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Computer Degree - Pros and Cons of an Online Program

jazzynfo | Feb 15, 2010 |

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With all the technological advancements we have made over the years in the field of computers and the fact that the internet now controls a good part of our lives, distance learning has come to stay. In a way we have set aside the gay life of the past, when it was quite normal to attend college, meet people, make friends, share information and have a lot of fun. Now we still meet people, but we do it sitting in a closed room and talking to people virtually, meeting them in cyberspace – chat rooms and forums.

You will need to ensure that you are the kind of person who can practice excellent self discipline and motivation that are key requirements for distance learning. A good way to find out is to study the pros and cons of the choices you make; this article discusses the positive and negative aspects of getting a computer science degree without actually going to college. Everything has good and bad sides to it, read on to find out more.

The pros of an online computer degree

• You will not have to spend time commuting to and from the campus or get stuck in rush hour traffic.
• Your budget is not inflated by high fuel costs for travel expenses.
• You can continue to work in your present job while you study; this option to earn and learn is beneficial because you need to pay the college tuition costs.
• Choosing a college anywhere in America becomes a reality; you are not geographically constrained. You can choose a college anywhere in the world if you so desire!
• You will set your own study schedule, so studying will be done at your own pace. This is very useful to achieve a balance in your work, study and home life. It is especially useful if you are married and have children who demand your attention the moment you get home.
• If you are a working mom, sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture at the end of a hard day will not work for you. Online courses are more writing oriented with virtual discussions to guide you in your learning because the classes are centered round your responses more than any kind of lecturing.
• Instructions and course work are customized to your field and subject and this is especially true for computer based training programs.
• You will interact with students not just from America but from all over the world, the information sharing experience will be quite unique.
• There is no bias in this type of learning; you will be rated on merit because all students are considered 100 percent equal – race, sex, disability, religion or any other factor does not matter.
• You have ample opportunity to participate in discussions and shine through your study efforts.

The cons of an online computer science degree

• If your personal self discipline is not up to scratch you will have a huge problem studying and keeping to a schedule.
• Coping with a sense of isolation as you study alone, particularly if you are people person.
• Delays in receiving feedback and responses from instructors and fellow study mates due to different time zones.
• Must have a strong ability to work unsupervised and disciplined enough to stick to your schedule and make progress.