In many ways, online degree programs are very similar to traditional learning – you learn the same concepts, and you study from similar materials. But a common misconception about the difference between online and traditional education is that the student engages in less interactions with instructors and classmates. In fact, virtual learning might just be more interactive. If you are considering getting a degree online, here’s what you can expect from the online classes at Bryant & Stratton College.
Technology Makes Classes Interactive
Attending class over the internet means participating in a non-traditional, “virtual classroom” environment. While you won’t meet your instructor or classmates in person, this does not mean the quality of your learning experience will suffer.
The development of education technologies allows for online programs to be more interactive. Instead of in-class discussions, students post their thoughts and respond to others in a web forum. Virtual students are required to post in discussion a minimum of three times a week in Bryant & Stratton College’s classes. This ensures every student is interacting with the entire class throughout the week. Many students find themselves posting in the discussion forum multiple times throughout the week, far surpassing the minimal requirement of three posts.
Learning new material becomes more dynamic, as instructors can more easily incorporate videos and other media into coursework. Having access to information wikis allows students to have even more information at their fingertips. All of these elements make online learning just as engaging as a traditional classroom setting.
Make Your Own Schedule
One of the main draws of online schools is that they allow students to have a more flexible schedule. While there are deadlines for assignments, discussion participation and other academic activities, each individual student gets to decide when class is in session.
On a typical day, you might log in to your virtual classroom to check if your professor has made any new announcements, or posted grades for your previous assignments. Later in the day, you might read a few chapters, post your thoughts in the discussion board and take some time to respond to other classmates’ posts. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, working part-time or full-time, there is always the opportunity to get work done at your own pace.
However, it’s important to note that off-campus students must be even more mindful than on-campus students of how they schedule their time. The flexibility of self-paced learning makes it easier to fall behind. An online student must be self-motivated and organized in order to get work done.
Each week, online classes run from Sunday to Saturday. This allows students to map out how they are going to take care of their work each week. Most students develop a schedule for completing their discussions, course work and necessary reading for each week. Tools and resources provided in every classroom – like the Tracking Calendar – allow students to create a plan of attack that suits their learning style, ensuring greater success for all learning styles.
Online Degree Programs at Bryant & Stratton
If you are interested in pursuing an online degree, Bryant & Stratton College might be right for you. We offer a variety of associate and bachelor programs for online learners. For more information, call 1.800.895.1738 to speak with an admissions representative.
