Distance Learning UniversityThere is a primary difference between a distance learning university and a junior college, tech school, private college, or campus-based university that offers distance learning classes. It is rare these days to find a state university or even a community college that doesn’t offer some of their classes through distance learning models, but a great percentage of these schools do require students take some on-campus classes as well in order to earn a degree. This might be manageable for students who like the flexibility of distance learning but can manage to make it to campus to complete a few classes.
Universities that are designed exclusively for long-distance learning are typically not nonprofit, as state universities are. They are private schools and are operated as a business. This doesn’t mean that they are not interested in providing a well-rounded education that is equivalent to the education students get from a traditional school; many distance learning universities try hard to ensure that their students learn the skills and concepts they will need to rise through the ranks and land the best job possible. One way to determine if a university that offers only distance degrees is legitimate and will truly offer an in-depth education that will be seen as equal to the education earned in on-campus programs is to check their credentials. Most programs that are considered legitimate have been accredited by a regional or national board, agency, or group that is independent, nonprofit, and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Be forewarned: as with all types of business, there are frauds who will take advantage of naïve individuals by claiming to be accredited. They may in fact be accredited, but the accrediting agency isn’t a legitimate one and isn’t recognized as an authority. In fact, in some cases the accrediting group is actually part of the school itself! The easiest way to make sure you don’t get snagged by a school that will give you a degree that is worthless is to visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website and check the listings of recognized accrediting groups. There’s a very practical reason for checking up on any program you are interested in, as well. If you intend to apply for financial aid, such as a student loan, grant, or scholarship, the government only makes these monies available to students who are attending schools it considers worthy. This worthiness is demonstrated through accreditation. No one can argue that a distance learning university program is convenient. It allows you to learn at your own pace; when there is a lull at work or the family is out of town, you can double your efforts, and when work is hectic or a child is sick, you can temporarily put learning on a back burner. These programs not only allow students flexibility in terms of their time, but they can save both time and money, too. Driving to and from school, or waiting for a bus can easily add an hour or more of wasted time each week. More time is lost looking for parking. Public transportation such as buses or cab cost money as well. A distance learning university does offer convenience, but it may not be right for everyone. Students who learn best surrounded by classmates may not do as well trying to learn on their own. Some students feel more secure working with a physically present teacher who is available to answer questions. Some students are simply very social and like the idea of making professional and personal connections with classmates that they can continue to enjoy throughout their lives. If you fit one of these descriptions, you might want to reconsider a distance learning university. Taking an online class or two at a local community college will help you decide if the convenience is outweighed by the lack of personal connection. Another thing to consider when looking into distance learning universities is the method by which instruction is delivered. Most schools will operate using the internet. A dedicated program that combines email, discussion boards or live chats, videos, audio presentations, documents such as information sheets, outlines, lists, and e-books, graphics, and all sorts of other types of educational material is the format you’ll most likely find. Some schools use programs that have been designed for online instruction but not for a specific institution, such as Blackboard or Angel. Others may have their own program that has been designed specifically for their materials and preferred methods of delivery. One of the advantages to online learning is that the learning can be both synchronous and asynchronous. This means that some of the classroom requirements might involve being live and online at the same time as the instructor and classmates. For example, the teacher might want to lead a discussion on one of the units of study or hold a webinar. Even for folks who prefer a very flexible schedule, being required to “attend” a scheduled online class from time to time is still better than driving to a campus. Most of the online learning experience is asynchronous, meaning the students choose when to explore a particular area. The instructor might have posted a video, audio presentation, Power Point, or written document that students can download and study as their time permits. There are other alternatives you might encounter. For example, some schools may provide students who don’t have ready access to computers or the internet the opportunity to learn by correspondence. This model may sound old fashioned. It has actually been used for well over a century, but in some cases it’s the right fit. Students are mailed packages containing study materials and instructions. They might get books, booklets, or print materials, videotapes, audiotapes, or other types of media. After they have completed a set of assignments, they return them by mail. The next set is then sent out. Students work absolutely at their own pace with this method. Some might finish quickly, while others might take considerably longer. |
However, for some people, this is really not possible. Someone with a full time job that doesn’t allow release time for additional learning might be reluctant to leave that job in order to become a full-time student. This is especially true when the student wants a higher degree in the same field in order to move forward within the same company. Of course, this individual could attend school in the evening but if there is a family involved, that might not be so easy, particularly if the student is also a single parent. For this type of person, a distance learning university might be the ticket to a respectable degree that will open doors to a more interesting and more lucrative career.