Distance Learning Center @ TestPrepReview.com

The degree earned through a distance learning program is educationally equivalent to the degree earned from a traditional program. The main difference between the two degrees is the method of delivery of each type of degree. A distance learning degree program takes place outside of a traditional classroom and through the use of technology. The internet is the main method used to administer classes in a distance learning degree program and there are many benefits for a student to participate in an online course. An online distance learning degree program provides flexibility because the courses can be accessed at anytime. The online rather than traditional classroom forum means that the student saves time driving to and from campus and the student does not have to pay for parking at the university. In a traditional classroom many students are present that may compete for the instructors’ attention. The online distance learning degree program can offer more one on one time between student and instructor where the student has the teachers’ full attention. Most communication is through email although many instructors will provide a phone number they can be reached at for additional help.

There are some personality traits a person should possess in order to be successful at completing a distance learning degree program. The individual must be highly self-motivated and self-disciplined. While much of the coursework in a distance learning degree program is self-paced, there are many distance learning classes that have a start and end date which must be followed. The student must have good reading comprehension skills because he or she will not have an instructor verbally explaining all elements of the class. Visual aids are typically used by an instructor in a classroom to help explain ideas and these aids are frequently unavailable in an online or distance class. The student must possess some basic computer skills. The ability to navigate the internet and websites is extremely important in a distance learning degree program.

The value of a distance learning degree depends solely on the reputation and accreditation of the school offering the degree. The freedom a distance learning degree gives individuals is outstanding, but research should be completed before deciding where to earn the degree. There are schools termed diploma mills that offer degrees that have no value in the job market. Some of these schools tell the student he or she is simply paying money in return for a degree with his or her name on it. Some schools pretend to be accredited and worthy of attendance to gain students. The student may be unaware he or she is earning a worthless distance learning degree.

To avoid attending a diploma mill in hopes of earning a distance learning degree, one should keep in mind that there are 6 main national accreditation agencies. One can be sure that if the college has the accreditation of one or several of those agencies, the school has been well researched and the distance learning degree will have value. Another accreditation agency that s not one of the main 6 agencies is the Distance Education Training Council. The Distance Education Council issues accreditation to schools that specifically offer distance learning degrees. Not all courses from these accredited universities will transfer to traditional schools, so if one does intend to transfer, there is a database available to search universities accepting credits on the Higher Education Transfer Alliance Website. The student can search the college where he or she is earning his or her distance learning degree and ensure that credits earned can be transferred to a college approved by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education.

Common sense is an important tool when weighing where to earn a distance learning degree. Earning a degree should take time and effort. As the degrees become more advanced, such as masters or doctorate, the coursework should be more difficult and possibly require some training that can not be completed online. If a school charges a huge amount of money up front, rather than class by class, the course descriptions are vague, and the distance learning degree can be earned quickly, the college is probably not legitimate. If any of the above warning signs are present, the university may be offering an invalid degree.

A distance learning college degree has some similarities and differences with a traditional college degree. Associates, bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees can be obtained through a distance learning program. As long as the university the student is earning a distance learning college degree through is accredited, a credible degree can be earned by way of distance learning. A distance learning college degree is earned through non-traditional classroom time. Most degree programs require an instructor, but coursework is completed virtually rather than in a classroom environment. Many public universities offer distance learning college degree programs so the cost is similar to a traditional program. Other distance learning programs are offered through private universities which often charge a higher tuition amount. Almost all types of degree programs are offered through distance education, but there are a couple of exceptions. Because a student trying to earn a teacher’s certification must student teach as part of the bachelor’s requirement, a teaching certificate can not be earned purely online. Many classes have a lab requirement which can not be completed virtually, so a distance learning college degree can not be earned when many of those types of classes are required. Unfortunately, not all companies give the same weight to a distance learning college degree as they would to a traditional degree. As distance education becomes more widely accepted, the trend will change. One should be prepared to discuss the coursework he or she has completed and the time spent on the degree in an employment interview. If the company is unsure about the creditability of the distance learning college degree, a potential employee should tell the company why and how the education was equivalent to a traditional degree.