I am happy to see that a move half-way around the world has worked out so well for somebody. I don't think, however, that it would have worked for me, for example, as a graduate student at UIS. Even though I know that there has been an increase in classes ffered online here, I do not think that it is possible to complete a whole program's requirements without actually physically attending the university. And it is fine with me, for if I wanted online education, there would have been other options for me, like University of Phoenix, for example.
 

Karina-

Good to see your thoughts on this. I disagree. In programs such as ours where the very same faculty members who teach the on campus classes are teaching the online classes (and individually measuring learning outcomes of each against the other), we are able to best affirm the learning that takes place online.

Of course, for many, attending a university in person is not an option. Among the 1,000 students enrolled in online degree programs at UIS are many who simply do not have access to quality faculty and curricula in their community or outside their work schedule. The degree completion rate at the University of Phoenix has been reported by the NY Times as very, very low. They employ very few faculty members with traditional academic credentials. I am not sure that UoP is the best option. Those traditional universities, such as UIS, who have the same faculty members teaching online as teach on campus, offer a solid foundation for quality learning and a measure against which their classes may be evaluated.

Nevertheless, if one has the time and money, of course I would encourage a prospective student to leave their career, move their family onto a campus, and immerse themselves in study at a traditional university. For who do not have this option, I think online learning at a university such as UIS provides a high-quality alternative.

ray