The world, as of late, has increasingly turned an observant eye toward the environment. This is a fantastic and positive step that has increased awareness in the general population. Environmental sustainability has made an indelible mark in everything from engineering to the layout of housing. Indeed it has proven to be a remarkable note even on education choices. Technology has helped usher in a new era where continuing education is as close away as a click of the mouse. It saves time and helps working adults return and fulfill a life long career objective. But not many have considered the environmental ramifications that an online degree brings with it.
A great example of an online degree, that many working adults have considered, is nursing. Obtaining licensure and education to advance from a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse, or even beyond to a Master of Science in Nursing, was once solely obtained at a traditional brick and mortar school. Online schools allow busy adults the opportunity to pursue advancing their education at a reasonable pace without commuting. So while saving time and money are great reasons to consider advancing in the nursing field there are even further benefits to an online nursing degree. These benefits are environmental and are an added bonus.
Consider how many students can be enrolled in a particular course of study in nursing at a time. Online classes are generally more open and have a different timetable. This allows more students to be enrolled at any given time. These students, in the past, would have commuted to the school. Online courses take away the time for commuting, the energy wasted in gas and the upkeep needed for transportation. That is only one aspect that makes online degrees far more environmentally sustainable.
Coursework, in the past, was provided through hard copy textbooks. Quizzes and tests were printed and then distributed. The completed work was printed on paper and conscientious students and instructors would then recycle. Once again this took time and energy. Today’s online classrooms utilize almost no paper. Coursework is digital and homework is completed online. The carbon footprint is greatly reduced thanks to environmentally friendly practices of keeping materials online.
With just these two examples, online degrees in nursing, are keeping up with today’s trends for being environmentally friendly while still providing ample opportunity for adults to continue their education in an atmosphere that benefits all involved.
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