Question

Please, use this forum to provide a cost benefit analysis of taking this class in an accelerated online format.

What are some of the benefits of taking this course online? What are some benefits of taking this course in an accelerated format? (half of a semester time).
What were the costs?

This is for my online (macro) econ class discussion. please help! this is a make or break. thanks!

Answer 1

The current challenges facing traditional colleges and universities — including higher tuition, budget cuts, and course shortages — cause many students to search for alternatives. With nearly three million students currently enrolled in fully online programs and six million taking at least one online course as part of their degree, online education has clearly become one of the most popular higher education alternatives. The continually improving reputation of online learning helped fuel its expansion, as initial skepticism faltered in the face of evidence showing that online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face education.

All of this means that students, from working professionals to recent high school graduates, find many reasons to take all or some of their courses online. The following list includes 10 advantages to online learning.

1. Variety of programs and courses: From traditional four-year universities to completely online career colleges, higher education today offers a variety of options for students. This means that no matter what students study, from nursing to neuroscience, they can find the courses or programs they need online. Students can also earn every academic degree online, from a career certificate to a doctorate.
2. Lower total costs: Online programs prove a more affordable option than traditional colleges. Though not all online degrees offer less expensive net tuition prices than traditional colleges, associated expenses almost always cost less. For example, there are no commuting costs, and sometimes required course materials, such as textbooks, are available online at no cost. In addition, many colleges and universities accept credits earned via free massive open online courses (MOOCs), the most recent advance in online education. These free online courses can help students fulfill general education requirements.
3. More comfortable learning environment: Commercials that feature online students studying in their pajamas only skims the surface of one of the benefits of online education: no physical class sessions. Students listen to lectures and complete assignments sent to them electronically, with no need to fight traffic, leave work early for class, or miss important family time.
4. Convenience and flexibility: Online courses give students the opportunity to plan study time around the rest of their day, instead of the other way around. Students can study and work at their convenience. Course material is always accessible online, making special library trips unnecessary. All of these benefits help students balance work and family commitments with their education.
5. More interaction and greater ability to concentrate: WWhile contradictory evidence about the rate of online student participation versus participation in traditional courses exists, one thing remains certain: Online courses offer shy or more reticent students the opportunity to participate in class discussions more easily than face-to-face class sessions. Some students even report better concentration in online classes due to the lack of classroom activity.

Accelerated Courses

When deciding between accelerated and traditional courses, it can be helpful to consider pacing, course availability, admission requirements and scheduling options. Accelerated courses are like traditional courses in that they're offered at every degree level and available in many areas of study. Shorter in length than traditional college classes, accelerated courses only take about 5-8 weeks to complete, rather than a full semester or quarter. Many programs offer this option to students who are eager to start advanced classes and wish to move on to higher-level work more quickly.

Some accelerated courses take place in the evenings and on weekends, and many are designed for working professionals. Summer sessions are also available. Accelerated courses are commonly completed on campus, but distance education is an option through select schools. Another format for accelerated classes is hybrid courses, or courses that are partially completed in the classroom and partially online. Possible course topics include educational administration, nursing, organizational leadership, business, liberal arts and information security.

Schools with accelerated degree programs usually have specific admission requirements. These requirements vary by school and degree level, but some of the options may include having previous completed a minimum number of transferable credit hours, submitting standardized test scores, holding a minimum GPA and being a certain age. However, it is important to note that some accelerated courses do not have prerequisite admission requirements, so interested students should check with their school.