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The traditional way to receive an education, by attending what is known as a bricks-and-mortar institution, will always be a common and an accepted way to learn. There is something very tangible about going to a classroom and listening to a lecture given by an instructor standing in front of you, by interacting with peers, and by handing in tests and assignments in person. However, that is not always the most convenient way for a person to receive an education, especially a higher education from a college or university. Technology has afforded the opportunity for people to study and attend classes online. Though not a very recent development in education, it is a constantly improving and evolving device for learning that offers new choices and opportunities to many people who might not otherwise be able to receive a bachelor's, master's, or even doctorate degree, as well as supplement their careers with continuing education classes and certification programs. It is important to understand what it requires of the student, and what factors to look for in an educational institution, in order to receive the best possible online education.

The advantages of online education are many. There is a flexibility that comes with having round the clock access to coursework, online lectures, and study materials. There is the convenience of not having to commute to a classroom, or move into a dorm or near a specific campus. And there is the ability for an online student to be able to improve himself intellectually and professionally while at the same time working and enjoying family time. But, do not let these benefits fool you. The flexibility of online education does not make it an effortless endeavor. Students who know when they begin that they have to be resolute in their intentions earn the best online educations. Because of the extra time and effort that is required in order to succeed in the virtual classroom setting, online learning can be harder than traditional courses. An online student has to be dedicated and determined, as well as self-driven.

Often, online learning is an ideal situation for those who have been away from college for a while and have been out in the workforce. Maturity and life experience is often a big advantage when it comes to the demands that come with online education. For many older students, the online format has several advantages, both personal and professional. Online learning embraces the concepts of lifelong learning and self-improvement. The ready availability of the format allows these desires to be satisfied more easily than ever before. Taking advantage of online education also provides people with more career advancement opportunities, and helps them to compete professionally on a global scale. However, there are issues involved with returning to school, such as finding the time. That is why the convenience of an online education is often the best choice for an individual.

When seeking out colleges or universities that offer online educational programs, it is important to know what to look for. The best online educational programs come from colleges and universities that are fully accredited, and that are able to offer diversity in the curriculum and in the faculty that present it. It is vital that the faculty embrace the technology that is required for use in the virtual classroom format. It is important that faculty is willing and able to virtually communicate with students, whether it is to record a lecture or to communicate via email. It is also important for faculty to work with the technology in order to engage the students, which can be a challenge in an online classroom. It is also in their best interest professionally for faculty to be on par with technology in order to stay current themselves. In order to provide the best possible online educational experience, there must be a willingness to open the lines of communication on the part of an instructor as well as a student, in order to overcome the challenges that are brought on by the online classroom.

Though seemingly the easiest way to earn an education, online learning has a unique set of challenges. In addition to a great commitment of time and self-drive on the part of the student, online education requires the same commitment on the part of the educational institution and its faculty in order for online learning to reach its fullest potential. Online learning certainly offers flexibility and convenience for a student, especially one who has been in the workforce for a while. Being able to improve one's education and professional prospects while at the same time being able to maintain work and family responsibilities is one of the huge advantages of earning an online education. As long as a student is aware of the commitment required to be a successful online student, and finds an accredited program at a college or university that embraces the technology of the virtual classroom, then the student will receive the best in what online education currently has to offer.