Distance Learning 101: The Ins and Outs of Online Education
Making the decision to attend online school can be daunting. Although its flexible schedule can be beneficial to many people, distance learning is still a new phenomenon and most enter into it with a great deal of hesitation and a plethora of questions.
The following set of articles are designed to answer any preliminary questions you may have about online education. The articles cover the pros and cons, misconceptions, and overall process of attending online school.
How Common is Distance Learning?
Distance learning encompasses all forms of education that fall outside the traditional classroom based site specific model. These types of courses include correspondent courses, online degrees, telecourses (classes delivered via radio or television), and cd-rom based learning. Some general facts and statistics regarding the prevalence of distance learning are as follows:
• Today there are over 25,000 online courses offered in The United States alone, making up 76% of the world's total online offerings.• Canada is the world's leader per capita for the number of online courses offered.
• Computer and business courses make up the mass majority of online courses offered world-wide.
• Most online courses and programs are offered only at the undergraduate level.
• Right now, there are approximately three million online students in The United States.
New technology and increased access to the Internet have made online learning more practical and widespread. Some say online learning is the antithesis of traditional schooling - where students get up, travel to class, and participate in class for a required amount of hours. However, other people simply see online learning as a simple extension of traditional learning, which has resulted in a substantial number of distance learning converts. With online learning, individuals still interact with the teacher, other students and the course material. The difference is that they correspond using some form of technology.
Back to the TopWhat are the Pros and Cons of Online Schools?
There are many distinct differences between online education and traditional learning. For certain students, distance learning is a fitting option; for others, a campus-based school program is much more beneficial. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning you can decide if an online or campus program would be more helpful in achieving your goals.
Online Education Advantages:
• Convenience - Students can take online courses whenever. Students are not limited by a school's annual/semester/quarter system.• Flexibility - Class times are not set, and the pacing of assignments and readings occurs at your own discretion. You can proceed through your degree program at your own speed.
• Availability - Accredited, reputable, and educationally vigorous distance learning programs have increased in recent years.
• Cost - Pricing for online degree programs is usually cheaper than traditional school programs.
• Self-Direction - Students are able to control their learning environment, moving through courses at their own pace.
• Classroom Time - Some distance learning programs have a classroom component, however most do not require attending a physical school. You can learn, study, and graduate from the comfort of any computer location.
• Accessibility - Attending class can occur from any computer with network/Internet access.
• Learning System - Distance learners tend to be people who learn visually and experientially, and also students who require more time to study, have language-issues, or are introverted.
• Zero Travel Expenses - With online degree programs, there is no need to commute to school, all learning can take place from home.
• No Interruptions - Since distance learning programs are based on the Internet, and accessed at the user's discretion, learning takes place whenever you want it to. There is no need to take a leave of absence, stop working, etc.
Online Education Disadvantages:
• Instructor Face-Time - Distance learners typically don't have the face-to-face interaction that is important to some students.• Reputation and Perception - As distance learning becomes more widespread, more businesses and organizations are starting to recognize the value of an online degree or distance degree. However, there is still a social stigma attached to non-physical educational institutions.
• Technology Requirements - Distance learning program requirements are usually modest: computer and an Internet connection. However, students must have some proficiency in using computers.
• Social Interaction - Though online learning environments often have chat rooms and message boards they lack physical classroom interactions.
• Limited Support - Students are required to take their own initiative in completing assignments, reports, and exams.
• Campus Atmosphere - Distance education programs lack the physical value and attractiveness of attending a campus location.
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What are the Myths about Online Degrees?
Online education has experienced a fair share of skepticism due to the negative speculation that tends to revolve around up-and-coming trends. To negate any hesitancy you might have about enrolling in an online learning program, we have debunked three of the most common distance learning myths.
Myth #1: Online schools are a less respectable way to earn a degree.Perhaps this myth comes from the fact that there are many more unaccredited online schools than unaccredited traditional schools, or perhaps the recent emergence of online learning makes it more susceptible to criticism. The truth is, if an online program is accredited, the degrees it offers should be respected and honored by employers, just like any brick-and-mortar degree.
Myth #2: You can't transfer credits from an online degree to a different university.
Many people believe that online courses cannot be transferred to traditional colleges or universities. This is not necessarily true. If an online learning course or program is accredited by a regional accrediting agency, you can be assured online credits can be transferred. In order to find the details about transferring credit between schools, it is best to check the transfer policy of the school that you are switching to.
Myth #3: Online education is easier than traditional education.
Online courses, just like any traditional course, vary in difficulty. Some online courses actually require more time and effort than traditional courses. In many cases, students spend more independent time on online work because there is no time in class.
Myth #4: You must have a computer to attend online school.
Today, places like public libraries and Internet cafés provide good computers to the public at no cost or for a small fee. Further, many companies and schools rent out computers.
Myth #5: You will receive no personal attention from your professors.
Many online colleges go to great lengths to make sure that the students and professors have a great deal of interaction. By providing services like live lectures, frequent chats, message boards, conference calls, and an emphasis on email, online colleges often provide more interaction with profs than traditional schools. If this is a concern of yours, research the school before enrolling in a program.
Myth #6: Employers do not take online degrees seriously.
Online universities are growing, both in prevalence and in awareness. Today, over 60 percent of employers have stated that they will view an online degree just as highly as a traditional degree. While this number may seem small, it is rising every day. To ensure that your degree is viewed as it should be, make sure to attend an accredited online program with a good reputation.
Myth #7: Online schools aren't like "real" college.
While there are some substantial differences between online colleges and traditional universities, you will still have access to excellent professors, fantastic resources, and a wide curriculum.
Myth #8: Online degrees are overpriced.
Like any other institution, obtaining a degree will not be cheap. You pay for the quality of education you receive. However, no education has to be "overpriced." If you are worried about the cost, look into financial aid options and speak to the school in question.
Myth #9: All online degrees are exactly the same.
This is completely false. Like traditional schools, some online colleges are substantially better than others and will be viewed as such. Here is a list of online school rankings to get a better idea.
Myth #10: There are no deadlines at online schools.
If you do not complete assignments, just like at any other traditional school, you will not receive a degree and you will waste thousands of dollars.
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How Do Online Education Degrees Work?
Online education is diversifying and expanding at an astounding rate. A 2008 study by the Sloan Consortium found that online enrollments grew by 12.9% over the previous year, an incredible pace when compared to the 1.2% growth in overall enrollment in higher education. The growth in online education has spread to brick-and-mortar campuses as well: more and more traditional colleges are making existing courses available online or starting entire online degree programs of their own.
The Structure of Online Learning
The increasing number of online degree programs means that it is becoming easier to choose one that fits your specific needs. If you're worried that distance education might be too isolating, many online programs offer synchronous courses consisting of streaming video and live chat discussions. If you like to make your own schedule, many programs are completely asynchronous —that is, you can do your coursework any time you like. Most online degree programs will use both types of courses. Some courses will have recorded audio or video lectures followed by exercises or quizzes. Other courses will provide text online and then require the student to complete essays and send them to the instructor. Many classes will have a discussion component. In asynchronous classes this discussion will consist of a message board, with students posting their thoughts and responding to others over the course of several days. In synchronous classes discussion will take place using a designated chat room or instant messaging.
How to Pick the Right Program
When exploring online degree programs, you should first make sure that it is run by an accredited institution. Next, you should see whether there are traditional student resources such as student advising and career counseling and how distance learners can access them. If your prospective degree program is part of a traditional, brick-and-mortar institution, check to see whether you can take all the courses necessary for your degree online. Finally, you can contact alumni and ask about their experiences.
Article Resources:
Sloane-CAccredited Degrees
Blackboard
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What are the Different Types of Distance Learning?
There are numerous different forms of distance learning, and many institutions use a combination of methods in order to teach their students. However, there are four common distance learning techniques: open schedule, blended learning, computer based learning and fixed time e-learning.
• Open ScheduleAn open schedule can be taken anywhere and gives students the most freedom possible. In this plan, students are given a set of deadlines that they must meet within a certain amount of time, but they can work anytime and anywhere to meet the course requirements. This program is ideal for independent workers and people who don't struggle with procrastination.
• Blended Learning
The second most common strategy used in distance learning is one that offers an open schedule, but requires students to communicate in an established location. This could mean that students are able to complete assignments on their own time, but are required to meet in a classroom or computer chat room to touch base.
• Computer Based Learning
Computer Based Learning is the strictest version of distance learning, requiring students to participate at designated times and places. This means that students must touch base at a designated computer lab, or even meet in an actual classroom at a pre-determined time.
• Fixed Time E-Learning
The most common form of distance learning is a program that sets a pre-determined schedule that can be kept from any location. This could mean that students are able to work from home, school, or the office, as long as they log onto the online learning site at a designated time. These programs often include a live online forum.
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What Equipment is Necessary for Online Programs?
All online learning programs are slightly different in both the way they work and in the type of equipment they require. Some courses are done completely over email, while others use more complex systems, such as video conferencing, voice conferencing, and mobile devices.
These are some of the most basic equipment pieces you may need to begin an online learning program:
- Up-to-date computer (preferably made within the last three years)
- High-speed Internet (a computer with Wi-Fi is preferable)
- TV and VCR or DVD player
- CD player
- Personal email account
If you don't have access to this type of technology, there are a number of alternative options. Public libraries usually provide access to computers and high-speed Internet. This is a great way for a student who does not own a computer to earn an online degree. Another option to consider if you do not currently own a computer is purchasing a used computer at a discounted price.
If you have a computer with Wi-Fi capability, technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless Internet connections, but no Internet connection in your home, there are still many ways of getting online. For example, there are numerous free and low fee Internet networks offered through local businesses, such as coffee shops and bookstores, that would be great for accessing accredited online learning programs.
Back to the TopCan I Transfer Online Degree Credits to Other Schools?
If you pay thousands of dollars for an education, you would obviously like that education to count. When it comes to transfer credits, particularly with regard to online, distance, and career education, students typically want to know a) if credits will transfer and b) how transfer credits will apply toward degree requirements.
Some standardized credits are easy to transfer and are a relatively low investment (i.e. CLEP and AP credits from high school); however, most smaller institutions with varying accreditation and regional standards can cause something of a headache for students looking for a quick start at a new school.
Many schools have a streamlined process (often online form) to determine transfer credit eligibility. While it is possible that credits can transfer to an institution, credits might not necessarily apply to the degree program for which the student is studying. The best course of action is to consult with either the school admissions department or an academic adviser to verify what steps should be taken in transferring or substituting credits.
There are instances where transfer credits must be evaluated to determine eligibility. The process varies from program to program and school to school. As a general rule however, admission departments are helpful in working with students to ensure the highest level of success and accommodation. The more closely and actively students work with advisers to resolve outstanding credit issues, the higher the chance that credits will be transferred.
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