Virginia College News
The Wide Wide World of Higher Education
Posted: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Wide Wide World of Higher Education
For those who make higher education a priority, there are many roads leading to the destination. Gone are the days when a student must live on or near the campus to attend classes during daylight hours; today high-quality education is as portable as a laptop and as accessible as an Internet connection.
Go the distance without leaving home
Ten years ago, when online institutions began to carve into traditional university student markets, the traditional schools argued that online learning was isolating and unsupportive. Land-based universities defended their position saying online students wouldn't develop rich social and business networks like on-campus students nor get the support they need.
Today, most universities have come around to see how effective online learning is for reaching working adults, creating interaction among them, and for building wide-reaching networks. The majority of universities now offer some component of online learning. And online tools that connect professors and students to each other as well as the wide wide world are everywhere.
A click ahead of the game
In the online education environment, courses can be updated quickly to keep the link between industry and education immediate. Online students develop strong technology skills and are more likely to adopt emerging technology such as social networking applications, giving them an advantage over graduates from an earlier era.
"Whether a student chooses to learn on campus, online or in combination, they're going to be exposed to new ideas, technology and opportunities," said Virginia College Online president, Stan Banks. "Our role at Virginia College Online is to provide excellence in education and access to the tools and support students need to make the journey. Our instructors work in the fields they teach. Our programs are geared to prepare students for what employers want. And we offer personal services ranging from financial aid to career counseling and everything in between--to see students successfully through to their goal."
President Banks suggests students consider the following when deciding which learning model is right: If you enjoy test-taking, live discussions, and face time with your professor and peers as stimulus to manage your time and get your work done--you're probably a candidate for on-campus learning. If you are a self-disciplined, self-motivated learner and prefer communicating through writing, online education may be the ideal solution for you. If you see yourself in both camps, try a blended model of on-campus and online learning.
Banks notes that Virginia College has ten on-ground campus locations that can offer in conjunction with Virginia College Online a traditional option as well a blended environment in many areas.
Founded in 1983, Virginia College Online is part of a private institution offering non-degree programs, associate's degrees, bachelor's and master's degrees. In addition to online programs, Virginia College has campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile, Alabama; Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi; Austin, Texas; Pensacola, Florida; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Greenville, South Carolina. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools accredits all programs nationally.
With an enrollment of more than 10,000 students, Virginia College's parent company, Education Corporation of America (ECA), is a leading player in the post-secondary career school market. In addition to Virginia College and Virginia College Online, ECA owns and operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, and Golf Academy of America, with campuses in San Diego, Phoenix, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach.
