Have Questions About Online Learning? We Have Answers!

The pandemic has shifted so much in our lives, including how we pursue academic and professional education goals. Do you have questions about online learning? We have answers for both degrees and Continuing Professional Education (CPE). In addition, with stay-at-home orders and other pandemic restrictions still in place in many areas, more people turn to online programs to earn their undergraduate, graduate degrees or CPE. In other words, where we have commonly seen you in live, in-person all-day events, we must meet with you online for CPE. If you are one of these people looking for online learning opportunities, you have likely done a little research on your own. If you still have questions, the following links and resources in this article may answer them.

Which topics are available online?

Almost like mobile phone apps, pretty much all topics are available online. “There’s an app for that.” Some CPE courses are free, and some have a charge such as those from K2, ACPEN, or Western CPE. Quality CPE usually has a charge associated with it. You know the adage; you get what you pay for. If you do not pay for it with money; you pay for it somehow. Therefore, you must decide what quality of education and learning you desire.

From focused topics on technology in accounting, to tax and audit, you should find significant coverage in online offerings. For instance, if you are interested in generalized knowledge for your benefit, and do not need a degree, consider one of the many MOOCs available. However, if you want a degree, then that is another story.

Which degrees are available online?

Think of a degree, and chances are you can earn it online. With so many universities trying to adapt to the new “normal” of the pandemic, finding an online degree program has become easier than ever. Even Ivy League and top-tier schools are offering online classes to keep students safe. Above all, if you are still undecided, we have a few suggestions that might help.

If you are savvy with tech and already have a bachelor’s, you could investigate an online IT master’s program. For example, obtaining a master’s in data science, data analytics, cybersecurity, or information technology management from a highly respected institution can boost your income potential and put you ahead of the competition. Even established CPAs can benefit from obtaining a master’s degree in IT: information technology has been a game-changer in the accounting field. For instance, many companies are looking to hire CPAs with this specialized knowledge to help keep their finances running smoothly.

Recent reports from US News also rank aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, and several other tech-based degrees as having the highest-earning potential. You can research top institutions for these programs online, but many are offering online classes. If you already have an accounting degree and want to branch out into interesting, high-earning fields, the opportunities continue to abound.

What are some challenges in online classes?

Both students and teachers can find the transition to online learning difficult. For professors used to teaching in a physical classroom, making the jump to online-only classes can leave them scrambling to adjust their syllabus and lectures. Even though I have expertise in technology and have taught online since the mid-1990’s, making the full transition to online learning teaching has not been easy. Similarly, many college students find virtual learning less engaging. They may feel like they are missing out on other experiences.

If you are concerned about these potential drawbacks, know that overcoming them can be simple. For instance, let us say you are worried about being less active because you will not be walking from class to class or between meetings each day. In this case, you can fill your study breaks with virtual workouts to keep yourself active and healthy. You can find yoga, HIIT, dance, and other fitness classes online.

What are the perks of earning a degree online?

While you may miss out on specific aspects of traditional college education, pursuing a degree online has some decided benefits. More flexibility is just one of these top benefits. Choosing virtual classes can be especially beneficial for students who need to work full-time or for non-traditional students who may have a family to care for at home.

Many virtual degree programs are also less expensive than traditional ones. Better yet, if you choose an accredited university, you can still use financial aid to cover expenses. Similarly, all of which means you can earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree for a fraction of the usual costs.

Have Questions About Online Learning? We Have Answers!