Online Versus Brick and Mortar Education

Is One Really Better Than the Other?

Zorra Lou, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jul 1, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Have you had a debate over choosing an online school for higher learning versus a brick and mortar school? Since the early 90's online schools have been born to ride the information super highways reaching far more students than traditional schools. However distance education as a whole isn't new and can be traced back to the 1700's! Caleb Phillips and Sir Isaac Pitman are credited to have invented the first correspondence for students who wanted to learn the methods of shorthand from anywhere. This intuitive idea gave birth to the design that education could reach many people and provide quality instruction.

However many people are hearing so many confusing aspects of what online education is about that it seems to make people afraid to consider digital education for higher learning. Journey with me on the Facts and Myths of online education in an effort to keep you better informed on your educational choices.

FACT or MYTH?

Online schools do not offer marketable degrees. MYTH

Online schools offer a variety of the same types of undergrad, masters and doctoral degree programs that the top traditional schools offer. Finding one that fits your needs is up to you.

Online schools' credits will not transfer to traditional schools. MYTH

As with any school some credits may not transfer over to certain schools however this is not solely a problem with online schools. If your school is regionally accredited then most traditional regionally accredited schools will indeed take credits.

Online schools are NOT accredited. MYTH

Online schools have a variety of accreditation. To understand what accrediting means and make sure your school is accredited (no matter if it's online or traditional), you can visit a government website that allows you to search for your school.

Some online schools have been under investigation for unethical practices. FACT

Some online schools have been under investigation because of staff recruiting practices, problems with financial aid and/or higher costs of credit hours.

Quality education CAN be obtained from online schools. FACT

If the school is regionally accredited this means that the education received at this school is as comparable to the traditional colleges and universities in your state. Since colleges have certain accreditation this means the government will fund student's education through loans and grants if needed.

Online graduates can NOT find a job after graduation. MYTH

Many online schools offer alumni stories that include former students who are now employed. In today's economy graduates from traditional schools are having problems finding work. Finding work depends on the efforts of the student, the degree's marketability, networking and the economy for any graduate.

Online degrees have the word ONLINE on the degree. MYTH

Most degrees from online schools DO NOT have the word 'online' printed on their degrees and are not visually distinguishable between a traditional school's degree.

Most traditional universities and colleges have online degree programs. FACT

Many top traditional schools offer online degree programs. A small list can be found at the end of this article.

Online degree programs DO NOT equal to traditional brick and mortar schools. MYTH

A good majority of traditional schools HAVE online degree programs. As long as the online higher learning institution is accredited, students can rest assured their online schools offer a quality education.

Be aware that not all degrees from any higher learning institution are profitable. Some degrees are not marketable. Student's should research every degree program through such sites as O*NET Online. O*NET can help students learn if certain degrees have a bright outlook for the future.

The bottom line is you don't have to be a computer genius to earn an online degree and with research you can find a great online school that fits your needs. Online higher learning takes as much dedication as a traditional school requires. Prepare yourself with the knowledge of what an online school has to offer and see if it's right for you.

Below is a list of reputable traditional schools that offer ONLINE DEGREES: