The world has moved into the knowledge and information age, with all that this implies for our work, cultural, economic and social life. Patterns of learning, living and working are changing. People must change and educational institutions have changed to accommodate lifelong learning and the transition to a knowledge-based economy and society. 

Using online learning as part of your lifelong learning formula can enrich and improve your life. It may assist you in pursuing interests and hobbies, grow in your career, meet professional requirements, redirect your career or simply learn something new and fascinating.

Advantages of Online Education

·                     Convenience, Flexibility and Accessibility: Participate in online classes from anywhere and at any time. 

• Accommodates all work schedules.
• Accessibility for those with restricted mobility (e.g., handicapped, injured, elderly)
• Accessibility for those with family responsibilities (e.g., parents with young children at home)

·                     Choices: Take courses in many different subjects and  programs.

·                     Communication: Meet interesting people.  Communicate and interact with students from all over the country or even the world.

·                     Online Learning is Green:  No waste of time or fuel in commuting to a central location for each class.

·                     Self-paced learning:

• Quickly review material you have already mastered, and concentrate time and effort in areas containing new information or skills
• Study materials at your speed
• Join conversations in the discussion areas at any hour.

·                     Availability: Documents, transcripts, live discussions and training materials are all archived and recorded so that they can be retrieved via e-mail or the school’s website for reading, downloading, and printing.

·                     Gain real world skills:  Gain computer skills and learn to use the Internet for research purposes.

·                     Promotes lifelong learning

·                     Promotes active learning:  Learn by doing

Challenges Associated with Online Learning

·                     Requires discipline and good time-management skills:  Students must develop personal time-management skills. Requires the self-discipline to set aside time to complete your studies. Students must learn to set priorities.

·                     May create a sense of isolation: Some people learn better in a traditional classroom. They need the live interaction with an instructor and other students. Online classes may try to simulate classroom interaction, but they cannot duplicate it.  Studying alone with only the computer as your companion can be difficult for some people.  Be aware of this issue and seek help if it impedes your studies. Send an e-mail to a classmate to help you feel better connected.

·                     Accreditation:  Make certain that the degree program a regional or national accreditation organization recognizes the program.

·                     Employment recognition:  Employers may not recognize or reimburse tuition costs for non-accredited programs.

·                     Oral Communications: Students may not have an opportunity to enhance their oral communication skills.

·                     Course availability: Not all courses or programs are available online.