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Essay on on-line degree programs: should colleges and universities offer degrees
entirely online
by Ms. Cherynie R. Casaig
“Education is our passport to the future, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
-Malcolm X-
On-line degree program is relatively the same with distance education. The idea is to earn a
degree without being physically present in school. This practice dates back to as early as 1728
when Boston Gazette promoted that a teacher of the new method of short hand sought
students who wanted to learn through mailed lessons. This later became correspondence
courses as it reached Great Britain in the 1840s. Distance education has a lengthy history, its
popularity and use has grown exponentially as the World Wide Web or cyberspace becomes
more and more accessible and available. In 2008 44 states in the US opened their institutions to
students for online learning programs. In the Philippines distance learning are offered by
prestigious universities and colleges to cater to students who don’t have the time to be in a
traditional classroom.
Not all academic degrees may be taken on-line. Higher learning institutions may offer on-line
degrees depending on the type of the academic degree. Professional education, medical and
scientific field are just a few exceptions in offering on-line degrees. Students in these fields of
learning need to undergo hands-on training and clinical or lab time or meet patients or take
time to see the real scenario in an actual experiment. Education students also need time to visit
the actual learning environment to have an actual exposure of the realities of the education
sector. An academic degree, as defined in Grolier Encyclopedia, is a title conferred by a college
or university certifying the completion of a course of study or an honorary award given in
recognition of achievement. Getting an online degree through distance learning is an option
that has become possible because of the increased availability of the Internet throughout the

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world (Davis, 2013). There are many degrees, however, that can be offered on-line without the
hassle of doing laboratory activities or field work.
Despite the fact that some degrees may not be presented electronically, online learning is on
the rise. “According to a 2013 report by the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6.7 million
postsecondary students were enrolled in at least one online class in 2011, compared to only 1.6
million in 2002, and higher-education institutions continue to refine and enhance their online
curriculum. In 2002, about 72 percent of these schools offered some form of online learning,
and that number has steadily increased to nearly 87 percent in 2012. Colleges also have
emphasized the creation of fully online degree programs, and 62 percent of the schools
surveyed now award degrees entirely through distance education” (Worldwidelearn.com,
2013).

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The growth of online learning is mainly fuelled by students demand. The need to acquire a
degree thru flexible schedule and cost-efficient is a wonderful opportunity recommended
by online studies for those who are unable to take traditional classes. On the positive
side, online education offers convenience thru ease of accessibility and schedule
flexibility. It gives students control over their time, a chance to interact at a convenient
time and a range of money saving options on transportation and/or textbooks. The lack of
face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow classmates thru the internet is
replaced by the adoption of video conferencing technologies, and even free-to-use group
chats that can help students interface with teachers and other students. On the other
hand the disadvantages of online studies include less face-to-face contact with other
students where such contact is very important in learning how to deal with many aspects
of non-verbal communication, online classes require self-discipline where students with
procrastination problems will have an even harder time obtaining an online degree, critics
feel that it is easier to plagiarize or share answers because of reduced surveillance and
increased connectivity, how a degree from an online school will be received by future
employers, and not all online classes are covered by financial aid. “The popularity of
online college degrees continually increases year after year. In fact, according to
Edu411.org, in 2007 the percentage of people pursuing online degrees increased 12.9
percent, when compared to the amount of enrolled students in 2006. While the flexibility
online degree programs offer make it easier for more people to obtain a higher level of
education, the US Department of Education reported in 2007 that only 65 percent of
colleges and universities offer some type of distance learning program. While you may
think it wise for all colleges to jump on the online education bandwagon, there are
numerous reasons some colleges don’t plan on implementing online degree programs”
(Collins 2010).
As a professional teacher I am exposed to the rudiments that students learn best through
various exposure and experiences. Many teaching and learning strategies have been
incorporated in our college years to better prepare us with the arduous task of being a teacher.

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I believe that learning is not limited to the development of memories, acquisition of facts and
knowledge but must include the extension of skills, enrichment of behavior, deeper
understanding, progression of values and wisdom. If we are better educated then we can better
serve our purpose and no online degree can replace the training that a teacher acquires from
firsthand experiences. It is true that having an online degree may be convenient for some and
universities should continue offering online education but it should be limited only to courses
that require less socialization and human interaction. Online education as well as technology
serves as a great communication and learning tool. Colleges and universities should not offer
entire degrees online; hence they should consider which degrees are better introduced online
from those which should be administered with the guidance and wisdom of a great teacher.
References
Brantley, A. (2013). Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Classes Online. Online Degree
Advice. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World Wide
Web:https://www.collegetoolkit.com/guides/onlinedegree/Advantages_and_Disadvant
ages_of_Taking_Clases_Online.aspx
Collins, D. (2010, 3 December). Not All Colleges and Universities Will Offer Online Degrees.
Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World Wide Web:
http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/not-all-colleges-and-universities-will1/
Concepcion et al. (2010). LET Reviewer, NCBTS Oriented 2010 Ed.Manila City. MET Review
Center, p 238.
Constantino, A. (2011, February). Experiments in Education. Star Teacher Magazine.
Guadalupe, Makati City. Jardin Printing Corporation
Davis, R. (2013). Online Degrees: Advantages and Disadvantages. Retrieved October 25, 2013
from the World Wide Web: http://www.tips4students.com/onlinedegree.htm
Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge Vol 6. (1995), Danburry, Connecticut United States of
America, Academic American Encyclopedia, p60.

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Littlefield, J. (2012). e-Learning Basics. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World Wide Web:
http://distancelearn.about.com/od/distancelearning101/p/e-learning.htm
Straumsheim, C. (2013). Going (Further) Online. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World
Wide Web: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/31/berklee-college-music-
launches-first-accredited-bachelors-degree-programs-music

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Littlefield, J. (2012). e-Learning Basics. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World Wide Web:
http://distancelearn.about.com/od/distancelearning101/p/e-learning.htm
Straumsheim, C. (2013). Going (Further) Online. Retrieved October 25, 2013 from the World
Wide Web: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/31/berklee-college-music-
launches-first-accredited-bachelors-degree-programs-music