10 Reasons to Consider an Online Masters in Education
A growing number of schools and universities are offering an online Masters of Education to their students. An online program can work a number of different ways, from classes that are available to begin each week, to those programs that follow a schedule that is similar to that of a more traditional program. Most online programs use a format similar to Blackboard, WebCT, or Moodle, which are basically the type of website that the classes are offered through. Students enrolled in an online program should have reliable access to both a computer and the Internet, as classes meet virtually. Many students prefer this method of learning, as it fits better into their busy schedules. Students of an online Masters in Education program, which are generally teachers, are often able to work full time while attending classes online. A Masters of Education online provides the same types of studies as would a traditional program, with the option to focus on a number of areas, including teaching, administration, or curriculum. Many teachers are able to reach full certification or additional areas of certification through online learning. As the online field has grown, so has the credibility of online degree programs. Below is a list of reasons for selecting an online masters in education program.
1. For the student who finds the graduate classroom environment a bit intimidating, online education may be just the key. Discussions are more open, and courses are much less intimidating. Students may find that they can express themselves better through the online medium than in person.
2. Masters in Education taken online is best for working teachers. Most students enrolled in a graduate education program are teachers, and the flexibility of online courses fits their schedules nicely. They can find the times that work best for them to attend class.
3. Those who excel at online learning are oftentimes those who are multitaskers. This is almost impossible to do in a traditional classroom setting. However, you can attend class online while doing a number of other things.
4. Graduate students who live in rural areas are often many miles from a university campus, and often the closest one may not offer a Masters in Education that the student is seeking. Online learning can alleviate this problem.
5. Online learning can actually increase student interaction, as it is evident when students are “there” and participating or not. Most classes require that students participate in discussions, and they are generally graded on the number of posts they submit.
6. Online learning focuses on a student centered approach of teaching, which studies have shown are best for learning and retaining information. Students can learn at their own pace, taking breaks when necessary, and taking an increased amount of “think time” to answer questions and assignments.
7. With the entrance into the 21st century, teachers are finding themselves providing instruction with and about technology. Online learning teaches many of these skills, as it relies on technology to function. However, it is not only the classroom module, but many class assignments using different forms of technology that teachers become proficient in using.
8. Online learning facilitates team learning, using chat rooms, newsgroups, and discussion areas for teams to meet and perform joint work. Unlike on campus group work, online groups do not have to worry about mismatched schedules of group members, locating a meeting place, or distributing work between class meetings for review.
9. For someone who is not organized, online learning may actually assist in making you more organized. Though enrolling in any degree program requires organization, an online program requires it especially so. The self-sufficiency needed for success at online learning is great.
10. For self starters and go getters, online learning can be the perfect choice. For many courses, assignments and activities are posted ahead of time, so students can work as far ahead as they would like. This aspect can individualize learning for those students who prefer to work at their own pace.
Online Masters in Education Resources:
If you are interested in pursuing a Online Masters in Education you may find the resources below helpful.
- Online Masters in Education Degrees – Provides an in-depth listing of the various majors, along with some of the universities that offer those majors online.
- Online Masters in Education Programs - A resource guide which lists out the online masters in education schools, along with information helpful to selecting a school.
- Online Masters in Teaching – This guide explains what a masters in teaching degree is, answers some common faq’s and compares and contrasts the program to other MED’s.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It really is one big benefit to be able to learn at your own pace, basically you own your time and you don’t have to scurry to keep up with everybody else. I think that it’s helped me to retain more of the information you get.
At work, you are encouraged to network with virtual teams composed of people from different backgrounds, cultures and even coming from different countries. I am amazed at how being enrolled in an online masters degree in education have exposed me to different people.
The chat room discussions and newsgroups attract other students. I’ve had interesting discussion with people who are half my age, or comes from a different country, or working in another industry. And you don’t even know it at the start, you just learn about it as you go on. Sometimes, you get to know who you’re talking to only after several discussions and chats.
I agree that when it comes to instruction, there are virtually no differences in the way teachers in an online and a traditional setting deliver their lessons.
It is amazing how technology works these days and you should not be concerned that you’re missing out on something by not being in a physical classroom.
My best argument for opting for online education is that your teacher can really focus on you. One on one is difficult to come by when you are in a traditional classroom setting. I also find that this set up helps me understand the lessons and remember them afterwards.
Maybe it’s because I am learning at my own pace and I don’t have to scramble after other people in my class. But the bottom line is that it works for me.
I was able to finish a Masters in Education program online. I can tell you from personal experience that there are two things to consider if you are thinking of doing it. First, find a school that has a traditional campus that also offers an online program. That way in the future when you send your resume out those that are still closed minded about online education will not be able to determine just from your resume how you got a degree. Second, if you are not a strong self starter do not do an online program. When you are at home and have all the distractions of your normal life available to you it can be hard to sit there and read four chapters, or to write a paper. There are lots of choices out there now. I thought your Masters in Teaching Guide was a great resource. Take your time and find the right one for you.