Author: MJT
The Advantages of an
Accelerated Online Bachelor Degree
Getting an accelerated online bachelor’s degree seems almost
too good to be true. How could you
possibly complete a four-year degree in a couple of years or less?
It’s good to be somewhat suspicious, because that will
motivate you to check out the degree programs carefully, but there are fully
accredited, respected accelerated online bachelor degree programs
available. In fact, the Higher Learning
Commission studied accelerated bachelor degree programs in 2000 and found that:
* Accelerated online bachelor degree programs are
specifically designed to meet the learning needs of adults.
* The programs are best for working adults who are returning
to school after an absence.
* Most adults can complete the programs in less than two
years.
Meeting the learning needs of working adults
Traditional college programs use teaching methods that are
designed for younger learners. The
classes are teacher oriented. The
teacher determines the objectives and course content and evaluates the
learning.
Most online programs use adult learning methods. The classes are learner oriented. The teacher and learner collaborate in
determining how to study the material and how to evaluate it. Learning is on the student’s schedule, not
the teacher’s. The learning is practical
and applicable whenever possible. Adult
learning is different from traditional “school” learning, and online programs
capitalize on the characteristics of adult learners.
Working adults returning to school after an absence
Most people who chose an accelerated online bachelor degree
program already have some college credits.
They have already proven that they can succeed at college. They are not naïve about what it will take
them to get a degree. Accelerated
programs are challenging, and might be too challenging for someone who has no
college experience at all.
Completing the degree in less than two years
The Higher Learning Commission found that flexible class
schedules and shorter class lengths (instead of traditional quarters or
semesters) helped adults complete their degrees within two years of beginning
the program. Many students also received
credit for prior learning experiences, which helped them earn a degree more
quickly. It’s helpful to adult students
to have a cohort that they learn with.
That’s a small group of students who progress through the program
together. Although it’s not as easy for
online learners to develop a cohort, it is possible. Technological advances make it easier to work
with other students while learning online than it has been in the past. Email forums, teleconferences and virtual
small group learning experiences encourage the development of cohorts.
Accelerated online bachelor degree programs are ideal for
working adult learners. In an online
program, the very things that are disadvantages in traditional learning become
advantages. Finding a good accelerated
online bachelor degree program is not difficult and it makes education
accessible and possible for many working adults.
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