Distance Learning: ComputerThere’s no question that a degree in computer studies is a smart move. Computers are not only everywhere right now, but they’re also likely to be riding the wave into the future for a very long time. Every type of technology depends upon computers. Computers for personal use are ubiquitous. Jobs in telecommunications, security, marketing, and a host of other fields are highly dependent upon computer knowledge.
For younger learners who are computer fluent and can move through class materials efficiently, distance learning might be a very practical consideration. After all, why spend gas and time commuting to a face-to-face class where at least a portion of the lecture time will be dedicated to other students’ questions? That travel time as well as the time wasted in class covering material that you already know, can be put to much better use—getting your degree as quickly as possible. For mature adults who have been on the job for a few years or more, the idea of quitting work to go back to college can be not only daunting, but downright unrealistic. After all, anyone with a steady income and benefits in this economy is going to think twice about walking away from it, even for a better future. As well, folks with youngsters at home, especially single parents, might not have the financial or familial support to provide the right kind of childcare so they can return to school for several hours a day. Fortunately, computer science is leading the way in online learning programs. There are a great many brick-and-mortar colleges and universities with strong computer programs that offer hybrid classes or other distance learning options. Hybrid classes require learners to attend structured, scheduled classes part of the time and to work independently the rest of the time, while courses that are distance learning based can work in a couple of different ways. Some may require students take face-to-face core classes, then allow the remainder of the coursework to be done online or through another distance learning option. Others are fully designed for online learning. Not only do schools with one or more physical campuses offer this option, but quality higher education institutions that don’t operate through any kind of physical campus also offer programs that can be completed, from registration to graduation, without ever visiting campus. The fastest type of degree in computer science or information technology is an associate’s degree, and it can be earned in two years of full-time face-to-face study. Distance learners might be able to complete the requirements more quickly, especially if they are already working in the field. This type of degree gives students a basic overview of computer hardware and theories of information technology. With an associate’s distance learning degree, graduates can seek entry level positions and work as designers. Individuals who already have an associate’s degree or those who can afford a little extra time to go for a distance learning bachelor’s degree should expect to invest an additional two years of full-time study—four years all together. It is twice as many years, but with a bachelor’s degree, the doors of opportunity fly open at a much quicker pace. These jobs are not only more lucrative and more interesting. They also allow you to focus on the type of specialty that really interests you. In addition to studying the basics, these students should expect classes in data organization, mathematics, statistics, computer programming, computer architecture, and logic. Anyone who has worked in the computer field for any length of time and loved it enough to want to stay within the field is well advised to look into a distance learning master’s program. With just one to two additional years of study, the kinds of interesting computer-related work continues to grow exponentially. At the master’s level, you can find computer-related work in all kinds of industries, and they’ll be vying for your attention with excellent job offers and benefits. Top dog information technology jobs could be yours, or you could tailor yourself to be a respected expert in a particular area and strike out on your own as a consultant. While there’s no question that a doctoral degree requires considerable time, focus and determination, it really does put degree holders at the top of the heap. With a doctoral degree in information technology or computer science, teaching at the university level is just one option. Running research projects, heading highly specialized departments and a wide range of other equally challenging and fascinating work awaits. Best of all, deciding how much time to dedicate to earning that doctoral degree is something the learner can be fully in charge of. Most distance learning doctoral candidates are already working in fairly high-powered jobs, so stepping away from that kind of income and benefits to invest years of study might not seem so appealing. However, since most of these doctoral candidates are already very well grounded in terms of experience and already have a master’s degree in some aspect of business, some of the course load is likely to be less demanding than it would be for students with little real-world experience. Studying for classes and completing assignments can be done more efficiently, because you’re not wasting time driving back and forth. Instead, every moment of study is focused on what you need to learn, not what classmates want to discuss. That means the goal of attaining that highest degree can be achieved faster. And for doctoral candidates who really do have too much on their plates to spend a great deal of time earning a PhD at the normal rate of speed, the option is always available to invest more time when you can and to pull back when you just can’t. As with face-to-face studies, distance learners who are seeking any level of degree should always make certain their chosen institution is, in fact, accredited. Accredited schools have voluntarily undergone rigorous examination to ensure the education they offer is substantial and in alignment with that of other schools. A limited number of nonprofit accreditation associations, organizations, and agencies are recognized either regionally or nationally. A list of respected accrediting bodies can be found at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Beware of schools that claim to be accredited if the accrediting board or agency isn’t recognized. There’s a good chance that accrediting group is just a mill, a fraudulent accrediting agency who sells this acknowledgment to subpar schools. There are many such groups, and their stamp of approval means nothing at all. With so many legitimate universities and colleges offering certifications and degrees through distance learning, there’s no reason for anyone to waste time and money on the frauds. |
Young adults are particularly computer savvy, having grown up with the technology revolution and evolution. Older folks are equally intrigued, but may not have quite the facility that their offspring exhibit. Knowing about computers is useful, but without some type of certification or degree, it’s difficult to land lucrative work in the field.