Online learning has a variety of learning methods, such as self directed, instructor-led, or blended approach. E-learning takes place via the web and may involve a variety of learning methods, and tools, including audio, video, discussion boards, e-mail, testing, synchronous chat, and web based teleconferencing and other learning technology and devices.

About E-Learning

Online learning is designed for individuals who are aspiring to transform traditional classroom education and training to an online format. Distance learning allows each individual to determine their specific needs and the opportunity to explore all aspects of online learning including self-directed, instructor-led, and blended approaches. Some lessons are self-directed study while other lessons are conducted through phone conference calls or video conference with the course instructor. Sessions that require meeting with the instructor are scheduled at mutually convenient times and are a requirement of successful completion of the course.

Self-Directed E-Learning: Self-directed also known as learning-led e-learning or stand-alone e-learning which is basically independent learning. Self-directed courses give you the freedom and flexibility you need but you must have a certain amount of self discipline because you normally do not have a human point of contact for guidance and feedback. This course format also allows you to study and complete materials at your own pace and provides exercises that enable you to evaluate how well you are learning the material

Instructor-Led E-Learning: Instructor-led courses are more structured and are led through class material by an instructor. Instructor-led e-learning is the delivery of traditional classes in a virtual classroom setting.

Facilitated E-learning: Facilitated e-learning consists of both self-directed e-learning with the added benefit of having an instructor guiding the virtual classroom. Facilitated e-learning may also include other training methods such as synchronized elearning, on-the-job training or etutoring. The overall program is designed to capitalize on the specific benefits each training method has to offer.

Instructional videoconferencing: Instructional videoconferencing uses television to synchronously connect both instructor and learners. Instructional videoconferencing has been used for distance learning and it has the capability of bringing the traditional classroom environment to a virtual classroom setting in real-time.

Personal Learning Environment (PLE): PLE allows students to be in control of their own learning. PLE gives students the ability to manage content, communicate with other as part of the learning process and set individualized goals.

Audio Graphic Systems: Audio graphic systems allow synchronous communication between instructor and students through the use of a microphone and speaker.

Benefits on E-Learning

Whether your e-learning program is self-directed or instructor-led, e-learning has many benefits; some of the benefits are listed below:

Accommodates different learning styles: Self-paced, instructor-led or blended approach

Designed with the students in mind: Students can continue working while reaching their educational goals

24/7 accessibility: Access to support, instructor, course work, assignments, and much more

Flexible and convenient: You choose when and how you want to study

Increased retention: A stronger grasp on the subject matter

Reduced overall expenses: Travel expenses completely eliminated and lower tuition than traditional courses.

Interactive: You are able to collaborate with your instructor and fellow online classmates via chat room, email or other methods.

E-learning is rapidly growing at a fast pace as the new method of training delivery. Most are finding that the numerous benefits to e-learning will guarantee it a place in the overall new learning strategy.

As online colleges continue to grow in popularity the debate and comparison with traditional colleges continues to get hotter and hotter. Both types of institution has its pros and cons and people will take a particular side based on personal interest or which is more applicable to the particular environment. Here we will try to find a middle ground and present the facts without bias to any particular educational model and let you decide for yourself if they are the same or different.

Course Work

There is not much difference in the type of course work delivered by online or traditional institutions. This is due to the fact that all courses must meet particular standards before they can be approved by the various educational boards. This is done to ensure that graduates will be fully trained in a particular area as advertised on their transcripts. However, online colleges have the advantage of offering their students accelerated programs that significantly reduce the time needed to complete the requirements for the studies.

Method of Delivery

This is a main factor that separates traditional and online colleges. In traditional colleges, students are tutored on campus, thus utilizing the physical facilities of the institution. They establish face-to-face relationships with their instructors and peers as they all function in a physical classroom environment.


In the online education set up, students do not have any physical contact with their instructors or fellow classmates. Most of their interaction will be done electronically through, email, chat rooms and video conferencing. There is a chance that you may see your instructor and peers on a live streaming video but you may never actually meet them face to face. Some people are unable to deal with the impersonal nature of online learning just as some people prefer not to enter a classroom for whatever personal reasons.

Practical Experience

Some commentators say that practical experience is the main drawback with online education. Unlike traditional institutions, students are unable to gain practical experience in some of the subject areas they study, especially where hands on experience is necessary. Traditional institutions invest heavily in various forms of lab equipment and group events that they use to prepare students for the working world.


On the other hand, if students of online colleges are proactive enough, the flexibility of the online educational environment afford them time to gain employment as apprentices and interns in various fields. Many employers are willing to employ online students to develop their practical skills. This gives these online students valuable real life experience in the working environment as opposed to simulated cases and training equipment available in traditional colleges.

Cost of Tuition

Surveys show that online colleges cost much less than traditional colleges for the delivery of the same course material. This is so because online students require less physically of the online institution. In the traditional college, it is necessary to invest heavily in building classrooms, providing maintenance and upkeep and getting additional administrative and support staff. This is not so with online institutions as the focus is only on the delivery of solid course work material, thus reducing their overhead cost significantly.

Convenience

By far this one of the super blows to traditional institutions. Online institutions offer incomparable convenience to students where they can attend school at anytime from anywhere in the world. All their course material is delivered to them by video, email of through hard copy books. As a result, students realize significant savings from the lack of requirement for relocation and fuel for travel. In the traditional institution environment, students have to relocate to a particular institution to utilize its facilities for their education.

Resulting Merge

What we have seen evolving in this battle between traditional and online colleges is an appearance of a merger between the two. Most traditional institutions are now entering the field of online education to give students the option of the method of education they desire. This results in an improvement in the overall education and value for the students and attracts more students to the institutions.

Employment for graduates holding a degree in Statistics are in demand and is projected to grow at a fast pace. A Master’s degree in Statistics is usually the minimum requirement for most Statistician jobs. If you plan to go into research or academics, a Ph.D. is required. Individuals with a degree in Statistics should have a variety of career opportunities to choose from, for example: investment analyst, financial aid director, IRS investigator, computer software engineering, biological science, banking, finance and education.

About Statistics

Statistics is the science of effectively using numerical data relating to experiments or groups of individuals. It deals with the analysis, interpretation, and the planning and collection of data.

What makes a good Statistics Candidate?

If you like to collect and decipher numerical data, you should look into an online education in Statistics. Statisticians should be able to apply their knowledge of statistical methods to a variety of subject areas such as psychology, engineering and economics. Another technique that is equally important for a Statistic candidate to have is the ability to obtain information about a group of things or population of people by surveying a small portion of the total. For example, in order to determine the size of online shoppers for a particular product a few thousand people are surveyed rather than the entire population of online shoppers for that product. A Statistician needs to know where and how to collect information and how to determine the type, size, and other important facts about the surveyed group. This knowledge assists in the development of survey questionnaire or reporting form. Once the data is collected, a Statistician needs to analyze, interpret and summarize the information using up to date computer software.

Online Education in Business Statistics

For those of you looking to continue your education and advance your career but do not have the time to attend the traditional campus learning environment, you can attend online classes from home, or anywhere you choose. Most online programs are flexible and convenient and offer the same quality education and services as on campus programs. Online degree programs provide the same instruction, course materials and exam, with the flexibility to fit your busy schedule. There are several online accredited universities, offering Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in Statistics and other related fields. Don’t give up on your educational goals! An online degree in Statistics will help you achieve your goals for a better future.

Employment and Salary for Degrees in Statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for individuals with a background in Statistics is projected to grow 9% from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that Statisticians held about 22,000 jobs in 2006. About 20% of these jobs were in the Federal Government, where Statisticians were contracted in the Department of Commerce, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services. Another 10% were found in State and local governments, including State colleges and universities. Most of the remaining jobs were in private industry, especially in scientific research and development services, insurance carriers, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing.


Median annual wage and salary earnings of Statisticians were $65,720 in May 2006. The middle 50% earned between $48,480 and $87,850. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,010, while the highest 10% earned more than $180,630, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Earn your degree in Business Statistics from an accredited online university today!