Is there a "quality difference" between distance-learning and in-class Master's Degree programs?
A question came up on the network about distance-learning Master's Degrees and I was interested in hearing about what the general impression of the quality of those degrees are at this point. Is a 'distance-learning' situation completely acceptable in this electronic day and age, where the student probably never attended a class in-person? I've taken online courses before at a university, and they were good, but I always felt I got more out of the in-class sessions because of the classroom dynamic between you, the instructor and other students.
I'd love to do a distance-learning situation at a remote institution, mostly due to schedule constraints, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice the perception of quality, both on my part and on the part of a potential employer. Of course, if you have a "Master's Degree" from a good school I doubt that there's an asterisk on your diploma that you never attended a classroom there a day in your life. :o)
What's the general consensus? Does anyone have experience as either a student in one of these programs or as an employer considering an employee with one?
Good Answers (3)
Candice K
Certified Professional in Learning and Performance
Best Answers in: Education and Schools (4), Occupational Training (2)
Roger, as Anne says, it depends on the your point of view. In either delivery method, you get out what you put in, and it really depends on the way you prefer to learn. I do detect a bias in your question, though, and that will color your outcome!
I have completed degrees both in-class and online, and personally I prefer the online environment for many reasons. It permits you to read responses and think about your own before you've blurted them out, re-read material that would have been lost in a lecture, and (of course) attend class anytime that is convenient for you. There are many distance opportunities available now (I'm thinking specifically of Villanova, but there are many others) that combine online asynchronous education with real-time conference calls, so you do have that interaction, but if you depend on visuals and body language to learn best, it may not be for you. Like many things, it is a changing environment, and the workplace is adapting--some workplaces better than others. I really think this debate is directly related to the telework debate, in which many of the same issues surface.
Many studies have been done to try to get a definitive answer on quality of online courses versus in-class. (Look up "The No Significant Difference Phenomenon.") These studies have found that it comes down to the pedagogical skills of the professor; some have adapted well to online learning and others never will. Either way, online or in-class is simply a delivery method.
Eduventures has done massive surveys on the acceptance and quality of distance learning for well over a decade now, and their results show that an employer's view of distance learning depends upon the industry. Computer and other technology professionals are more favorable; especially if the employer does a lot of work with virtual or global teams. More traditional companies tend to be a little more close-minded about the efficacy of online versus traditional learning, but surveys say that is changing as more people complete online degrees or training and remove the mystique. Of course, leadership sets the expectation, so each employer is different. In either case, you need to show the relevance of your education to the position.
I have hired people who have both online and traditional degrees, and generally those with an online degree were more self-directing, better time managers and were better able to focus on the task to completion than those who had no online experience. (Disclaimer: We develop online training and community management, so we tend to attract those who are comfortable online.) Many employers realize that adults don't have the time to drive to a campus, park, etc. and still get their daytime work done, so realize that anyone who has the drive to complete a degree (in any format) is an asset.
But the most important indicator for all employers is experience; employers are more likely to hire people with experience in their industry than anyone with only degrees. Speaking purely from my own experience, I have master's degrees from both on-campus and online schools, and employers are always more interested in the online degree, whether they are skeptical or simply curious. By the end of an interview, though, I've convinced them that the learning was sound and, often, it would be a good idea to take a course themselves. So if you get to an interview, be prepared!! Good luck.
Candice Kramer
Kramerlearning LLC
I have attended two "on-line" universities - University of Phoenix and Keller Graduate School of Management. The UOP program (MBA)was in the early 90's (did not complete) and completely online, and the Keller program (Master of Information System Management) was a mix of classroom/online that I completed in 2004. As you can imagine, the change in technology made the experiences quite different.
I think there are a lot of "depends" - I believe I got a quality education from Keller, but online programs do vary greatly and you need to be aware of a couple factors before you decide which one is right for you -
-Are you computer saavy and can you type? If you struggle with technology this platform is NOT for you - since you're asking the question here that doesn't apply to you.
-Are you self-motivated? You need to usually log in multiple times a week. You can't cram on your assignments as much the night before class - you have to keep up with the class discussions.
-What type of learner are you? If you are an auditory learner you belong in the classroom.
- What type of class is it. Speech classes should NOT be taught on line, but believe it or not there is some that try. On the other hand, Visual Basic worked well as an online class.
-Are you shy? Some people find it easier to participate in the semi-anonimity of the online class.
-Is the University accredited the same as any other brick and mortar university?
-Do you merely have to "show up", or does the school require you to demonstrate competency through graded quizes, exams, and written work just like a brick and mortar classroom?
-Do you travel a lot, have children to tend to, or have other time constraints? Online learning is DEFINITELY for you.
In either case, the quality of the instructors and students is key to the quality of the class, and as always - you get out of it what you put into it.
Hope that helps.
I think there is certainly a discernable perception about online degrees. I feel that there are those out there that disregard the merits of online educational programs while there are those that fully accept them.
The key is the institution in which you choose to attend. As more "standard" universities are bringing degrees, certificates, and the like to the web, this would be an option that I would pursue first. I do feel there is a difference in earning a degree from a university that exists solely on the web versus one that not only has history and a reputation behind it, but tangibility as well. Perhaps the difference is not necessarily in the knowledge obtained but rather what is "implied" by their very name. Some employers don't care about name while others hold very opposite views. Afterall, an online degree from the University of Michigan (just using this as an example) will say just that...Univeristy of Michigan. Most online degrees from major institutions don't indicate that the degree was completed in a non-traditional setting.
My recommendation would be to investigate these 4 year colleges/universities for their distance learning options prior to investigating more web based educational communities.
More Answers (5)
As CEO, what would be your preference? Hire the strategic business analyst from the two year Kellogg School of Management.... or the online program via the University of Phoenix?
Online programs have huge benefits... and many ranked grad programs are offering more online courses and lectures. However, established brick and mortar universities will always have a a stronger reputation and thus, candidates from those warrant my first perusal.
That said, I'd much rather see a candidate who spent the energy and time to gain a graduate degree online vs. his or her twin who hasn't demonstrated any desire to develop or grow.
Good luck.
I attended a brick and mortar grad school for my MBA. I think the biggest advantage of actually being in a classroom is the connections that you make with other students. It is great for networking and maybe even finding a better job but if your line of work does not depend upon who you know then I think you can get a quality education on-line. Just my opinion, but if I were hiring I would look to the potential employees who graduated from a brick and mortar school first; it may just be a perception thing.
I have been on both sides of the interview panel, and I have qualifications earned via both distance learning and in-class. For potential employers the reputation of the learning institution, and the marks obtained, are far more important than distance versus in-class. The quality of the course from the perspective of the student is another matter. Assuming the course content and those running the course are high quality, then I would say it depends on the subject. There are some subjects I would not contemplate studying via distance learning. These are typically subjects that require a significant 'hands-on' component. However even those subjects well-suited to distance learning will not be as high quality for the student as an in-class course unless the student puts in the time and effort to interact with others.
School is truly what you make it of it, and there is a balance to be struck. Do you want to attend classes at a certain time in a certain place or do you want to work when you are able. Are you self motivated because with on-line learning you have to be. Once you have answered these questions, then you can make your decision about the pursuit of on line education.
All of that being said, not all institutions--distance or brick and mortar are the same. If you have the chance to attend a top school, there is no distance learning program that competes. However, if you will be attending a "B" tier college then distance education may be just as good and even better.
The next wave of education is on line learning, even public high schools are offing these classes. It is becomeing a very accepted way to earn credits.
Finally, continuing your education is a big decision, I have spent multiple session with client discussing this topic. Make the right choice for yourself and for the right reasons. And at the end of the day, unless your MBA or Ph D. is from Harvard, Yale, or a similiar school, it does not really matter.
Russell Hyken
Licensed Proffesional Counselor
Certified Educational Placement Specailist (IECA)
Mark S
Seasoned Business Developer and Global Networker
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Roger,
I believe that there are benefits in both delivery methods. The brick-and-motar schools allow you to engage in discussions and develop relationships with your classmates and your professors. There is much to be said for the "informal education" gained in such a system; such a benefit cannot really be quantified.
On the other hand, in a "real-life" discussion, you are not really afforded the opportunity to develop tangential discussions. Sometimes, your thoughts may not be fully presented before your classmate or professor takes it in a different direction. In an online discussion, you are able to express your full thought without interruption and allow your classmates to both develop the discussion fully and take the discussion in multiple tangents concurrently, all to their own completion.
In this way, your discussion is not restricted to a single thread and you are better able to develop an outside-the-box mindset by seeing how others really think. Additionally, your writing skills are greatly improved as you have to use this medium to present your thoughts cohesively.
This term, I am taking a "hybrid" class. One weekend a mth (Fri-Sun) is spent in class with the prof while the rest of the work is done online. This should provide the best of both worlds.
Mark.
