Online courses offer great class flexibility for working adults. If leaving your job isn't possible because of your need to provide for yourself or a family, traditionally time-structured classes won't work. Online classes normally have scheduled deadlines for assignments, discussion activities and tests, but the student has the flexibility to complete the work on his schedule. Thus, parents can work during the day, come home and spend time with kids and then complete work for a few hours before bed. Some also schedule extra study and work time on the weekends.
Not only can you set and vary your school work times, but you can also complete your education from the comforts of home. For working adults, the stamina and focus needed to work 40 hours and then concentrate on daily classes and study may not be possible. At home, you can set time to isolate yourself for focused work and reading. Additionally, home education benefits people with disabilities who may have difficulty with mobility getting to class and moving around the room.
Online college degrees often cost less than similar degree programs with traditional classes. While traditional colleges do sometimes charge extra course fees for online classes to cover technology and materials requirements, the overall costs of online education are typically much better. This is important for working adults and people with disabilities who already have significant expenses in their budgets. By not driving to and from campus, you save on gas and vehicle maintenance. You also don't have to worry about buying meals before and after school as you can eat at home. Affordability is often a major requirement for working adults returning to school.
While online education lacks some of the interpersonal and social qualities of traditional schools, working adults often get these benefits at work. Plus, they get the advantage of learning to communicate with and use the Web and computer-based tools -- skills may increase their job opportunities. While people with disabilities may appreciate the flexibility and convenience of an online education, colleges do commonly offer reasonable accommodations and other support mechanisms through their disabilities office. Whether you take regular or online classes, it is a good idea to explore what support is available to aid in your education.