Is Online Education a Scam

Distance education has been around for at least a century. The newest form that distance education has taken is online learning. Online learning is still in its infancy, and many people believe that it is inferior to traditional classroom learning.. However, I believe that online education is equal to and can be more effective than the traditional classroom. One criticism is that online learning can’t replace the sense of community and social interaction that is present in the traditional learning environment? Another criticism to online education is that there are frauds. A lot of these frauds are called “Diploma Mills.”

First, I will address the “supposed” lack of community in the online environment. This is not true. In my own experiences I have learned that even though I can not physically see the other students, I can “hear” their thoughts through our threaded discussions. Through emoticons I can visualize how they feel. This makes me feel like I’m am part of the community. With the online environment I have to admit that these first three weeks have allowed me to explore the very depths of my soul. The group discussions I have participated in have drawn me out of a protective shell I’ve hidden behind. I have looked at things with a critical eye; something I never thought I’d be able to do.

In the traditional classroom there is less time to reflect on what is being taught. Whereas in the online environment there is time to maul over the discussion and reflect on the questions the next day. The online environment allows me to be flexible in area of attendance, this is not possible with traditional learning.