Education Solutions for Non-Traditional Students
Earning a degree is never easy but there are a wide range of course alternatives
for students today that ten years ago simply would not have been an option. Advances
in technology led to the creation of the virtual classroom or the online class.
For students who can’t fit a traditional class into their schedule, online classes
present a flexible, challenging option to earn course credit without stepping into
a classroom. Distance learning is just one of several great options available for
students to take advantage of if their schedule has little breathing room. If you
are determined to earn a degree, but short on time or money, here are some options
to consider:
Community college
Two-year or junior schools, are typically far more flexible in terms of scheduling,
and credit alternatives than traditional four-year universities. For adults who
intend to earn a degree without leaving their career and for students who are not
interested in the campus activities offered at other institutions, community colleges
offer a chance to earn credit for general courses at any pace and on a schedule
that meets the specific needs of each student.
Classes are typically informal, but this does not mean that they are easier or that
the curriculum is not as strong as what you would find in a traditional university.
The purpose of the informality is to make assistance from instructors more accessible
and to support students who are juggling work, class, and kids. The curriculum is
challenging and the instructors are engaged; benefiting from the structure of a
community college class is entirely up to the students. Most universities, though
they’ll deny it, are averse to the notion of "flexible schooling options", which
community colleges endorse. University classes are formal; professors are more difficult
to approach and it is assumed that students are devoting all of their efforts and
time to their studies within the school.
Night classes
If you work a 9 to 5 job or are just attending school part-time, night classes are
an excellent alternative that help students free up their daily schedule. In my
experience, night classes were less formal, students were more eager to participate,
and regular attendance was higher. Typically such classes are a little longer, but
they only meet once or twice a week. If you are a part-time student it is easier
to prepare for night classes because you have several hours during the day to complete
any assignments that you are running behind on. If you are thinking about taking
a night course, keep in mind that it can be more difficult for students to meet
with the professor for assistance. Typically, instructors who teach night classes
have an unconventional schedule as well, and they may only work at the school part-time;
this type of class is best for independent students who are self-motivated learners.
Online classes
Most schools have a distance learning program which consists of a body of online
courses that students can earn credit in right from their home computer. If your
schedule is tight but earning a degree is a high priority, an online degree program
might be a good fit for you. Students can opt to combine traditional classes with
distance learning classes, or take all courses online. Many community colleges and
several four-year universities offer online associates, masters, and doctorates
degrees for non-traditional students. Sometimes online courses meet on campus a
couple times throughout the semester so that the students can touch base with the
professor and meet their virtual classmates. Virtual classrooms implement a wide
variety of learning techniques to engage students and bring to life the two dimensional
classroom; audio, video, online chats, and discussion threads are some
of the most popular methods.