It is conventionally accepted that education is the greatest asset that any individual in the modern world can attain. As such, there are various channels that individuals can exploit in search of the knowledge and information. Online education is one of the channels that are employed in the pursuit for knowledge. The essay below looks at the importance and relevance of online education in the modern times.
The Online Education Database (2) has it that the online education is highly valuable. There are various reasons as to why this assumption is brought forward. First of all, the education is offered at a much lower cost. As such, individuals who mighty not afford the conventional education can have a chance and opportunity to attain what would have been otherwise unaffordable. This is quite beneficial and cannot be denied. Secondly, there are different degree programs as well as classes which are offered online. As such, individuals have the chance to pick what suits them best. Therefore, it can be argued that one of the greatest benefits of the online education has to do with the issue of flexibility and versatility. There is something for everyone. Coupled with the issue of flexibility is the aspect of convenience. OEDB (4) has it that individual can students can choose the study times which fit them. As such, “it is the student’s choice whether or not studying at night time or in the morning is best for them.”
Kingsbury (1) looks at the soundness of online education, where he seeks to establish whether the education is well tailored to take car of the students’ needs. With reference to this, he indicates that the courses offered online are parallel to those offered in the regular education program. He indicates that “there is a broad range of courses, from electrical engineering to modern poetry to neuro-ethics” (3). Secondly, he indicates that the courses are sponsored by the universities. As such, the quality of education offered is not compromised. Rather, it is only a platform which can be exploited so as to make sure that education is accessible to all. Lastly, he points out that online education is expanding rapidly. This development comes with an improvement in the quality of education availed through the program. While it cannot be denied that the quality of education offered varies in quality and in depth, it is also true that there are quite credible courses which are offered online. It is the individual responsibility of the learners to make sure that they sign up for the best.
Culbertson (1) looks at the impact of the online education in the learning system. He indicates that the programs have made it possible for many people to have access to education. He this notes that “anyone can be a mass-communicating producer and consumer of content.” He also indicates that the emergence of online education has led to a rise in the quality of education offered. This is mainly because it has led to a great deal of competition amongst the service providers. As such, each has tried as much as possible to improve on quality. Last but not least, he observes that the education has led to the diversification of the education programs, which is a good prospect.
In conclusion, it can be seen from the above accounts that online education is a positive development in the education sector. It is valuable in that it gives individuals a chance to get education at a cheaper cost. It is also quite relevant as the programs are supported by the learning institutions. Due to the development of online education, the face of learning has changed and it cannot be denied that the programs are a great revolution to the learning systems in the world.
Works Cited
Culbertson, Matt. “Future of Education Lies Online.” Statepress.com, 2012. Web. 5th Jan. 2012,
Kingsbury, Kathleen. “Online Learning Just Got a Lot Bigger.” Reuters, Oct. 19, 2012. Web. 5th Jan. 2013,
OEDB. “10 Advantages of Taking Online Classes.” OEDB, 10th Jan. 2012. Web. 5th Jan. 2013,
