SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO--(Marketwire - Oct 9, 2012) - As the presidential election in the United States nears, many Americans remain focused on the rising costs and debt incurred by higher education expenses. While these concerns may impact voter decisions, others are embracing the more affordable option that online education provides. According to a recent NPR article, major universities, such as Stanford and MIT, are raising awareness about the potential this form of learning can offer, by developing free online courses students all across the world can benefit from. Almeda University is an online educator that has worked in this field since its establishment in 1997; the school is proud that online learning has evolved and become more accepted in recent years. The organization continues to strive for further development in the industry, such as by offering life experience degrees to its students.

While many may not be aware, the article notes that online education has existed since the 1990s, as Almeda University demonstrates. However, the learning model has dramatically changed over the years. According to the article, while some universities are experimenting with this model by offering free courses to students all over the globe, some are looking at the industry as a potential area for profit. Still, many raise questions about the effectiveness of this teaching method. Skeptics note that the face-to-face interaction of traditional schools is not found in online courses and there are limited forms of testing which ensure students have grasped material.

Almeda University CEO Richard Smith responds to such concerns, "It is understandable that many may have doubts regarding online education. However, Almeda University is one of many online schools that have been providing quality academics for over a decade. The fact that more students and schools are embracing web-based learning only goes to show that these models will continue to grow."

Smith adds that expressed concerns will dwindle as the applied technology allows for a more integrated platform of education. For example, online video, chat and message board functions allow students to interact and stay on track at their own pace. Although widespread online education models continue to change, the NPR article suggests that they are here to stay. In the article, online professor Michael Kearns of the University of Pennsylvania states, "that it's unlikely that places like Stanford, Penn or MIT won't exist in another 10 to 20 years because of online content and education." Following a similar sentiment, Almeda University continues to offer diverse curricula that can help many students advance academically and professionally at an affordable rate. The institution also offers courses that allow students to translate their personal experiences into academic recognition through life experience degrees.

ABOUT:

Founded in 1997, Almeda University is a web-based institution that has been teaching students from all across the globe. Students participate in a variety of classes, including mathematics, arts and sciences and religious studies, to earn a wide selection of degrees. The virtual school also offers professional development courses through its stay-at-home e-Learning channel for students that are not seeking academic degrees. The professional development courses range from Web development to health insurance. Almeda University professors make it their mission to address students' unique needs and offer solid academic lessons through innovative and modern teaching methods.

For more information about Almeda University, visit http://www.almedauniversity.org.

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Life Experience Degrees From Almeda University Reflect Rapid Evolution of Online Learning