Careers
Degrees
Programs
About Online Schools in Florida
Online schools in Florida help students get ahead in today’s tough employment market. Many job opportunities draw hundreds of educated and highly skilled applicants, no matter the industry. Without a college degree and the right training, making your cover letter and resume stand out from the crowd can be a tough task.
The good news is, advancements in technology and communication have made earning a college degree easier than ever. No longer do you need to attend lectures in person or work with peers on group projects in the early afternoon. Whether you’re a first-time, full-time student, or a part-time co-ed also working a 9-to-5, quality higher education is within your reach.
Why Online Schools in Florida? 5 Benefits You Can’t Ignore
Over the past decade, online colleges in Florida and their programs have become more than just emailing assignments and exams to teachers. Now, professors use group chat rooms, videos, podcasts, and other multimedia to deliver lessons to and interact with students. Many distance-learning programs also cater to non-traditional learning styles and schedules. For example, single moms may need to balance work, kids, and an education. And students with more introverted personalities may thrive in an environment where they can contribute free from the pressures of group discussion.
No matter if you have three jobs, twin toddlers to wrangle, or simply want a little educational flexibility, online schools could be the answer. Here are five important benefits of distance learning:
1. Location, Location, Location
A decade ago, most college-bound students had two choices: commute to class or live in the dorms. Yet today, online schools allow students to work toward a degree from home, whether they live with mom and dad or on their own. Furthermore, you can attend school anywhere in the country, as many distance-learning programs occur solely online.
2. The Focus Factor
Students enrolled at online colleges often report that the flexibility and individualized nature of distance learning enhances focus. In an asynchronous program, for example, you can perform all necessary tasks whenever and wherever you want: at 7am, noon, or from the open-late café — basically, whenever you feel motivated and at your peak.
3. Easy Access to Materials
Tired of scribbling notes on paper? Many professors who teach online provide electronic transcripts of their lectures, which you can access 24/7. In addition to lecture notes, you can access discussion notes, assignments, practice tests, and other materials simply by logging into your student account.
4. Multimedia Learning
Many campus-based courses rely on lectures and in-class discussion, both of which have pros and cons. Online schools in Florida, however, tend to employ a more eclectic lineup of delivery methods, including videos, slideshows, podcasts, and other media. This allows students to learn from and engage with professors and peers on a number of different levels.
5. Ease of Communication
While it may seem like email and instant message can’t hold a candle to a face-to-face chat, communicating online can be efficient, liberating, and good for record keeping. Instead of raising your hand amidst dozens of students, virtual conversations let you to plan your answer before engaging, and therefore deliver more thoughtful responses. Online communication can make interaction with professors more comfortable, as well, eliminating the headache of traditional office hours.
Online Colleges in Florida Work. Here’s Why
You may hesitate to explore online colleges in Florida. Who can blame you? Campus-based courses have been the norm for centuries. Yet recent findings from SRI International, a world-renown research and development firm, shows that distance learning can be just as effective (and in some cases more effective) as learning in the classroom.
After ten years of data collection and analysis, SRI reported that students who learn online often perform on par or slightly better than those who learn via traditional classroom attendance. Why? Students working and learning online tend to be more active and engaged, with less time spent merely listening. Also, the individualized content and pacing of online programs facilitates the learning process, making the entire educational experience more personal. While the study doesn’t call online schools superior, it does say they can be effective.
Online schools in Florida and elsewhere have evolved significantly over the past decade. Once primarily email-driven, they now use video conferencing, real-time Q&A, around-the-clock discussion forums, and more. This holistic approach has made online colleges a more widely accepted and successful higher ed option.
Florida Higher Education
In 2012, Florida’s unemployment rate has hovered close to 9 percent, slightly above the national average (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). This elevated jobless rate, coupled with the addition of an estimated 300,000 people to the state per year, makes it tough for residents to find employment opportunities, let alone cash in.
To combat these challenges, Florida students continue to enroll in both campus and online schools. In 2012, just over 1 million students took college classes, up from 623,000 in 2000 and 770,000 in 2005 (Source: Digest of Education Statistics). That same year, an estimated 71% of Florida students received some sort of financial aid or grant, easing the burden of college-related tuition and fees (Source: Florida Student Financial Aid).
Getting Started with Florida Online Colleges
Whether you take post-secondary courses on campus or online, higher education remains a great way to establish, change, or improve a career. The distance learning option gives you unprecedented flexibility, allowing you to select a program that fits your learning style and scheduling needs. For more information about Florida online schools, or about the state’s growing collection of online colleges, explore onlineschoolsflorida.com and visit our trusted partners and resources.
Florida Higher Education Resources
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida
Digest of Education Statistics
Florida Board of Governors
Florida Department of Higher Education
Florida Student Financial Aid
Copyright © 2011, OnlineSchools, All rights reserved.