Face Off: Should secondary school students be encouraged to apply for online university degrees?

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, the education system is evolving rapidly, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, I firmly believe that pursuing an online university degree presents an invaluable opportunity.

One of the most compelling reasons is the convenience and flexibility that online education offers. Traditional universities often have rigid timetables and fixed schedules; in contrast, online degrees enable students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This flexibility is particularly important for students who have part-time jobs or family commitments.

Doing an online university degree can break geographical barriers, making higher education easier for a broader range of students, especially for those who live in remote areas and have limited resources. Pursuing an online university degree can undoubtedly provide a higher education without the heavy financial burden of relocating.

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Furthermore, online learning can be useful to those who have disabilities and may find traditional classroom settings a challenge. By encouraging students to pursue an online degree, it can ensure that all students have a chance to excel in their academic studies, regardless of their circumstances.

By learning how to use various online learning platforms, students can better communicate and learn more effectively in the virtual world. These skill sets are not only beneficial to academic success but are also highly sought after by modern employers. Students equipped with these skills can better prepare for their future.

According to the Online Learning Statistics 2022 from Oxford College, the online learning market has grown by 900 per cent globally since 2000, making it the fastest-growing segment in the education industry.

In terms of future career paths, a study conducted by Emerging in 2024 shows that 51.5 per cent of employers see online degrees as effective for building technical skills like coding, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Therefore, encouraging students to pursue an online university degree can provide them with more opportunities and also enhance the flexibility and inclusivity of higher education.

The traditional university experience offers invaluable face-to-face interactions that simply cannot be replicated through a screen.

From classroom debates to late-night study sessions in the library, these real-world interactions equip students with communication skills, emotional intelligence and lifelong friendships. The isolation of learning online can lead to loneliness and hinder the social growth essential for professional success.

This lack of social connection leads to a lack of networking opportunities in virtual programmes.

Traditional universities allow students to connect with professors, alumni, and peers from other majors whom students may not originally have had the opportunity to meet. They do this through on-campus events.

These connections can often lead to unexpected opportunities such as internships, job offers or mentorships that can change a student’s career trajectory. This disadvantage of online universities could have long-term consequences.

Traditional universities require set schedules and physical attendance, demanding exceptional time management skills - something many teenagers are still developing.

Without the structure of a campus environment, students may struggle with procrastination.

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Accessibility is often cited as an advantage of online universities. While they do eliminate any geographical barriers, they require consistent access to reliable technology and high-speed internet. According to the International Trade Union, 3.7 billion people do not have access to reliable internet.

Traditional universities often provide computer labs, libraries, and other on-campus resources that ensure all students have equal access to educational tools.

Moreover, when students from underprivileged backgrounds attend university abroad through scholarships, they can be exposed to new cultures and ideas that extend far beyond academics.

While online education certainly has its place, students should carefully weigh these drawbacks before choosing this path.

For many young learners, the traditional university experience offers unparalleled opportunities for academic, professional and personal development that will serve them well throughout their lives.