Receiving a college education is becoming more accessible. In the past, students had to make time to get to class, make sure they knew what room they were in and write notes by hand until class let out. While this is still the case for some students, others are finding a new way to achieve academic success.
West Texas A&M University is among many universities to offer distance education programs. Distance education refers to the online classroom aspect of higher education. One can take classes and receive the same information from the comfort of their own home as s/he would in a physical classroom setting. Online students can go over lecture notes, view PowerPoint presentations and take online quizzes and exams. It is all the elements of a college-level class for the same amount of credit hours on an online platform.
Instructor Kim Bruce believes there are many benefits to online degree programs.
“Probably one of the best benefits to our students is the flexibility,” Bruce said. “It probably, at the same time, could be their biggest challenge.”
Online degrees create opportunities for prospective students who don’t have the time to attend classes in person. Single parents, small business owners, grandparents and recent high school graduates are among those who can and do take advantage of such programs. Distance education allows a student to create his or her own schedule that can fit into their everyday life.
Bruce also said there are dangers that can stem from trying to do too many things, ultimately causing a breakdown for the student. When asked if the success rate for online students was higher or lower than students who take traditional classes, she found that not all students are created equal.
“Now, having had more than five years teaching both formats, I would say that they just learn differently,” Bruce said. “I think face-to-face students do better with group learning, but students online might develop their writing ability and their ability to think critically quickly. I can see the benefits of both.”
Director of Advising Services Rebekah Bachman said there are many programs to choose from when it comes to online degree programs.
“At the bachelor level, there are several in Applied Arts and Sciences as well as Criminal Justice and Business Administration,” Bachman said.
She added that students who do not wish to complete their degree entirely online can still take distance education classes.
“There are lots of programs that offer some online classes,” Bachman said. “There are even options in core that are available. You can handpick what you want to take online.”
Distance education is becoming more popular. No matter the reason for wanting to take an online class, students are handed the information and essentially teaching themselves.
For more information regarding distance education, call 1-855-WTAMU-4U (1-855-982-6848).
