered good, it must have interactive components. The most common form of interactivity is user-to-user chat rooms for students and lecturers. There are other forms of interactivity as well, including quizzes and polls. These practices engage students in the material and help make it more interesting.
Interactive content can also help keep students on track with their learning goals and measure how they are progressing through the material.
Engaging and challenging
An excellent online course should be engaging, providing students with plenty of opportunities to interact with the material and communicate with each other. It should also be challenging, pushing students to think critically and develop new skills.
For example, a nursing degree program might have some hands-on clinical simulation exercises as part of its curriculum. This exercise will teach students essential skills they’ll need on the job and show their instructors whether or not they’re grasping key concepts.
Convenient delivery platforms
For maximum participation and more accessible learning, an online course must be available to all its students. The delivery platform a course uses should be user friendly and support a variety of devices.
In addition, the platform should offer features that make the learning process more efficient, such as progress tracking and gamification. That way, someone is always available to offer assistance if you have a question or need help on any topic.
Complimentary educational resources
A good online course should include a complementary educational resource for those students who want to do additional research. The resource must be updated regularly and welcome new and relevant information.
It should also provide links to external sources where possible. Lectures, case studies and quizzes are all resources that students can use in an online course.
Effectiveness & efficiency
An online course should be effective in helping the student achieve their desired outcome. The course must be well-designed, engaging and relevant to be effective.
It should also be interactive and easy to navigate. The instructor should clarify what learning objectives they are trying to accomplish with each module or lesson.
For example, a short quiz at the end of a video module can help students assess their understanding of the content. At the same time, a personal message from the instructor on a discussion board can keep students engaged.
Helpful student support section
A helpful student support section in an online course will provide clear instructions and a way for students to ask questions and get help. This service is vital for students who cannot access the content or are having technical difficulties while taking the course.
A student support section can also offer resources such as links to helpful websites or recommended readings. The unit should be easily accessible and provide clear instructions on how to get help if needed.
Several factors will make or break an online course, including the instructor, the pace of the lessons and even the course design itself. Here are the qualities that make an online course great.
Thoughtful and methodical design
A great online course is the result of thoughtful and systematic design. Institutions create the best practices when they keep the student in mind, considering the different ways people learn.
The course should address all aspects of learning, such as cognitive and social, and offer flexibility to meet individual needs. The course will achieve these qualities by personalizing content or providing opportunities for reflection.
Accommodating a variety of learners
For acourse to be considered excellent, it must accommodate a variety of learners. That means there should be different ways to demonstrate learning objectives and interact with the content.
For example, some people may prefer text-based content, and others might like videos. The best online courses will allow students to learn in the way that they are most comfortable.
Careful pacing
In an online course, the pacing is everything. Students can feel overwhelmed and fall behind if a course moves too quickly.
On the other hand, if a course moves too slowly, students can get bored and disengaged. The key is to find a happy medium where students feel challenged but not overwhelmed.
An excellent course will practice careful pacing to avoid overwhelming or boring students.
7 things to look for when choosing an online degree
Whether you’re considering starting college or you’re in the middle of your degree program, choosing an online degree program can be incredibly beneficial for your finances and your schedule. To help you find the best program, here are seven things to look for in an online degree program.
Accreditation
One of the most important things to look for when choosing an online degree is whether the program is accredited. Accreditation status refers to if the university you are considering has been reviewed and approved by a reputable third party.
All accredited universities have a seal of approval from organizations like the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. However, some private institutions may acquire accreditation through membership in regional accrediting agencies.
If the institution you intend to enroll in for an online course is not accredited, it will limit your options when it comes time to find a job. You can check the accreditation status of online degree programs by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website and searching for their directory of institutions.
The program costs
Some programs are costly, while others are more affordable options. If you are on a tight budget, this might be a factor in your decision-making process.
Some of the most crucial costs to consider include:
- Tuition: Consider the average tuition per credit hour.
- Fees: Find out what types of fees exist and if there are any additional fees you will need to pay.
- Additional technology expenses: Many universities require students to purchase laptops or tablets, which could significantly impact the program’s total cost.
- Financial aid package: Some universities offer better financial aid packages than others.
Not all schools offer need-based scholarships or grants, so you should research these details before committing to one school over another.
The program’s retention rate
Retention rates are the percentage of students who remain enrolled in a program from the beginning to the end. A high retention rate is crucial because it indicates that students are learning and benefitting from their education.
When choosing an online course, it is always helpful to consider the retention rates because it indicates a good program design. For example, if the retention rate is 95%, most people completing the program were happy with what they learned and found success.
Schools sometimes will not have high retention rates because they have no accredited programs. However, other schools may have low retention rates because they are still developing curricula and refining teaching methods.
Time it takes to graduate
During the online degree selection process, you may want to consider the time required to graduate and how much time you have available. If you’re in a tight spot, then you may want to choose a program that you can complete in a short period.
You’ll want to ensure you can complete the degree on time so that you don’t fall behind in your career goals. Check the program requirements and speak with an advisor to get a realistic idea of how long it will take you to graduate.
Once you know the average amount of time it takes to complete your degree, you can better plan for other commitments in your life and set goals for when you would like to finish.
Job placement rates
With the increasing demand for jobs in today’s economy, choosing a degree program that will lead you to success is essential. When choosing an online degree, job placement rates are worth considering.
A school with higher-than-average job placement rates means more students are employed following graduation. This data indicates students receive better training and support from the school.
Similarly, schools with lower-than-average job placement rates can indicate the quality of education is lacking. It may also suggest that the school does not adequately prepare graduates for employment opportunities in their chosen field.
Collecting such data will help you find a degree program that will provide you with all the tools necessary to succeed in your desired career path.
Transfer credits
Another crucial aspect in choosing an online degree course is the transfer of credits. You should be able to find a course that will match your previous education and work experience. For instance, if you had previously covered some units in the course you are considering, you can apply those credits to your new program. This process will ensure that you do not end up repeating any courses, saving time and money.
If you are unsure about what classes are eligible for credit transfers, it is best to consult with the university or college admissions office.
Technology
An online degree relies heavily on technology, so it’s important to research the school’s learning management system and software. You should also explore the technology you will require for the course. For example, your laptop will be your most crucial equipment if you are doing a nursing program. You’ll also want to ensure you have a good internet connection to keep up with classwork while taking courses at your own pace.
Also, you’ll want to ensure that the program is user friendly and offers a variety of features that meet your needs. Additionally, ensure that the school’s website is secure and that their customer service is top-notch.
Whether you’re looking to change careers or advance in your current field, pursuing an online degree is a great way to achieve your goals. With so many online programs available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. However, by taking the time to research and understand your options, you can find a program that’s the perfect fit for your needs.