Going Back to School (Online)

Back when I was a lot younger and had a lot more hair, one of my favorite films was the Rodney Dangerfield classic (well...classic to me anyway) "Back to School." I thought it was hilarious to see this older guy going back to college and getting reacquainted with the process of higher learning. I'm not laughing quite so hard now that the "older guy" is me and going back to school is one of many goals I've set for myself for the New Year.

Maybe you've heard the old saying "You're never too old to go back to school." And certainly that is true. But as we get older, work, family and just the daily grind of living day-to-day can make going back to school difficult. So what do you do?

Getting an online degree may be the answer.

Going to class online can be just what the principal ordered. Adults make an ever-increasing segment of potential candidates for higher learning and an online education makes it easier than ever. The great thing about an online education is that it doesn't limit adults to specific geographic locations or work schedules. There are literally thousands of online colleges and institutions of higher learning to choose from.

But is an online degree program right for you? According to a study conducted by www.online-education.net, how do you know if you will learn better in a face-to-face environment or online? Consider the following questions as you juggle the pros and cons. How you answer can provide you with a measuring stick on whether or not an online education is right for you:

- Do you work well alone?

- Can you complete assignments regularly without reminders?

- Do you have at least 10 to 15 hours a week to devote to schoolwork?

- Can you learn by reading alone instead of listening to a lecture?

- Do you have regular access to a computer and the internet?

- Are you comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet software?

- Are you self-disciplined?

- Do you communicate well in writing?

- Do you tend to work ahead of schedule?

- Do you have extensive work and/or family commitments?

- Do you feel motivated without regular personal contact with an instructor?