Distance Learning Center @ TestPrepReview.com

Distance learning courses are classes taken through a process other than spending hours in a classroom setting with an instructor teaching lessons. Distance learning courses can be taken online, through the mail, print-based, via teleconferencing, via television, or via videocassette. Because the courses are not in a classroom, the students must be self-motivated and possess technical skills. Distance learning courses can be taken either one at a time, or several at a time. Some universities offer distance learning courses that are particular to their university and will not transfer to another college. They count for college credit towards a degree from the university the course is taken at, but will not transfer to another school. If the student plans to ever finish his or her degree elsewhere, he or she should make sure the courses will either transfer or not take them.

Although typically thought of as college level courses, high school distance learning courses can be taken to earn a high school diploma. Key Stone National High School is a distance learning program that offers high school diplomas and has 20,000 students attending. To attend distance learning courses through Key Stone National High School, tuition has to be paid, which covers access to certified teachers and new textbooks. High school distance learning courses require paid tuition. Advanced Placement and Honors distance learning courses can be taken through distance learning high schools. For high school aged students in rural areas, distance learning courses are a good option. Because of the rural locations of these students few elective choices are available, such as foreign languages. Few rural teachers are bilingual in multiple languages such as Russian, French, or German. Enrollment in high school distance learning courses can be year round. Most courses must be completed within a specific time frame.

The type of degree that can be earned through a distance learning computer college program is diverse. The programs vary based on the specific area the student chooses to study. Associate’s degrees in computer science or information technology are available through most online schools and the program can be completed in two years or less. A bachelor’s degree in business information systems or management information systems allows the student to enter the information technology career field with a computer systems education and general business education. A distance learning computer degree is available in web design and multimedia. If the student wants to be a computer programmer, a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a programming specialization is available online. Distance learning computer colleges offer master’s programs. A masters of science in information security can be obtained through the online Norwich University. Syracuse University has offered several distance learning computer degrees through the University’s School of Information Studies since 1993. Because all the above degrees are offered online, one can choose a school outside of his or her home of residence and still have access to the courses via the internet.

Distance learning computer certifications are available through many community colleges and other online universities. A+, Cisco, Oracle, MCSE, Network+, MCDBA, and CompTIA are just some of the certifications that can be obtained through online courses. The certification coursework can be completed through a distance education format, but the certification tests must be taken in person. The college often provides onsite testing.

Certifications constantly change as software changes so the information through an online source is likely to be better updated than a print source, which is a benefit of a distance learning college. Gaining distance learning computer certifications will enhance a professional’s resume or help a student obtain a job especially when the certification is coupled with a bachelor’s degree. Because there is such a variety of specializations and careers in the information technology field, a significant need is present for those who have specialized training and certifications.

Distance learning colleges are popular and relevant in today’s culture. High school graduates want to get an education, but for many, earning an income is equally important. Due to the high cost of living, people are entering the job marketplace and supporting themselves rather than going away to college after high school. People in the military are constantly moving, so a traditional degree program is not possible. Some stay at home moms can not afford to pay for daycare while they attend traditional class time. Distance learning colleges have provided an opportunity for people to remove obstacles to earning a degree and have provided a solution for many busy people. Many degrees can be earned at an accelerated pace because students can attend school year round, and take as many classes as they can handle. The actual period of time the student schedules to complete the coursework is completely flexible because distance learning colleges offer classes can be accessed anytime during the day or night.

Distance learning colleges are numerous in number and diverse in possibilities. Some, like many community colleges and state universities, offer online and traditional classrooms, and offer traditional semesters as well as summer courses through the distance learning format. Devry and University of Phoenix can be attended online year round. University of Phoenix starts all their online courses every Tuesday, so a person can begin taking a class almost immediately. The Baker’s Guide offers a list of Christian Distance Learning Colleges, if faith is a factor in ones college of choice. The directory provides a list of roughly 160 faith based distance learning colleges to choose from. There are distance learning colleges that provide education for nurses, like Excelsior College. Almost every degree and every college course is offered through distance learning colleges.

A person searching for distance learning colleges should be aware of scams. Diploma mill is a term applied to universities who are not accredited, thus providing a worthless degree. They may have similar names to distinguished universities such as Columbia State University, rather than the real Columbia University, so the student thinks he or she is attending an accredited university. To make sure distance learning colleges are accredited, one should check the following nationally recognized accreditation agencies: Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and School, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

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.

A distance learning college will provide students with an opportunity to complete some or all of their coursework outside of a traditional classroom environment. Some universities offer both distance education and traditional education programs, while some are strictly online universities. One popular distance learning college, the University of Phoenix, offers degrees that can be earned completely online, but the university also has campuses where students can physically attend class. The benefit of a distance learning college like University of Phoenix is that a degree can be earned more rapidly than with traditional college. Students attend year round and can take two classes online concurrently, or take one class online and one on campus. A requirement to attending University of Phoenix is the student has to be employed full-time because much of the coursework relies on the student sharing real work experiences. The professor’s are required to work in the field they are teaching. Because a distance learning college like the University of Phoenix offers a virtual classroom environment, students who have busy lives can still earn a degree.

There are some drawbacks to attending a distance learning college. Many are private universities, so one should always check that the school has been accredited through the U.S. Department of Education. If the distance learning college is private, it can charge 3-4 times more for tuition than a public university. One must weigh the benefit of the flexibility of an online environment against the cost of tuition. Financial aid can be used at an accredited distance learning college to help pay for tuition. Another source of financial assistance can be a company’s employee tuition assistance program. A degree from a distance learning college may not be as widely accepted by employers as one from a traditional university, especially if the degree program is not accredited. To help alleviate this problem, one should look for an accredited distance learning college with a recognizable name such as Michigan State or Rice University that offers distance learning programs.

Most distance learning certificate programs are designed for working professionals who want to advance in their career field but are in need of more training or specialization in a specific area of their profession. Many careers require the employees to continue their education after employment. Some of these career fields include social work, engineering and teaching. Many of these continuing education credits will advance the employee towards a distance learning certificate in his or her field. For example, an information technology network administrator may be required by his or her company to continue his or her education because the field of technology is constantly changing. Because the employee is working full-time, he or she may choose a program that will result in a distance learning certificate like an MCSE, or Microsoft Certification. A speech pathologist can take a course called Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and receive certification in this specialized area.  Upon completion, the employee has fulfilled the company’s requirement for continuing education and has a professional certificate. A distance learning certificate is not an advance degree, but a certification that the person has received specialized study in a particular area. A distance learning certificate provides the flexibility to train online, which makes it a convenient option for working professionals.

As with any online educational program, one should ensure the distance learning certificate program is accredited, especially if the potential user needs the credits to fulfill a professional requirement. Most companies require their employees to earn Continuing Education Credits, which are formal credits that are professionally recognized. The International Association for Continuing Education Training (IACET) is the industry accepted nonprofit organization that certifies educational institutions offering Continuing Education Credits. Many educational providers will offer Continuing Education Credits, but one should make sure the college he or she chooses offers Continuing Education Credits that have been approved by the IACET. Otherwise, the credits may be invalid. The IACET accepts applications from educational programs, including distance learning certificate programs, then does extensive research before approving the institution. Through the IACET, one can find a list of organizations that acknowledge the Continuing Education Credits earned by an IACET approved educational institution. One can also find educational providers that have been approved and are authorized to provide classes by the IACET. When considering where to earn a distance learning certificate, the list of IACET approved sources is an excellent resource.

A distance learning center is an online website that colleges or other educational sources provide through their distance learning websites. The center is an informational source for all items considered under the umbrella of distance education. The distance learning center provides access to course schedules and allows the student to register online. Before registering the student can read about distance learning and can take a quiz that determines the student’s compatibility with an online or distance learning environment. There are links to online academic counseling, which provide academic counselors contact information for students to either email or call. Many distance learning centers provide a list of commonly asked questions and answers as another information source. Once registered, the online distance learning center provides access for the student to go through an orientation showing step-by-step instructions demonstrating how to take classes online. This is an excellent source for those who are new at attending distance education. The link provides information on what computer software the student will need and provides site navigation instructions. Class syllabi can be found on the distance learning center website so the student can see the instructor’s expectations immediately when class begins. After class begins, the courses the student is enrolled in can be accessed through the universities distance learning center.

Many campuses have an on campus distance learning center. These classrooms are designed for students who are attending distance learning classes through videoconferencing or other video service technology. The distance learning center provides computer access and DVD or VCR access, so if the student does not have the required technology at home, he or she can still make good use of  the distance learning forum but through at the college.

Distance learning business degrees include associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees. Many career fields and job opportunities require a business degree. When working towards a bachelors or masters in business, the student can focus on areas of study such as global business, human resources, marketing, finance and law. All of the previous degree programs are offered through distance learning business colleges.

A distance learning business online degree grants access to the entire world through the computer. Coursework can be completed with students and instructors who are working in other countries for a variety of companies. In a traditional classroom environment, a student would be fortunate to have peers who are working in the industry or who have any global experience. The online environment provides a communication source where coursework can be completed and students can share valuable, real life experience. A distance learning business degree can bring more networking opportunities than a traditional classroom environment. The students of a distance learning business degree online environment can take the opportunity to ask fellow students about global companies and ask about potential job and relocation opportunities upon graduation.

Many people who already have a bachelor’s degree in business are choosing to get their masters in business administration through a distance learning business program. Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business offers the Global Executive MBA, which brings new credibility to a distance learning business program. The online MBA programs offer students who are already employed in the industry to continue their education and remain competitive in the marketplace. Many professionals are concerned that a distance learning business degree is not viewed with the same merit as a traditional degree within the job marketplace. As more top-rated colleges such as Duke begin offering online degrees, the reputation will change.

It is possible to become a Certified Public Accountant through a distance learning accounting program. One must earn a bachelors degree that contains Certified Public Accounting courses and one must pass a Certified Public Accounting exam to become a CPA. Each state has a Board of Accountancy who licenses the CPA upon passing the exam. When considering a distance learning accounting degree from a non-local school, one should make sure the school he or she will be attending is state specific or passing the required state exam will be difficult. Earning a master’s degree will help the graduate earn a higher salary and a larger number of job opportunities, as will having experience in the career field. The accounting degree requirements can be satisfied through a distance learning accounting program, but it is very important the potential student verifies that the university is approved by the professional organization for CPA’s, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Whether the potential student wants to earn a title of accountant or CPA must be considered when choosing a distance learning accounting program. Most states do not have specific educational requirements for those who want to earn the title of accountant. Becoming a CPA requires the passing of a state certification exam. Most employers want accountants to be CPA’s because being a CPA is a requirement in administering audits of U.S. corporations that are traded publicly.

Certain personality traits are important when pursuing a distance learning accounting degree. A person who wants to become an accountant should love manipulating numbers, be a logical thinker, be able to work alone and with a client. The person should have strong reading comprehension skills because the subject matter in a distance learning program may be difficult to learn without an instructor showing in detail how to work out problems. It would be wise to create a virtual team that is involved in the same distance learning accounting program to meet with on the internet or phone to help with the added struggles of a distance learning accounting education.

The history of community college distance learning can be traced back to a California task force created in 1970-1972 with the purpose of introducing new technology into the educational process. As a result of the task force, Coastline Community College was created which was the first campus that existed virtually and offered community college distance learning courses only. Dallas Community College soon followed but instead of using televised courses as Coastline did, they created videotapes that contained classes that could be accessed at the student’s convenience. Through the 80s and 90s many other community colleges developed distance learning programs.

The internet increased rapidly the availability of community college distance learning courses. With the internet, two-way communication between the instructor and student was possible, called synchronous communication. This gave the faculty and students the feeling that they were part of a dynamic classroom environment. As the number of community college distance learning courses being offered dramatically increased, the instructors became a little hesitant. Many have feared that less jobs would be available in future more classes are offered online with less time spent in the classroom led by a professor.

Community college distance learning provides a cost-effective way for people to earn an accredited education. Many partner with 4 year universities who also offer courses in a distance learning format. Because community colleges are public universities with federal funding, tuition rates are the same whether taking a distance education course or traditional classroom course. Community college distance learning courses can be accessed online, through print-based materials, and on the television, many community colleges partnering with PBS, or the Public Broadcasting Service. For someone with a full-time job or a stay-at-home mom, an education is possible through community college distance education. If a person is in a rural location can attend classes with distance education.

Most community colleges offer advice on if a student is a good candidate for participating in community college distance learning. One of the most important factors is ensuring the student is technically knowledgeable. The student must have access to a computer, be able to navigate through websites, and create documents to take an internet course. Those wanting to attend community college distance learning programs must be self-motivated because of the less structured environment. An instructor will not be there to tell the student when and what to study 2-3 times a week as with a traditional classroom. If the student gets behind on the coursework, he or she has difficulty catching up. The student has to be able to learn through reading rather than hearing, another personality trait one must consider when deciding to participate in community college distance education.