Online Learning
The Advantages of Online Learning
In recent independent survey, students gave Beal University high marks for its online learning experience. Beal’s approach to online learning offers several advantages.
- Flexibility: Online degree programs provide flexibility in terms of scheduling. Students can typically access course materials and lectures at any time, allowing them to study at their own pace and balance their education with other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for non-traditional students, working professionals, or those with other time constraints.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Online education eliminates the need for physical attendance in a specific location. Students can study from anywhere with an internet connection, making higher education accessible to individuals who may live in remote areas, have mobility issues, or simply prefer to learn from the comfort of their own home. It also eliminates commuting time and costs associated with attending classes on campus.
- Diverse Course Offerings: Online degree programs often offer a wide range of courses and programs, allowing students to pursue their specific interests and goals. This diversity of offerings can be particularly advantageous for individuals looking for specialized or niche areas of study that may not be available in their local institutions.
- Improved Technology and Learning Tools: Online learning has advanced significantly in recent years, offering interactive and engaging learning experiences. Virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, online collaboration tools, and discussion forums enhance the learning process. These technological tools can provide unique opportunities for students to interact with classmates and instructors, fostering a sense of community and enriching their educational experience.
A High Level Learning Experience
Each online course has been developed to deliver:
- Quality: Our online programs are designed and developed by experienced educators, developed to produce learning outcomes that match or exceed their on-campus counterparts.
- Rigor: A common misconception about online courses is that they are easier and require less effort than traditional courses. While the format may be different, online courses can be just as rigorous and demanding as in-person classes. In fact, some students find online courses more challenging due to the need for self-discipline, time management, and effective online communication skills.
- Interaction and engagement: Online courses provide continuous interaction and engagement with instructors and peers. While it’s true that online courses don’t have face-to-face interactions, they often offer various means of communication such as discussion boards, virtual meetings, and email. Many instructors actively facilitate discussions and provide timely feedback to foster engagement and interaction among students.
- Support and assistance: Online courses provide comprehensive support services such as technical support, access to digital libraries and resources, online tutoring, and academic advising. Institutions often have dedicated staff members to assist online students and ensure a positive learning experience.
- Networking opportunities: While it’s true that online interactions may differ from face-to-face networking, online courses often provide opportunities for collaboration and networking through discussion forums, group projects, and online communities. Additionally, online students come from diverse backgrounds and locations, which can broaden networking opportunities beyond local connections.
Why Distance Learning?
Beal University’s Distance Learning programs can be an excellent option for students to complete the required courses to earn their degree. If you prefer a course load that fits in with your schedule and lets you study in the comfort of your home or office, or if you aren’t located nearby our campus, distance learning could be a great fit for you.
Distance learning provides the convenience and flexibility to balance work and family commitments with school. Course materials are accessible online at any time of the day. Beal University is here to help you get a quality education online at a pace you can keep up with.
Online Learning Requirements
During the application process, you will be asked to complete a short online test that requires you to demonstrate basic online navigation and familiarity: Can you receive an email, click on a link, follow instructions, and complete tasks? Existing Beal students will be asked to complete this step as well before registering for online and hybrid offerings.
Students will need access to a reliable computer, consistent high-speed internet, their Beal University email, and our learning management system (LMS). Using that platform, instructors may employ any number of digital texts, activities, projects, and teaching tools to promote student engagement and learning.
Is Distance Education for You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in learning more about distance learning at Beal University and exploring whether we have the right career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 207-307-3900