Online learning is increasingly becoming more viable and a convenient source of learning best suited for students with self drive and determination for further studies. If you’re clashing with your parents on whether or not to pursue an online course, there’s need for serious dialogue with them to provide justifiable reasons that can convince them about the credibility and sincerity of the online learning and the international recognition of their credentials. Your parents need to get this information and it requires a humble approach and good communication skills to secure their attention and ultimately get their support.

Remember that your parents love you and hence feel they should protect your future and you have to prove to them that the route you want to take is likely to excel you throughout all heights of life. Although many people including your parents still consider traditional face-to-face learning as the best way to achieve knowledge and skills for authentic qualifications, getting an online degree through distance learning is an option that has become possible because of the increased availability of the Internet throughout the world and the opportunity to get access to all the services offered by the full time intensive programme. Today, we are living in a constantly evolving digital world which has typically transformed the way people live and therefore perfect education can now be accessed through digital means. Technology has an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives – from working to socializing, networking, accessing knowledge and living a healthier, wealthier and happier life.

Through on-line studies, students can interact with each other and with their teachers through high-quality web conferencing done from the comfort of their home or laptop any time, any place. With an online course, you can enroll in a class, do assignments and even communicate with classmates in chat rooms or on bulletin boards. In the end, this’ll save your time, money as well as your computer skills will dramatically improve due to frequent use of computer and internet. Similarly, convenience and flexibility associated with online courses can give you the opportunity to study and get some employment for experience and earn some income if you’re at your peak energy. Course materials are always accessible online, so there’s no need to schedule special trips to a library either. Another great advantage with this choice of study is that learning is self-paced and you will be encouraged to think critically and support your opinions with facts in writing, when responding to the online topical discussions.

Therefore, if you want to excel in online classes and get access to the necessary skills that will help you reap big in future, you need to provide all the evidence to your parents about this and develop a system for keeping track of all the upcoming online assignments and exams, due dates as well as develop a back-up plan if computer or Internet problems occur and strike a balance between your coursework and other life priorities.

Their thoughts...

Dear counsellor,

Dear counsellor, I recently identified an accredited University that offers online courses of my choice after finishing high school and I intend to enrol immediately.

However, my parents are strongly opposed to this idea giving reasons that on-line qualifications are not widely recognised and that their credentials are less authentic.

What can I do to convince them that this line of Education is worthy pursuing in order to get their support? Peter

Fred Karomba, business student

There are many people who have studied online and their qualifications are authentic just like from traditional universities.

Your parents might not be aware of the innovations in distance learning, so all you have to do is to show them the benefits of an online course and the skills and experiences you are likely to acquire from it. 

 Claude Buhiga, administrator 

If you are interested in long distance learning, the best way to get your parents on board and also be certain that it’s a better option for you is to talk to some people who are studying online.

You can learn from other people’s experiences so that you make a good decision for your education.   

Maureen Mutoni, university Student

Today online qualifications are equally as genuine as formal university credentials.

However, for a bachelor’s degree, I think going to the traditional university would be a better option.

And then you can pursue your masters online at any university of your choice. 

Rita Umuhire, university studentI would encourage you to do more research by interacting with people who have studied your course of choice.

Most importantly find out if that university is accredited in your country.

These are the details that will help you win your parents’ approval.

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Next week’s problem

Dear counsellor, I turned 18 last month, and it makes me feel mature and responsible.

However, my parents look at me differently; they lecture me on everything and can’t allow me to take my own decisions.

This has started demoralising me and affecting my studies.

How can I prove to my parents that I’m responsible,  and I can be self-reliant at some point? I need your help.  Aline Uwayezu