November 24th, 2008
Is There Anything You Can’t Study Online?
Are There Any Subjects That Are Not Well Suited for Online Education?
It’s not surprising that some subjects (computer science, Web design, and legal studies) thrive in online education. You spend the bulk of your time in front of a computer whether you’re learning or working. But what about subject areas that require a fair amount of field work? Are these well-suited for online education? Can one earn a forestry degree or oceanography diploma from the comfort of home?
Online Education Is Relevant Everywhere
While studying whale migration or soil erosion is not always feasible from a home or office PC, I would argue that advances in Internet technology have helped narrow the gap substantially. You can learn so much through simulations, video streaming, Web research, and interactive seminars. Going out into the field and studying whales and forests in person might be ideal, but Internet learning brings numerous advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, what if you live in Manhattan? There are few trees and fewer whales, thus, making both of these areas impossible to study without the aid of Internet technology.
It’s not always possible to complete 100% of your work via online learning. However, as a complementary tool, Internet-based coursework can help augment your understanding tremendously. If you are truly committed to launching a career in fields like oceanography, automotive repair, or the culinary arts, be prepared to incorporate a little travel into your studies. As inconvenient as this might sound, it sure beats commuting every day or relocating to an entirely new city.
