Online program unlocks opportunities which are not possible in traditional work models

Abstract

It seems unimaginable in the twenty-first century, even in today's world, not everyone talented enough can attend tertiary education. There are still obstacles to attend University education, no matter in which part of the world one lives. Barriers for higher education can be geographical, monetary, or societal. Online programs can fill this gap and provide opportunities for people currently deprived of higher education. In developing countries, with proliferation of Internet access across rural areas, online programs can have a target audience so far out of reach of higher education. In industrialized countries, online education may be the choice for people working full-time and/or having childcare duties, which does not allow them to attend on campus studies. In this paper, the author describes based on her personal experience, how online programs can unlock opportunities, allowing coexistence of traditional work/life models with higher education. The online program came with the challenge of self-discipline, required a thoroughly structured week and a good priority management to meet deadlines. But it also came with the flexibility of taking breaks in between modules if the work/life situations required it. The virtual multinational classroom enhanced the experience and provided added value to discussions. With the number of higher education students worldwide projected to double between 2012 and 2025, online programs can target different audiences than traditional Universities. They can fill a gap, providing higher education to people not able to pursue traditional on campus studies. A barrier for online education might be employers' lack of acceptance of online degrees. Also, the risk is that higher education online degrees will be diluted by massive open online courses (MOOCs).