Admittedly, an online education is not for everyone even though online schools are the future of education.

On one hand, it is possible and even probable that a form of brick-and-mortar public school will always exist. Social skills and learning to interact with others are important, and will become ever more vital as society (hopefully) moves from the destructive, greed-driven, self-centered winner-take-all-youre-on-your-own mentality of mindless globalization and predatory free market hypercapitalism toward a more cooperative, localized, community-based model focused on human needs rather than those of the market.

However, these public schools of the future are likely to focus on traditional group activities, such as ensemble music, team sports, theatre and industrial skills endeavors which require co-operation and live interactions.

On the other hand, there are many academic subjects that can be studied more effectively without the usual distractions. This is one reason that college degrees online are becoming increasingly popular (and high school degrees are following suit). Many people find it easier to focus on their studies in the peace, quiet and privacy of their own homes. This is one major advantage of online college degree programs.

The challenge lies in the fact that there is nothing to force one to study no bells, schedules, live professors, senior classmates, nor any of the other people and things that normally motivate us. Pursuit of an online degree requires a high level of intrinsic that is to say, internal motivation, or locus of control.

That said, the fact that you are reading this indicates that you are already have the intrinsic motivation to pursue studies online, on your own.

In fact, if you are a working adult with a family, studying at an online college makes a great deal of sense. Not only do you set your own schedule, you set your own pace as well. Most online courses allow a student up to an entire year to complete class requirements which are pretty much the same as they are in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting; youll be expected to read text assignments, hear lectures (either in some type of audio/video format or via podcast), complete written assignments (yes, term papers) and take exams.

Of course, online education isnt just for older, non-traditional students. High schoolers can get a running start on their college degrees online. In fact, increasing numbers of high schools around the nation are cordinating just these sorts of programs. Young people of high-school age should check with their counselors about such opportunities at their schools.

Completing college courses online can also save a great deal of money. Up to the first two years can even be completed by examination through the College Level Examination Program, or CLEP. Successful completion of these exams enable one to earn from 6 to 12 credits for a small fraction of the cost of a traditional college course.

Anne Harvester has attended three online schools and has been able to obtain her Bachelors Degree online, while having the flexibility of raising her children. online college degree programs have provided her with the opportunity to further her education with a schedule she could follow.