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Online education is fast gaining in popularity in the past few years. At least 2.5 million people were earning degrees online according to a 2004 report and the number rose to 3.5 million in 2005. The reason for increasing popularity of online programs is very easy to understand.

They are very convenient for those who lead hectic lifestyles and yet want to learn. The classes are very flexible enabling even those with full time jobs and with families pursue higher education at their pace. For example it is today possible for people to work full time, spend time with their family in the evenings and study at night.

Just a few years back most employers did not prefer online degrees and traditional colleges were considered far superior. With many people gaining access to the internet the past few years, traditional colleges themselves started offering online education picking up on the high demand.

Today apart from the many degree programs offered by online colleges, traditional colleges too conduct online classes. This in turn has forced businesses to look hard and accept the value of online higher education.

As you analyze, you will find that online classes teach you exactly the same as what is being taught at traditional classrooms. Assignments and information is the same and every online class is conducted by a professor assigned for the purpose. The only difference is students need not physically be present in a classroom and may never meet their teachers too.

There are many benefits offered by online degree programs and classes for both colleges as well as students. Students enjoy the flexible schedule. For the tests and assignments, it is not required to sit and learn in the lecture hall. At their convenient pace students can read the material either online or in books.

Assignments can be done at their own pace too. Tests and final exams are allowed to be completed online too though it may be necessary to personally go to the college to give certain exams. A secure portal online provides access to grades for students and this will keep you informed on whether you must put in more effort.

By offering online degree programs, colleges benefit to a great extent too. A really large student load can be handled by teachers assigned for online classes as their main work here is to create lessons and grade written work.

Many people hesitate to reach out for online programs as they are unaware of how exactly these classes function. Here you are not required to physically attend classes. Rather you must read material prepared by teachers straight from the textbook on your own.

Lessons are offered online either in video or audio format or in print depending on the preference of the professor. In classes like math, you can do the homework online and be graded instantly by the computer. Sometimes, your math professor may actually ask you to do written problems and mail them the assignments.

Certain other classes like English may require you to submit assignments through drop box or email and teachers grade them manually. Online education certainly seems to be the wave of the future.