Over the past decade, the number of online colleges and universities has grown exponentially. This has led to many debates over the efficacy and overall benefits of an online education. I recently sat down with Dr. John Ebersole, president of Excelsior College, to discuss the benefits of an online education. In his 25-year career in higher education, Ebersole’s personal experience as a post-traditional student has directed his approach to adult education. During our conversation, Ebersole touches on the pros and cons of an online education, his role as president and Excelsior’s role as an online institution.
Q: What are some of the benefits of an online education?
A: For Excelsior’s older, post-traditional students, there are many benefits to studying online. Starting with cost, online students can remain fully employed while meeting their educational goals, eliminating opportunity costs. They also avoid the cost of commuting, parking (always a challenge with an on-campus program) and child care, for those with a family.
Other benefits include the ability to choose the “perfect program” from anywhere in the world, not just those next door. This freedom of choice is matched with the flexibility to study at times and places of the student’s choosing, when, presumably, the student is most ready to learn.
A full list of the many benefits might also include:
A word of caution: While online education is well suited to the needs of working adults with family, professional and community obligations, it is neither a panacea for all nor a recommended sole source of instruction for younger, more traditional-aged students. It is thought that, while these students can benefit from the highly visual and interactive design of today’s courses, these are best delivered in a “blended” format, whereby the student can also receive personal attention from faculty and interact with other students. To be successful in life, it is felt that students need the socialization, citizenship and acculturation that come with communal living and study.
