Online Degree Programs: Your Complete Guide For Online Education

Online degree FAQ

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Are all online degrees accredited?

Can my online degree be mistaken for a false, immediate degree?

How much do online courses cost?

Should I choose a synchronous or asynchronous online degree program?

Why online is better than on-campus?

Are online degree courses easier?

Are online degree courses self-paced?

How is testing done?
Will I miss the "real" campus experience?

Is there any recognition for completing online courses?

Is regional accreditation equal to federal?

If I get a high school diploma from a DETC-accredited institution, will it be accepted?

How can I apply for an online degree course?

How many online degree courses can I take?

I am interested in being an online instructor. Is that a good idea?

Will the credits I receive from an online degree educational institution be later accepted by a traditional college or university?

Is online degree education for everyone?

Are online degrees as useful as conventional degrees to succed in your career?

What computer equipment is usually necessary for a student to join an ;online degree program? Do students need high computer knowledge?

Are there any systems in place to keep online degree students honest?

   Online Degree education FAQ. Are all online degrees accredited? Before enrolling in an online degree program, we strongly recommend you to verify the educational institution's credentials. This you can do by contacting the US Department of Education, the Canadian provincial Ministry of Education or the Education ministries or other relevant authorities in other countries. For your convenience, we provide a list of such authorities.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Can my online degree be mistaken for a false, immediate degree? To start with, immediate degrees are not necessarily false. But of course, they aren't ordinary, prestigious and fully accredited programs either. Your online degree is such a program, instead, and therefore it can't be mistaken for an immediate degree. To learn more about immediate degrees or instant degrees please visit our section on this issue.

   Online Degree education FAQ. How much do online courses cost? It depends a lot on the educational institution you choose, on the length and quality of your online degree, and on other matters such as further equipment, books, etcetera. But tuition is normally much cheaper than on-campus.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Should I choose a syncronous or assyncronous online degree program? You need to consider your other obligations and the real chances you will have to attend online chats, videoconference or other syncronous activities planned in the course. Choose an assyncronous online degree program if that fits your style of life better. Quality will be the same.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Why online is better than on-campus? It's not necessarily better, as that depends on your learning style, your daily schedule for other obligations and your place of residence.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Are online degree courses easier? No. They require at least as much effort and time as traditional courses, if not more. Because students work primarily on their own without face-to-face contact with instructors, they will not have the regular classroom reminders and clarifications available to students in traditional courses. You will need to allocate between ten and twenty hours per week to study your online degree courses. Many people think that just because they can take classes from home that it is going to be easy. It's just not so. The Internet is just another way to "go to class". In some ways, it can be more difficult. In addition to the readings, papers and projects you would have in a classroom-based course, participation in online discussions is usually required. You can't hide in the back of the classroom! Online learning also forces you to use keyboard skills, generally relies heavily on reading and writing, and requires good time management to keep up with everything. If your skills in any of these areas could use improvement, online learning will take longer and seem more difficult. It's not for everyone. However, if it is for you, it can be a rich and satisfying experience, shared with others with similar interests.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Are online degree courses self-paced? Some Online degree courses are designed to be entirely self paced. The amount of information learnt, when assessment is taken, how much you network with other students, all these components can be arranged for your individual needs, and around your current commitments. The self-paced nature is very important for mature aged students, who have many commitments that can change from week to week. Easy, fast and cheap communication with your teachers, class supervisors and fellow students via e-mail, videoconferencing and other systems.

   Online Degree education FAQ. How is testing done? Testing procedures vary by instructor but, in general, testing services for distance education classes are available at all campus locations. Testing information is provided at course orientations and in course syllabi.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Will I miss the "real" campus experience? Well, that will depend on the kind of student you are. For many people, online degree programs are more focused and allow them to meet and get to know only the persons they are interested in. No need to waste time in forced socialising and yet many online learners have found that they got to know both the teacher and their classmates a lot better than you do in a classroom, where you only see them during class time, since everyone participates. Because you can't see the other members of the class, nothing gets in the way of learning. Learn more.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Is there any recognition for completing online courses? That will depend on the level and importance of the course done. If we are talking about full online degree programs, then recognition is just the same as for a degree earned on-campus. Lately, it has been noted that some online degrees are starting to become more prestigious than their on-campus equivalents. But you should check accreditation. Legitimate schools are listed in many publications specific to distance learning, including the Peterson's Guides, Bear's Guides, Baker's and many others. If you aren't sure, contact the school directly (if you can't, that's a dead giveaway). If you are particularly interested in a degree or special industry certification, it is also important to pay attention to regional accreditation.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Is regional accreditation equal to federal? There are many different accrediting bodies and entities, each with its own criteria. The most important accreditation for most people to consider is regional accreditation, overseen by CHEA (The Council on Higher Education Accreditation). There are six regional bodies providing accreditation. Regionally accredited schools have undergone an exhaustive review process in which they prove they are academically and fiscally sound. These schools can participate in federal financial aid and athletic programs, attract top-notch teachers and staff, and provide opportunities to students that non-accredited schools cannot.

   Online Degree education FAQ. If I get a high school diploma from a DETC-accredited institution, will it be accepted? A high school diploma from an accredited distance education institution is comparable to a resident high school. However, if you are planning on enrolling in a college or university, you should check with them first to see if they will accept your diploma.

   Online Degree education FAQ. How can I apply for an online degree course? Admission and registration for an online degree or other distance education course is the same as for any other college course. Once a student is admitted to the college, registration may be done by phone, online or in-person at any of the college's campuses. Withdrawal and refund policies provided in the course schedule apply to all courses, including distance education courses.

   Online Degree education FAQ. How many online degree courses can I take? You may take as many online degree courses as you choose, within load limits set for all classes. However, if you have not taken any distance education courses before, you may want to "test the waters" by taking just one, then adding to that if you find the method meets your needs.    Online Degree education FAQ. I am interested in being an online instructor. Is that a good idea? That's a great decision, and a growing profession with a brilliant future ahead. Online degree institutions will certainly need to hire more online instructors, so go for it!

   Online Degree education FAQ. Will the credits I receive from an online degree educational institution be later accepted by a traditional college or university? The DETC 2001 survey of graduates showed that of those who attempted (and only 1 of 3 did attempt) to transfer credits and degrees, 2 of 3 were successful. Acceptance of degrees or credits from online degree institutions is largely determined by the policy of the "receiving organization," e.g., an employer, a college registrar, etc. Accreditation is not a guarantee that credit will transfer to any college or university. You should always check with the college or university that you wish to transfer your credits to before you enroll in an online degree course.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Is online degree education for everyone? No. Many students want and need the personal interaction that a traditional classroom gives to them. Good candidates for online degree and distance education courses are those students who are self-directed and self-motivated. This may include professionals who travel extensively, students in remote locations, or those who, for personal or professional reasons, need the flexibility to attend classes. Anecdotally, it seems that the people who have the skills to succeed in online learning have the kinds of skills that make them successful in their careers. Most of the online learners at the moment are adults.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Are online degrees as useful as conventional degrees to succed in your career? Anecdotally, it seems that the people who have the skills to succeed in online degree learning have the kinds of skills that make them successful in their careers. Most of the online learners at the moment are adults.

   Online Degree education FAQ. What computer equipment is usually necessary for a student to join an online degree program? Do students need high computer knowledge? Online degree students must have a 450 MHz or faster processor with at least 64 MB of RAM, a CD-Rom drive with sound card and an ISP (internet service provider) outside of the workplace (because of firewalls). Students needn't be experts in computers or Internet. They should, however, know how to use the computer; how to navigate the worldwide web browser; how to save and retrieve files; how to use standard business software; how to use a CD-ROM; and how to use a modem to connect to the Internet.

   Online Degree education FAQ. Are there any systems in place to keep online degree students honest? It's a real concern. Online degree cheating is not "rampant," but it is getting more common. But instructors now weight grades in such a way that the tests and assignments that really matter are completed under a closer scrutiny.

Online degree reference and books

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Here is a collection of reference websites, books and other resources you may wish to look up when further studying online degree and distance learning options.

Books

Websites

Videoconferencing

Journals

Online education associations

Other useful resources

Further online degree resources. Books.

   Bear, John and Mariah: "Bears' Guide To Earning Degrees Non-Traditionally". Bears' Guide lists and profiles DL schools, accredited and state-approved (non-accredited), national and international, and answer common questions, such as how to obtain college credits through life and work experience.

   Corrigan, Dan: "The Internet University-College Courses By Computer". Describes more than 600 accredited courses and 30 schools along with 1,500 Internet sources of free study. Cape Software Press, PO. Box 800, Harwich, MA, 02645, (508) 432-2435.

   D'Antoni, Susan: "The Virtual University and e-Learning". Published by Unesco Publishing. Visit the book's website.

   Ellsworth, Jill: "Education on the Internet". 590 pages of everything you want to know about electronic educational resources from kindergarten through graduate school. There is also information about taking classes online and distance learning. Sams Publishing, 201 West 103 Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46290, USA. Call. 800-428-5331.

   Krebs, Arlene: "The Distance Learning Funding Sourcebook". available from Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, USA, 52004-1840. Phone: 800-228-0810 or 319-589-1077. This book has information about funding agencies that support educational telecommunications and the new media, including grants, foundations, and advice on grant-writing for online degree studies.

   Lamdin, Lois: "Earn College Credit For What You Know". How to get college credit for work and life experience. CAEL, 243 S. Wabash Ave., Ste. 800, Chicago, IL, 60604, ph: 312-922-1769.

   Peterson: "The Independent Study Catalog". Lists accredited schools that offer DL courses.

   Thorson, Marcie Kisner: "Campus-Free College Degrees". 304 pages, Thorson Guides, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ph.: (918) 622-2811. Thorson's Guide to accredited distance learning degree programs. It lists and profiles US accredited DL schools and programs, and answers common questions, such as how to obtain college credits through life and work experience

   Watkins, Barbara: "The Foundations of American Distance Education". 320 pages, Kendall-Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, Iowa, 52004-1840, Ph: (800-228-0810). Foundations profiles a century of (regionally accredited) collegiate correspondence study, and looks to trends of the future.

Further online degree resources. Websites.

   Distance Education Clearinghouse. This "clearinghouse" or web portal focuses exclusively on information relating to online degrees and other distance education.

   The International Center for Distance Learning. Based at the UK Open University, ICDL is an international centre for research, teaching, consultancy, information and publishing activities on online degrees and distance education.

   Unesco Education Publications. The Education sector of UNESCO is a rich source of electronic publications. Included on the website are many recent titles relating to online degree teacher education and ICT.

   E-Learn Magazine. E-Learn Magazine offers a community hub for e-learning professionals on the Web, providing a wealth of public forums for the free exchange of ideas on online degree and related topics.

   E-Learning Post. E-Learning blog forum with daily content on the world of online degrees and distance education.

Further online degree resources. Videoconferencing.

   Website. SAVIE. Online resources on distance education videoconferencing.

Further online degree resources. Journals.

   Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE) United States. Published quarterly in English. Journal's Website

   Educational Technology Review (ETR) United States. Published annually in English. Journal's Website

   International Journal of Educational Technology (IJET) Australia and United States. Published twice each year in English. Journal's Website

   Journal of Interactive Media in Education (JIME) Great Britain. Published annually in English. Journal's Website

Further online degree resources. Online education associations.

INTERNATIONAL online degree associations

   International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE).
Address: Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway
Tel: + 47 22 06 26 30
Fax: + 47 22 06 26 31
Email: icde@icde.org

   ICDE is officially recognised by the United Nations as the global non-governmental organisation responsible for the field of open and distance learning, and is affiliated with the United Nations through UNESCO. ICDE is also an affiliate member of South East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) and a World Bank Partner organisation. Founded in 1938 to help provide education for students and children living far away from schools, the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) has become over the years the global membership organisation in the field, and is now (in 2002) present in 142 countries. The majority of its membership is composed of educational institutions at all levels (schools, colleges, universities), but it also includes national and regional associations, corporations, educational authorities and agencies, active in open, virtual and distance learning. The main mission of the ICDE today is to provide leadership and facilitate cooperation, development and communication at the global level in online degree programs, distance and virtual learning.

AUSTRALIA online degree associations

   Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA).
Address: Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6268 8046. Fax +61 2 6268 8496.
Contact Person: Wanda Jackson.

CANADA online degree associations

   Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE / ACED).
Address: 204, 260 Dalhousie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7E4, Canada.
Phone: +1.613.2140018

EUROPE online degree associations

   European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU).
Address: Valkenburgerweg 177, AT Heerlen 6419, The Netherlands.
Phone: +31.45.5762214
Email: secretariat@eadtu.nl

NEW ZEALAND online degree associations

   Distance Education Association of New Zealand (DEANZ).
School of Education. University of Waikato. Private Bag 3105. Hamilton, NZ.
Contact Person: Nola Campbell.

UNITED KINGDOM online degree associations

   British Association for Open Learning.
Wickham Hunt and Co. Gregans House. 34 Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF, UK.
Tel.: 01462 431331

UNITED STATES online degree associations

   United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).
8 Winter Street, Suite 508. Boston, Massachusetts 02108, USA.
Tel: 800.275.5162
Fax: 617.399.1771
Contact person: John G. Flores.

Some prominent state distance learning associations:

   Arizona Distance Learning Association (AzDLA).
Address: P.O. Box 5676, Flagstaff, Arizona, Az-86011, USA.

                   Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA).
Address: BECON, 6600 SW Nova Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33317, USA.

                   Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA).
Address: UMUC, 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA.
Phone: 240-582-2619.
Contact Person: Patti Wolf.

                   Missouri Distance Learning Association (MoDLA).
Address: Alumni Center 303E. 300 S. Jefferson. Springfield, MO 65804, USA.
Phone: 417-836-4229.
Contact Person: Diana Garland.

                   Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA).
Email: info@txdla.org
Phone: 817-515-4430
Contact Person: Kevin Eason.

Online Degrees and Distance Learning

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Both academic institutions of higher learning and professional organizations agree that online degree and distance learning education environments can offer visible, measurable benefits. According to educators from Cornell University, "the web provides significant new functionality in transmitting information to the student and providing forums for exchange. The web is revolutionizing some areas of study through increased opportunities for learning and alternative formats for information." (Dwyer, Barbieri, and Doerr, 1995).

Some of these benefits and opportunities offered by online learning may include:

Enhancing student-to-student and faculty-to-student communication - The integration of online, web-based learning with proven education methodologies can provide added value to traditional education. Students and faculty can both benefit from using the communication and assessment tools that are made available via online learning.
Enabling student-centered teaching approaches - Students are able to have a customized approach to education that suits their personal learning styles and busy schedules.
Providing 24/7 accessibility to course materials - Continual access to resources through online delivery and automated management tools minimizes the faculty's cost and time associated with the experience.
Providing just-in-time methods to assess and evaluate student progress
Reducing "administrivia" around course management

The advantages of online learning via an online degree or distance learning program could make an impact in higher education today and, as technology evolves, strive to deliver greater benefits in the future.

Featured Online Degrees

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is the nation's largest private accredited university offering adults and aspiring career professionals with high quality education. University of Phoenix students has several locations located in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. University of Phoenix's commitment to educational excellence and unparalleled student service has made this institution of higher learning the leading accredited online university in the United States. University of Phoenix offers online degrees in business, technology, education, healthcare and criminal justice.

The University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (30 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; (800) 621-7440).

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006; (212) 363-5555).

Kaplan University

Kaplan University Kaplan University is one of the world's premier higher education institution providing innovative and relavant undergraduate, graduate and continuing professional and career education. Kaplan University Online programs promote student learning by providing opportunities to launch, advance or change careers in a diverse and ever changing global community.
Kaplan University offers professional certificates, associate degrees and bachelor degrees in business, criminal justice, information technology, education, paralegal studies, healthcare management, and nursing.
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (NCA).

AIU Online

American InterContinental University Online has been educating students and producing top leaders in the community and professional world for many years. AIU online offers adult students and aspiring career professionals the opportunity to earn their Bachelor's Degree online in Information Technology, Visual Communications, Business Administration or BBAs in Marketing, Healthcare Management, Management or Human Resources as well as Associate Degrees in Business or IT fast.
Students with the right qualifications can also earn their Master's Degree in IT, Education or Business Administration (MBA), or MBAs in Management, Marketing, Human Reources or Healthcare Management all via online distance learning.

Strayer University

Strayer University was established in 1984 to provide adult students and aspiring career professionals an online independent-study degree programs. This unique, self-paced distance-learning format makes it possible for students to earn their degree conveniently, at their own pace, according to their schedule. Warren National University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in variety of fields including business, technology, criminal justice, engineering, web design, culinary arts, and more.
Strayer University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000; www.msache.org). The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

2011-08-11T03:28:00.000-07:00

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