Lesson: Getting an Online University Degree Part I: Listen and Read: Read along with the audio recording. Getting an Online University Degree I've decided to get an online university degree through distance education instead of attending a traditional school. In such a program, students don't have to attend classes in a regular classroom. Instead, they go online and interact with fellow students and the teacher in a virtual classroom using bulletin boards or other Internet tools. Also, students sometimes share ideas through text or voice chat. Students still have to do assignments, write papers, and take tests, but everything is done online at a student's own convenience. The students sometimes work at their own pace depending on the class schedule, but getting an online university degree can provide more flexibility and study options than before. Part II: Discussion - What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting online degrees? - Do you think such programs are as rigorous and challenging as traditional programs? - Do you think employers rate the value of an online degree the same as a traditional degree? - What types of people would most benefit from such online degrees?