Many students in Africa have been faced with overwhelming challenges in accessing high-quality higher education.
Traditionally, degrees have been accessible only on-campus and have been too expensive for less privileged students in Africa, especially from the sub-Saharan region.
However, this norm has changed. Thanks to modern e-learning technology, world-class universities worldwide can offer online degree programs to anyone at very fair fees regardless of their geographical area.
Additionally, the quality of online education has been highly advocated to ensure that the value of an online degree is equal to that attained on-campus.
Are you looking to study IT or Computer Science online? Well, you are on the right track; this is a great choice.
Here I will prove why this is a good idea and why you should opt for an online degree in Computer Science degree.
Why you should opt for an Online IT and Computer Science Degree
People would argue that taking an on-campus is good for interactions between students.
However, information technology (IT) or computer science courses don’t need face-to-face communication.
A computer science degree entails training students on developing computer software, coding, programming languages, and solving computing problems. On the other hand, the IT or Information Technology degree program involves studying or using computers and telecommunications to store, retrieve or send information.
These degrees have gained much popularity in the modern world, and top universities have embraced online studies on IT and computer science to accommodate the growing enrolment.
Talking of online IT and computer science degrees, I refer to the delivery of the entire program through the internet, where you study from the comfort of your home.
Let’s be realistic, Computer science and IT revolve around computers and the internet. This means taking your degree online improves your experience in the technological field. The more you study online, the more effective and efficient you become.
Similarly, the two courses are all about technology, and online learning promotes the use of technology. Therefore, the whole idea of taking an online degree means practice IT and computer science ideologies. We could say that E-learning is backed by IT and computer science variables.
Numerous advantages characterize online learning. These advantages include affordability, flexibility, and accessibility.
Affordability
IT and computer science degrees are quite expensive. Taking the traditional on-campus studies makes it hard for students from poor parts of the world.
However, taking the degrees online lowers the cost of education significantly. For example, a student from Nigeria or Ghana does not have to travel to the UK for his/her IT degree. The student can take the course from home with instructions and online classes done by professors from the selected university. This means you avoid the travel and accommodation costs and still receive top-notch higher education.
Subsequently, universities give a chance for scholarships, which are very helpful in paying for your degree
Flexibility
Computer science and IT are technical courses that require a significant amount of time to complete. Studying online allows you to set your convenient schedule to study hence relieving you. The flexibility means you have no pressure; hence your mind is set to handle the technical difficulties.
Additionally, the flexibility allows you to work and study. This means that you can raise money for your degree without having to depend on loans.
Additionally, you have time to handle other responsibilities while still taking your classes.
Suitability and Accessibility
Learning IT online is highly suitable. This is because the requirements and variants you use during online learning are the same as what you are learning about.
This means that learning this degree online is similar to practicing the course. How well you handle the online assignments, exams, and quizzes is paramount to the experience you must gain from the course.
On the other hand, online learning is available everywhere. You can access online degrees from any part of the world as long as you can access the internet and a digital device.
Prospects of Online Degrees in Sub-Saharan Africa
Adoption of online learning has been a bit slow across Africa over the past. However, there is a notable improvement in terms of appreciation of modern technology in the education system. Many top universities across Africa are gradually embracing new technology policies in education, allowing them to take online degrees.
However, the main challenge facing students from the sub-Saharan Africa region is access to an adequate internet connection. Only 24% of the population has access to a constant internet connection. This has been a great hindrance to the adoption of online learning.
Therefore, to help students interested in taking online degrees, the governments in this region need to provide a more affordable internet connection to rural and urban residents.
Bottom Line
African students looking to quench their thirst for IT and computer science degrees from top universities worldwide stand a good chance of achieving their dreams. Thanks to the affordable online degrees, Africans from less privileged backgrounds can attain their targets in the technological world.
There are many tutorials and Youtube videos on IT and computer science, making online learning more efficient. Therefore, apart from virtual classes, video meetings, and digital notes, students can practice with the available online materials.
What’s important is that you can take your online degree from a local or international higher learning institution.
Examples of local Sub-Saharan Africa universities offering IT and Computer Science online Degrees include Adamawa State University, Adeleke University, and Babcock University.
International universities you can trust to take your online IT or computer science degree include, University of Florida, Southern New Hampshire University, University College London, and Online Business School.
One important point to note is that there are many online degrees out there. Therefore, it’s important to do thorough research to find accredited universities offering online IT and Computer Science Degrees to avoid being scammed.
Be committed and honest when taking an online class to ensure that your results are honest and credible.
Online Business School, for example, is popular for its online courses, especially in Business Management and IT. Choosing the school means you secure a place for higher education and you even pay less compared to high level universities.
In addition, as reader of this article you’ll get a 40% discount on Online Business School tution fee for undergraduate courses.
Author bio:
Jens Ischebeck is an Africa focused distance education specialist. He helps young people to get the good education they deserve by using online courses and even earning an online degree.
For all readers of this article there’s a 40% discount: get it here!
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