Connect with us

Education

Do Online Universities Measure Up?

You would have to agree, one way to gain professional credibility is with a degree.  Online universities such as the University of Phoenix, Ashford University, UNSW MBT program or say Kaplan University might be the answer to obtaining a degree needed to make career progress.
Many online universities including the ones previously mentioned are fully accredited and becoming better known.  Hybrid classroom/online coursework is also being used by higher-ranked online schools to further increase their legitimacy.
More prestigious and traditional schools have also embraced the online model, increasingly embraced – albeit in limited form – for classes at more prestigious traditional schools, from the California State University system to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Sketchy History
In the past, distance learning or correspondence school held little to no respect.  The industry’s sketchy past is one thing that holds digital classrooms and their graduates back.
With advancing technologies in products such as Saba LMS, Moodle, Blackboard, and even iTunes, e-learning has become more accepted and most universities have incorporated online curriculum.  Today, modern technologies such as Skype used for conference calls are given credibility and respect, why shouldn’t the same courtesy be given to online universities?
Many employers look at the lack luster graduation rates, test scores, and post-graduation employment statistics to discredit an applicant from an online university.  However they are willing to accept and employ from traditional schools where the statistics are no better.
Online Grads Aren’t Offered The Same Respect
To recruiters believe that in a job that had promotional possibilities a degree from an online university such as the University of Phoenix wouldn’t even get through the door without another great component on their resume.
A graduate from a traditional school with no experience would be given an interview; however an online graduate would rarely be given the same opportunity.  In the non-profit sector, a recruiter explained that an employee’s most important asset is relationship and networking with stakeholders.
When it comes to ticking of whether a potential employee has the degree or not, online universities are sufficient.  But when a choice is present between two candidates one being from an online university and the other from a traditional school, the traditional school almost always wins.
Branding and Credibility
These are the two differences that the recruiters describe as the difference between online and traditional schools.  Traditional schools have the advantage reputation; this includes major universities all the way to community colleges.  Online universities just cannot offer the historical data, success that a traditional school can.  Their GPAs, class standing and other performance metrics do not hold as much merit.
Education is often viewed as a promise, rather than a product. Online education is viewed differently than an online business.  While an online startup can build clout with less overhead, reputation and consistency does matter.  However, the innovation, lower costs, inclusion and reduced barriers that a business benefits from actually harms online education.
Entry to online schools are not as selective as traditional schools.  With the view that anyone can be accepted to an online school, employees don’t feel these applicants are the best or brightest.  Overtime online schools need to build portfolios portraying successful students and alumni data to distinguish them from as a credible school.
It has taken decades for traditional schools to build their reputations and online schools will have to serve their penance.  Until the time when e-learning is held equally as credible, recruiters rather play it safe and go with the well-known brand.
Social Issues 
Another argument would be that a graduate from and online school has not had the same critical social interaction of a traditional college graduate.  There is more to getting an education than just completing a class.
Being able to get yourself out of bed each day and into class is a learning experience and shows potential productivity.  Online education does not allow for evidence of extracurricular activities and social interaction that comes with attendance of an onsite school.

Attached Images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source

About the Author: Serge is an engineer with postgraduate education and a strong opinion on recruiting for his startup, Edictive.com

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

man on construction job man on construction job
Business5 days ago

What to Consider Before Starting a Construction Project

If you are starting your own construction project, there are a few things that you will need to consider. It...

high rise building high rise building
Business7 days ago

The Secret Details That Make Luxury Buildings Stand Out

When it comes to property, luxury isn’t all about the size of the building. Location doesn’t even qualify a property...

yellow skip yellow skip
Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Essential Factors To Consider When Hiring Skip Services In Cranbourne

Have you ever started a home renovation only to realise your regular bins can’t handle the waste? Or worried about...

Business1 month ago

Boring Businesses That Won’t Be Going Out Of Fashion Anytime Soon

As the AI wave sweeps the world, more and more people are worried about the future of the industry in...

Health1 month ago

4 Skin Treatments You Should Invest In Now

Beauty has to be one of the biggest markets at the moment and has been growing and growing ever since...

nursery nursery
Home Improvement2 months ago

Creating a Calm and Inspiring Nursery: A Guide to Nurturing Spaces

Designing a nursery that supports your baby’s growth and development is more important than simply choosing adorable bedding and furnishings....

Home Improvement2 months ago

Demystifying the Installation Process of a Rheem Hot Water System: A Complete Guide

  Have you ever thought about what magical process makes your icy cold water instantly hot? with the mere flick...

Business3 months ago

From Startup to Global Force: The Meteoric Rise of Digigiri Enterprises

In the bustling digital landscape of 2021, a new star was born: Digigiri Enterprises. Founded in December of that year,...

General3 months ago

Invigorating Your Wheels: Mastering The Art Of Car Painting Techniques

Have you ever marvelled at the glossy, vibrant colours glossing over cars as they zip past you on a sunny...

Home Improvement3 months ago

The Ultimate Guide: Preparing For Packers And Movers

Moving homes is a significant event in everyone’s life that can evoke a myriad of emotions. Excitement, optimism, sadness, and...

Science3 months ago

The Impact Of Polycarbonate On Eco-Friendly Production: An Exploration Of Sustainability In Design

Have you ever wondered about the role of modern materials in shifting our society toward more sustainable and ecological ways...

Law5 months ago

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain

A migrant to the UK has the right to make a permanent move to the country without any immigration restrictions...

Home Improvement6 months ago

Mastering The Maintenance: Breaking Down The Basics Of Your Ducted Heating And Cooling System

Welcome, fellow home enthusiasts! Ever find yourself lost in the labyrinth of your ducted heating and cooling system? Have you...

Business6 months ago

The Invisible Hands: Unveiling How Food Distributors Influence the Quality of Our Foods

Ever found yourself wondering why the tomatoes in your salad taste particularly fresh or why your preferred brand of coffee...

Marketing6 months ago

Webflow CMS: A Comprehensive Guide

Webflow is a powerful tool that allows you to create and manage dynamic websites without needing to code. It’s a...

Categories

Archives

Trending