The Advantages of Online College

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January 11th, 2010 - Posted by Carlisa

It's time to put the distractions of the holidays behind us and get back into the grind. We've all made New Year's Resolutions to do good things in 2010 and improve ourselves, right?  What better way to do that than to try a new challenge. So, for those considering going back to school to further your education, get that degree that you never got, to get another degree, or to just broaden your knowledge on any subject – do it now.

Life is short.  It's a really good feeling to test yourself and realize that you still have abilities. I am a regular Georgia gal, soon to turn 50, sharing my story of going back to school.  I'm happy to be pursuing my education online, and if I can do it, anyone can do it!

Since schools have just started back after the holidays, I'm really glad my classes are online for many reasons.  And yes, I have a list.

1. Schedule – I have a crazy schedule, as do a lot of other students, so the online classes allow me to fit my classes into a busy day.  There are many students attending AIU that are also working full time jobs and/or have children at home, but can attend at their convenience.
2. Convenience – This may go along with "Schedule", but deserves its own acknowledgement for a couple of reasons.  Again, you don't have travel time, so you can have more quality time with loved ones, or more study time, rest time, etc.  Also, you can attend archived classes 24/7!
3. Location – For those that don't have a brick and mortar campus close by, online classes are the way to go.  We have students attending from all over the country and around the world.
4. Weather – Right now, even in Georgia, there is snow on the ground and temperatures range from the teens to the thirties.  Later in the week, we'll warm up into the 40's, but still, I don't personally like to get out in that kind of cold!  We've also had several days of continued rainfall, and it's dangerous to drive in the rain.  Personally I would HATE to have to find parking and wade through puddles far away from the entrance to a brick and mortar campus, while trying to tote my necessary books, purse and umbrella, just to ruin my favorite shoes and catch a cold from getting wet!
5. Illness -  Whether you're sick and don't want to spread to someone else, you need extra R&R,  or you just don't want to catch someone else's sickness, online classes are the way to go.  Let's not forget those highly contagious, illnesses, like Swine Flu.   I must confess that after I toured a couple of brick and mortar campuses, I started thinking of having to share the schools computers, limited breathing space, etc, with students who may be contagious with who knows what.  That was a big determining factor in my decision to go with the online education.  Does that make me OCD?  No, just careful.
6. Gas/etc Prices – If you don't have a campus close by, then you would need to spend a LOT of money on gasoline to get back and forth to a physical campus.  And if the uncertainty of gasoline prices isn't scary enough, there's also the cost of the new tires/brakes/brake pads/transmissions fluids, etc that you would have to invest in if driving to campus.
7. It's Green -  This goes along with numbers 1, 2, and 3 above.  Remember, when you're taking classes online you're not just saving money.  The impact on the environment is greatly reduced.  You're going green!