Teacher's Desk
Online education programs and online teaching certification programs have several wonderful benefits. For people in the workforce who want to become teachers, but who do not have all of the training necessary, teaching certification programs are ideal. They allow people who have already completed bachelor’s degree to take the classes necessary to receive their teacher certification without requiring them to give up the job they currently have. This helps people who want to improve their financial situation and it helps schools desperate for qualified teachers.
Online education programs which enable students to receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education from the comfort of their home have similar benefits. The bachelor’s program makes it possible for people who are working full time or who do not have the resources to move to a college town to further their ambitions to become an instructor. The master’s online education programs allow people who are already teaching to gather continuing education credits while increasing their income potential while remaining in a teaching position. This is how I earned my master’s degree, and without an online option I’m not sure I would have made the effort. It was a great experience for me and it helped me earn more money once I graduated.
How do you think online degree programs will fit into your life?
Photo Credit: Smoorenburg
December 7th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
As education becomes more learner centered, we will have to explore and examine many alternative models. Online education - especially for short-term, vocational programs - has become a very vibrant source of knowledge and self-understanding.
Some courses, however, seem far more suited to live classrooms. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor, I’m encouraged by the development blended courses. And very sceptical of the first generation of ESL online courses. Private tutoring, however, online seems to work for students seeking more opportunities to speak. Other questionable fields include writing, humanities, and most K-12 courses.
Yet online learning is clearly the future for millions. It will empower the poor and reduce the education gap between first and third world nations.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Great point about ESL classes and how they differ from other topics that are more suitable for online education. Overall, we agree that online education provides a fantastic springboard for segments of the population and the world that have previously been denied even some of the most basic educational resources. We are looking forward to seeing how future generations benefit and evolve as a result!