Online college classes

I enrolled in my first completely online class recently, and it got me to thinking, what is everyone's opinions on the matter? I personally am not enjoying it, it is not challenging me in the least best, there's no tests to study for, and most of your points come from participation and written assignments. Has anyone experienced stigma for having a degree from an online school like ITT, Phoenix, etc? Anyways, I'll be going to a traditional school from here on out.

I suppose it would depend on the duration and content of the course. I would think that IT-related qualifications are probably more amenable to this type of treatment anyway. I think higher education is already moving in that direction anyway. A lot of universities now provide portals where their students can access lecture notes, powerpoints. Assignments can also be submitted electronically as well.

Yes, i agree with Dalight. Some schools are moving towards a virtual learning environment and distance learning techniques to teach some classes from schools who have a specialisation status in specific areas.

Also, it all depends on your individual learning style. Some people prefer the self pace of distance learning and the different styles associated with it (i am one of these people because often in a classroom environment i find that they don't move fast enough because others slow it down )

I struggle with stuff like CBT and even learning from books while locked away in a little room; I need the interaction and opportunity to discuss things and go over the same ground in several different ways until I get it (which neither medium delivers. If you don't get it their way, you're sunk). However I agree that more and more training and even mainstream education is being delivered this way; mainly I suspect because it's cheaper and good teachers are expensive!

I have just signed up (Through work) for online training for the year with NETg. I would usually agree with you there Bishop however the services that they provide will account for all that;

You get the CBT Style training with the Record Classes
You get a live online class also (not tried this yet)
You get the online labs (for everything from CCSP, CCNP, etc..)
You get a 24/7 mentor who you can have live chats with incase you are not following something.

I am hoping that this works really well for me since i have started to get bored with the proper training.

I will be giving it a bash for the rest of my CCNP next year so i can let everyone know if its any good.

Cheers

I'm with the Bishop when it comes to class. I usually remember something better if I hear and discuss it in person, except for when my wife says it...j/k