Online University Courses

n online university course by definition is an internet based form of distance learning in which being physically present in a university is not necessary. All that is required is a computer with reliable internet access - via which the student and the teachers interact with each other.
Types of Learning

There are basically two main types of learning in online university courses. The first one is more interactive and consists of listening to lectures and presentations sent via the internet to the student. This type also includes contact through email, group discussions through chat sites and skype. The second type is more self-paced. In this, no time frame is required out of the student and contact with the instructor is also minimal. The student is given reading material and he/she is required to take quizzes/ tests and to write papers which are sent by the instructor. 
Benefits of Online University Courses
The basic benefit of taking online university courses is the flexibility to study at any time of the day or whenever you have the time and that too, at any place of your convenience. These online courses are very suitable for working people as well as for stay-at-home mothers who wish to study ahead.
Furthermore, in online learning, students are able to learn in their own way and more importantly at their own pace.
Communication levels between the student and the instructors in online university courses tend to be higher than in a normal classroom routine. Communication is not based on asking questions during lectures but involves interaction through emails and chats.
Drawbacks of Online University Courses
Even though studying online has a lot of advantages there are a few drawbacks as well. The most basic disadvantage is that the entire responsibility of the course is on how well the student copes with meeting deadlines. This depends on how effective one is at self motivation and time management.
Then, not everyone is technologically advanced enough to understand and keep up with communication over the internet. However, this problem is diminishing on its own as technological literacy is increasing in the world.
How reliable are Online University Programs?
Online university courses are gaining popularity and the number of people taking up these courses is increasing with time and is expected to continue to increase even further in the coming future.
Well-reputed universities like Harvard and Yale are offering this service it show the popularity and reliability of online university courses. 
Even though the popularity of online courses is increasing one has to be aware of scams. An online university course is just like a normal university course so those universities which claim to give you a bachelor’s degree in two weeks are apparently scams as a four year bachelor degree cannot be earned in just two weeks. 
You have to be very careful when selecting an online university; either make sure that the university is a well reputed one or before joining any such university call up your state and ask if the university is accredited and accepted by your state.
Degrees offered in online university courses
Bachelors:

• IT
• Psychology
• Justice studies
• Technical Communications

Masters:

• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Engineering
• Graphic information technology