Online Education
The internet has greatly revolutionized the way we learn. Distance education is a concept that has been around for a long time. A large number of formats such as videotapes, audiotapes, and television have been used for distance education.
However, the internet has made this form of education more popular than ever. Statistics show that well over 2 million people are attending online colleges. This number is expected to increase by 33% each year. More than 650 accredited colleges are now offering online degrees.
If you are thinking of pursuing an online education, there are a number of things you should know. It is first important to make you’re taking classes from a college which is accredited. In the United States, six regional organizations will grant membership to colleges and universities which are accredited. Any online college you attend should be a member of one of these organizations. Another thing that is important to remember when attending online classes is that many of them are new, and have not been established. Some of these colleges may have technical issues with their websites or programs which can be very frustrating for students.
Make sure the college you attend has software which is easy to setup. Their software shouldn’t crash, and you should rarely need technical assistance. Any good online education program should give you technical support seven days a week. Many online colleges have begun adding video conferencing and sound to their websites. This makes it easy to communicate with students, and the program is much more interactive. While these technological advances may sound good on paper, many colleges fail to take into consideration that they require substantial amounts computer power from students. Many people are still using modems or older technology.
Because of this, it is important to pick an online program which uses proven methods to teach. An example of this would be email, websites, or forums. It is also important to note that many online education programs are not 100% online. Many require their students to use snail mail or videotapes, or may ask them to take classes on campus. When you enroll into an online college, make sure it is a true online education program. Another problem with many online colleges is that instead of highering qualified instructors to teach classes, they use local teachers with internet access.
Your instructor should be trained in whatever subject they teach. They should have an advanced knowledge of computers, the internet, and online classes. Probably one of the most important factors you must conside when attending online classes is the cost. Unfortunately, many students find that online colleges are just as expensive as traditional institutions. It is important to make sure the college offers attractive financing, and is willing to work with you. If you need financial aid, they should be able to help you. If you have a higher income, they should be able to give you financing which is reasonable.
While cost should play a role in which online education program you take, it should not be the most important factor. You should want to attend an online college which gives you the most effective education possible. A good online program should assign you a personal advisor who can answer your questions and walk you through the process of getting your books and other supplies. Many online colleges make it easy for you to begin taking classes, but will make it difficult for you to graduate. Because of this, you should only attend online colleges which will allow you to graduate within 3 years if you are working part time.
Before you pick an online degree program, check with other students who have attended the college and get their opinions on it. Were they satisfied? Was their money well spent? Did the college allow them to start a successful career? By getting the thoughts of students who have graduated from the program, this will allow you to make a better decision. If you can’t find any people online who have graduated from the college, ask the college if they can send you a list with contact information. It is also best to find online universities which have small classes. The smaller the class, the easier it will be for you to communicate with your instructor.
