I just read a news report about employer perception of online degree programs. I know that so-called "online degrees" aren't nearly as well-thought of in the business world as traditional brick and mortar degrees are. I also know that outlook is changing, maybe because so many online programs have sprung up, even at traditional brick and mortar schools, or maybe because some of the traditional business leaders themselves may have taken online courses themselves.
I know that the modern generation of students, the younger set, are certainly accepting of the online medium as a viable method for education and earning degrees. I know that the older group of business leaders and executives and human resource managers are probably more stuck in the traditional mode of thinking and aren't likely to change their opinions. It's that middle age group that is probably those that make up the group that are beginning to change their point of view on the matter.
In any case, this news report (link below) says that:
In a July 2009 survey of human resources (HR) professionals across
industries, 76 percent of respondents said they view online university
degrees more favorably today than they did five years ago. Moreover,
individual courses (as opposed to online degrees) taken through online
universities are considered as credible as traditional university
courses by 58 percent of respondents.
But my question is this: is the fact that more HR professionals view online degrees more favorable GOOD NEWS, or is the fact that a significant portion of them still view online degrees less favorably BAD NEWS? At this point, haven't the value of online degrees been proven sufficiently that they should be considered valuable by practically all HR professionals?
The article actually uses the word "stigma" regarding online degrees.
I don't know, this whole subject really rubs me the wrong way. I don't like the idea that some HR professionals possibly look at online degree holders as the "second class citizens" among college graduates as compared to those who earn a degree from a traditional brick and mortar school.
Anyhow, here's a link to the article:
Online Degrees Viewed More Favorably
Is the glass half empty or half full?