b'E-LEARNING| As the decision to pursue a healthcareinstant virtual meeting, are often utilized by education institutions to teach and edu-degree online becomes increasingly accepted,cate participants on new ideas or concepts by delivering online lectures and presenta-tions. This is especially useful through vir-distance learning is losing its stigma. tual learning because it allows students to ask live questions to presenters, and for these complete their degrees more quickly than theyThe Pros and Cons of Getting a Degreepresenters to respond immediately. would while attending a formalized institution.Online, explains that critics of online edu- We are in the middle of a revolution in Faster, more course-specific online degree pro- cation argue that it is merely a cheap replicahigher education, and attitudes towards grams can therefore save students money in theof the traditional classroom experience. Thenovel approaches change only gradually and long run. While online programs themselvesstudent-professor relationship can be essen- sporadically, explained James Barham, gen-may be comparable in cost to some traditionaltial to acquiring a foundation of professionaleral editor of TheBestSchools.org.universities and colleges, they often require lessresources, causing some online studentsThe two-way digital communication pat-supplies, fewer required credits and come with- to lack a solid post-graduation network intern online classes can now provide truly out room-and-board charges.comparison to on-campus students.alleviates the previous one-sided nature of According to critics, another downside ofvirtual learning. Viewing a webinar from GETTING THE BEST DEAL online studies it that it requires increasedhome can be just as educationally fulfilling When deciding on an appropriate online health- responsibility and self-motivation in studentsas sitting in a lecture hall. New technology is care program, its important to first ask a schoolto succeed in a loosely structured environ- making it increasingly possible for instruc-representative a series of key questions. Thesement. The freedom presented when taking antors to create new and exciting ways for stu-questions include the actual cost of tuition andonline class can be overwhelming to studentsdents to engage in learning more effectively how the program expects students to pay forwho are more successful with structure andthan they would in a lecture hall with hun-it. Asking for the fixed program cost (to avoidguidance from advisors or administrators.dreds of fellow students.taking out unnecessary loans) and addressingSelect programs, such as physical or occu- Some may confidently say that online how the financial aid process works within thepational therapy, cannot be transformededucation is not going away. Some would say program are also essential queries. to incorporate a solely virtual learningit is the traditional bricks-and-mortar col-A prospective online student should assessenvironment.lege that is going away, but personally I think their interest in studying primarily on theirFor thorough understanding of this morethat is doubtful. I suspect there will be a mix own, and typically from home through a com- hands-on material, programs will mandateof both for the foreseeable future, but doubt-puter. The prospect should also explore anyin-class time. The possibility for internetlessly with online education continuing to delivery mode preferences or rules promulgatedtechnology issues to arise is also an apparentincrease its market share slowly over time, by desired employers or key professional bod- downside to acquiring an online education.Barham predicts.nies, explained Richard Garrett, director of theMany online programs require the use of a Observatory on Borderless Higher Education. program-specific internet server, and whenBy Lindsey Nolen. Lindsey was a former staff Furthermore, all degree or certifi- this server experiences technical problems,writer for ADVANCE.cate-seeking students should research a pro- so do most students trying to gain access. grams documented consequences for havingThis can be frustrating, especially when stu-to take an emergency break from classes.dents are trying to complete time-sensitive Depending on the length of the break, someassignments.programs may choose to retract or suspend financial aid. To find the best online schools relative toTECH INNOVATIONS cost, students must consider factors like fac- Within online class structures, instructors are ulty credentials and available student servicesfinding ways to utilize the full capacities of in addition to tuition. Gathering this informa- the internet. For example, taking a step back tion will give a student a more complete picturefrom the traditional lecture-style teaching of the overall quality of a potential program. approach, this new online educational para-digm allows professionals to be able to assign DIGITAL DISADVANTAGES online quizzes, projects and the attendance Despite the appeal of a potentially lesserof webinars. price tag, Ryan Hickey, author of the article,Webinars, the online version of an almost 20 EDUCATION|2019| www.elitecme.com'