Online degrees

[slimeball]

Online degrees will definitely become more popular/mainstream in the future although currently, in my experience, there is still a cloud of 'suspicion' around degrees earned through distance learning. For example I've seen many job adverts that state that you need a degree from one of South Africa's mainstream (full-time) universities. In that case I'm not sure how an employer would perceive an online degree. But I wouldn't discount it personally.

Although there are limits. To my knowledge no online university offers engineering degrees through distance learning. There are however good quality BSc Computer Science degrees. I guess if you go the online route at least obtain your degree through a reputable institution (like UNISA).

 

[Joeboy69]

Article by Prof from University Free State last week from LinkedIn

 

[Tman543]

Article by Prof from University Free State last week from LinkedIn

Interesting to note that pass rates and averages have improved since going online. Would be nice to see the stats from different universities.

Anyway since even local university's have gone online I see no difference from getting an online degree from any reputable university in the world.

The experience must really suck for the students though. or I dont know maybe the kids have adapted to the online space much better than us old folks.

 

[TheKingBeyondTheGate]

Online degrees are an absolute maze of accreditation confusion. "Backed by" means next to nothing. You have to find out how the specific degree is accredited, and how well recognized that accrediting body actually is. Some of them are accredited through the same institution as the brick and mortar university and the degree makes no mention of distance learning (ideal), while others will accredit it from the the same brick and mortar university's accreditation, but the degree is annotated as a distance degree (less ideal). Others use specific distance learning accreditation bodies (even less ideal), and others will use some accreditation body that also accredits a BSc in Golf Management (google it, it's a thing).

In general, I would say, find the course you find most interesting, and spend a good amount of time researching both the course and the institution, and remember that them mentioning "accredited" somewhere, really isn't enough.

Would you like to review your comment?

It was powerful in 2020 but I'm not sure if it is in 2022...

 

[cguy]

Would you like to review your comment?

It was powerful in 2020 but I'm not sure if it is in 2022...

Sure. Still powerful. Probably more so, given all the bootcamp mish mash.

 

[TheKingBeyondTheGate]

Hi

Was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on online learning, specifically the degrees.
I've noticed that it comes down to either Coursera or Edux, as these 2 are backed by large institutions.
(These two have actual gradings/tests, versus udemy seems to only be videos which obviously anyone can do)

Initially I was just looking for a few courses but then I noticed you can now do full degrees through this.
These degrees are backed by
University of Illinios
Stanford University
University of Michigan
University of London
University of Pennsylvania (Penn University)

Bachelor of Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University of London

Master cutting-edge programming skills and prepare for a high-growth tech career with an online Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of London with academic direction from Goldsmiths.

www.coursera.org

View attachment 762870

Master's degrees seem to be quite big on this as well

Just wondering has anyone considered these yet? Worked with someone that has done them?
Hired someone that has done this?

Yoh, University of London is overly expensive!
That's R150k a year if I understand?

 

[TheKingBeyondTheGate]

Would you like to review your comment?

It was powerful in 2020 but I'm not sure if it is in 2022...

8n December, FNB advertised a web developer role, they don't want any qualifications, they just want a portfolio.

I'm not seeing anyone considering the bootcamps are pulling the whole blanket under degree programs.

 

[cguy]

8n December, FNB advertised a web developer role, they don't want any qualifications, they just want a portfolio.

That’s not surprising. Many jobs do not require the training from a degree, but generally speaking, the better ones do.

Eg. for platform lead - trading it is a big advantage at least:

Workday

www.firstrandjobs.mobi

• A graduate qualification in Engineering, Computer Science or other related technical discipline a distinct advantage.

For a Software Architect at FNB:

Workday

www.firstrandjobs.mobi

• Degree in Information Systems Computer Science or other quantitative disciplines from an accredited institution ie BSc CS Informatics IS etc

I'm not seeing anyone considering the bootcamps are pulling the whole blanket under degree programs.

It’s not for a lack of trying. Many Bootcamps pitch themselves as “modern” replacements, where they focus on “practice” instead of “theory”, and teach you the skills you need in 6 months instead of 3+ years.

They do provide the necessary training for a subset of the work out there, but it’s far from the same level, and won’t prepare people for more academically advanced employment.

 

[WAslayer]

Would you like to review your comment?

It was powerful in 2020 but I'm not sure if it is in 2022...

But he made the comment in 2020..?? Why should he review it.. you are the one scratching around in 2 year old threads..