Education and qualifications gained through accredited institutions via online platforms are just as valuable as those earned on campus. Employers should therefore view these courses as professional and their graduates as fully qualified. Do you agree with this assertion?

Modern online learning has greatly evolved, allowing anyone on Earth with an internet connection to secure quality education. Unfortunately, many companies still consider these courses as inferior to those taught in brick-and-mortar classrooms. In my opinion, recruiters should take into account these graduates’ added value in terms of demonstrable, valuable skills gained through these professional programs. Firstly, studying through the web does not limit available information. On the contrary, a person can clarify confusing points and even supplement the course material instantly by searching the topic online. Moreover, most internet-based courses provide students with support systems such as forums or live chats, where they can engage in direct communication with peers or instructors. This is no different than the on-campus experience other than the face-to-face element. Furthermore, today’s online courses are mostly taught by experts in their respective fields. As such, employers can be satisfied that students are trained by qualified teachers and are upto-date with the latest knowledge and industry trends. Courses offered by companies such as Coursera and the Kahn Academy, and even those offered directly by established universities, go out of their way to ensure students in cyberspace are offered the same quality education. Lastly, the skills one acquires by learning online are directly applicable to the modern work environment. Graduates of these programs tend to have stronger computing skills and increased motivation and self-discipline. Moreover, they are often more adept at problemsolving as they have only themselves to rely on, suggesting they set goals for themselves and are able to reach these goals on their own time and through their own efforts. In conclusion, employers should not underestimate the value of online education. The knowledge gained thereby can be fuller, as high in quality, and demonstrative of the individual’s drive and abilities, thus making these graduates as good or even better candidates for many of today’s jobs.