The Wall Street Journal (May 15, 2006) published a prediction made by Edventures that by 2008, one in 10 students will be enrolled in an online degree program. In South Carolina, it is believed virtual (Internet) programs will be commonplace with high school students within this decade. Online learning is mushrooming throughout academic and other circles.

This mushrooming effect with online degree programs could be for obvious reasons: They are basically of the same quality as traditional programs; they are highly interactive; they can be earned in less time and with less cost; and they are flexible learning venues suitable to enrollees desirous of convenient times to complete intensive course work.

But as might be expected, there are champions and critics of most things. In a survey conducted by Associates in Education, champions of online learning felt it is a renaissance in teaching and learning – something that is overdue. Several critics felt online learning is bastardizing teaching and learning. In addition, the venue supposedly encourages cheating.

Whatever one’s mind-set might be regarding online learning, the process is in place, and without any retreat in sight. Online learning is proliferating in education, with the nation’s regional accrediting agencies among its unbiased champions. This learning venue is upscale among professionals of note, e.g., legal scholars, the medical community and hospitals, travel and tourism, the health care industry, real estate industry, museums, financial institutions, and higher education. There are other professional areas with an online presence of note.

Cindy Kinard, public relations assistant with Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5, is an advocate for online learning. She enrolled in a PBS Teacherline course that met her personal and professional needs. Cindy lists seven reasons for considering online learning:

1. “Online learning is based on cooperation and interaction. In time, everyone must go to discussions boards and participate in online chat sessions to get the most out of course work.”

2. “It is a free form of learning that can potentially excite you.ˇ If one desires to do well in this learning environment, efforts must be made to stay on top of course requirements.”

3. “While instruction is fast paced, you are not overwhelmed by course expectations that are no surprise to anyone. You do what you have to do to complete them.”

4. “There is follow-up with fellow students after a course since most are in fields related to course work. We frequently call each other for assistance and advice with other projects.”

5. “Online learning is very convenient but flexible, andˇ I managed to complete the course work on ‘my’ time schedule.”

6. “Instruction in an online course is as rigid as you might want it to be. However, online learning calls for more than ordinary input in order to maximize the output.”

7. “I found the online course experience to be so much fun, and I received a lot of valuable Web-related information in it.”

Online learning is not for everyone in that it must be carried out responsibly. If someone desires to engage in minimal academic work, forego this experience. For now, save your time and money for something otherwise rewarding and enjoyable.

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