Leanne is one of the students studying through online degree programs. She chose to study online
for many of the same reasons that other students do. She was working full-time, and did not want to
move away from her job and family to continue her education. Leanne liked that she was able to study
whenever and however much she wanted.
But while the program met her needs at first, Leanne felt there were things she did not get from
studying online. Later, she earned her undergraduate degree from a traditional, face-to-face study
program at Thomas Jefferson University.
Leanne says physically being in a classroom helps build a strong connection between students and
their professors. In some ways she liked taking control and leading her own studies. But many times,
she also felt lost without that special connection.
In addition, it may not be just a student's learning that suffers in a distance learning program.
There is some concern about what future employers think about an online degree, too.
Some employment specialists from Public Agenda, a nonprofit research organization, believe that
students in online programs learn less than those in traditional programs and online programs are
easier to complete.
Some employers may have limited understanding of what is possible through an online program.
However, until there are widely accepted standards for online programs as there are for traditional
ones, crkical opinions will likely remain.
Also, there appears to bc a barrier for online programs becoming more widely accepted. If more
well-known, high quality schools start offering such programs, employers will likely consider the two
methods as equal. But the high cost to create high quality online programs suggests this will not be
easy.
Today, more students are choosing online college programs over traditional programs every year.
But there is still a long way to go before online and traditional programs operate on the same level.
24. What's the passage mainly about?
A. Leanne's experience to learn online.
B. The popularity of online degree programs.
C. The limitations of distance learning programs.
D. The standards for online education.
25. Why did Leanne choose to study at Thomas Jefferson University?
A. Because she didn't want to move away from home.
B. Because she preferred the classroom atmosphere.
C. Because she could decide when and what to learn.
D. Because she didn't have time to attend online courses.
26. Which statement about online degree programs may employers agree with?
A. Generally accepted criteria should be made.
B. They are highly recommended for students.
C. They are difficult to complete.
D. The prices of them should be raised.
27. What's the writer's attitude towards online degree programs?
A. Objective. B. Critical. C. Favorable. D. Indifferent.