Is An Online Degree Considered A "Second Rate" Education?

Is An Online Degree Considered A "Second Rate" Education?

By E Traxler

It was not too long ago that when people spoke of getting an online degree, it was regarded as "an alternative to" the mainstream, traditional classroom-based education. But somehow online college degree programs of yesteryear were regarded as being inferior, second-rate, or inadequate, as compared to their traditional classroom counterparts. But online degree programs have sure come a long way since the early days of their inception. In fact, they have advanced so much so that even traditional classroom courses are adopting many of the tools and resources to augment their existing resources, that their online counterparts are already relying on as their sole means of operation. Apparently traditional college and universities must agree that these online degree programs are indeed doing something right.

Not only are traditional classrooms starting to morph more into hybrids between traditional classrooms and distance learning courses, but these degree programs are earning academic accreditation from the very same governing bodies that issue accreditation to traditional schools. You know what this means, right? This means that from the government's perspective, the quality of education offered by an online class is equally on par with that offered by a traditional classroom. In other words, in the 21st century today, a degree in accounting from an accredited online university is equally as good as a degree in accounting from a traditional classroom-based university.

So if online degree programs are just as good as their traditional counterparts, then why isn't everyone doing it now? Why don't we see the lecture halls sitting empty while entire college campuses are being abandoned in favor of their online equivalents?

We are seeing that the number of students opting to enroll in online degree programs is on the rise. But it is a matter of lifestyle choice. It is up to you whether you want to get your degree online or in person. It won't make even one iota of a difference in terms of academic standards of excellence in education. You will gain the same knowledge and complete the same course objectives and take the same tests. It really boils down to a question of personal preference.

Even the busiest person can get a degree online. There's no need to allow your hectic lifestyle keep you from getting the education you deserve. Find out more about online degrees and get enrolled in classes today!

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Distance Education Provides Flexibility for Today's World

Distance Education Provides Flexibility for Today's World

By Troy Childers

People seek educational courses for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you need to learn a new skill for your current employer, or are beginning a new degree program. Maybe you are starting a new hobby, or you want to try something new. You have many choices available to you -- read a book, take a college or university class, enroll in a correspondence course -- and the decision may seem overwhelming. Traditional educational environments rarely meet the demands of today's modern society, and distance education has become a viable option for numerous students. Why go to class once a week when you can learn in the comfort of your own home? Or the local coffee shop?

A variety of non-traditional learning opportunities are available, each designed to give you the flexibility and convenience you need for your lifestyle. Correspondence courses, online classes, and eLearning modules all have more flexibility than traditional learning environments.

Distance Education: Correspondence Courses

Correspondence courses are one of the oldest forms of distance education. The entire course is mailed to you and your assignments are mailed (or emailed) back to the instructor. You have a certain amount of time to complete the course, but extensions are usually available if you need more time. Typically, you may begin any time and work at your own pace. One added benefit of distance education through a correspondence course is that you won't need a computer to access your class.

Distance Education: Online Classes

Distance education through online classes is now offered through many community centers, colleges, and universities. These courses may be taught through an online classroom, use recorded lectures, or include full interactive coursework accessed through the Internet. Assignments and tests are usually completed online, and there may be an interactive forum with teachers and students. Some courses may need to be completed according to the class schedule, while others are able to be completed at your own pace.

Currently, many degrees and certifications are offered entirely online. Many online programs allow you to work at your own pace and complete your degree in less time than usual. If you are pursuing a degree or industry certification, be sure the online program carries appropriate accreditation.

Online courses are also an excellent option when you need to upgrade your current skills. The flexibility allows you to take only the course you need without having to complete an entire degree program. Many occupational and technical schools provide courses working professionals can use to advance their career or skills.

Distance Education: eLearning Modules

One of the newer options in distance education is called eLearning. Frequently, these classes contain both online and offline components. You may be shipped CDs instead of books, the entire course may be contained on CDs, or the course may be online but not dependant on any specific classroom time or schedule. In other words, eLearning is similar to a correspondence course, but contains interactive CDs or online content.

Flexibility is an option many students need to begin or continue their education. Choosing the best distance education format for your specific needs will help you reach your educational goals without sacrificing your current obligations and lifestyle.

Courses Direct is a leading distance vocational education provider operating all over the world including Australia, New Zealand & United Kingdom. Our aim is to provide quality education to students everywhere at a time and place that is flexible and accessible, meaning it fits with work commitments, budget and lifestyle. Online and Distance Education Correspondence Courses offer convenience for your continuing education.


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The Adult Students' Guide to Success in College

The Adult Students' Guide to Success in College

By Linda Aragoni

Heading for college to improve your job skills or train for a new position? You are not alone. First time "nontraditional students" -- those who are not coming directly from high school -- are enrolling in colleges in record numbers. Most of those students say they have the skills, motivation, and desire to succeed in college. Yet according to the Survey of Entering Student Engagement released in March, 2010, a third of those students had already set themselves up for failure in the first three weeks of their college experience.

You don't have to be one of those college failures. Here are three ways you can increase the likelihood of getting your college diploma.

Deal with deficiencies.

If your placement test or previous academic record shows you are not ready to do college level work in a core subject like English or math, bring your skills up to college level before you tackle other college classes. Taking "Introduction to Accounting" is foolish if you don't have the necessary math skills. Likewise, taking a class in which your term grade depends solely on two essays is foolish if you are deficient in writing.

Instead of waiting until you get to college to begin remedial study, look for alternatives that you can do immediately, such as online tutorials or attending community adult education classes. Such alternatives are cheaper than college courses, and they may be all you need to avoid having to take remedial college classes.

Go to class.

Showing up for class is the first step toward your diploma. If you miss a class early in a term, you may miss directions for something you need to know later.

At least your first term, aim to have only "cast or casket" absences -- those that are unplanned and unavoidable. If attending your daughter's soccer games is a priority for you, don't take a class whose meetings conflict with scheduled games.

Do your homework.

It is imperative that you manage your time so that you get your work done on time. Failure to turn in homework or turning it in late marks you as unmotivated or irresponsible. Those are not descriptions you want instructors to associate with your name.

Many students scramble to get written assignments done, but fail to keep up with reading assignments. As a result, they may find themselves unprepared for final exams. Keep up with required reading right from your first day of class.

Following just these three simple rules will start off on the right foot. If you run into a problem later, you'll find college instructors will be very willing to work with you because you have shown you are serious about your education.

A writing instructor who taught adult college students in online classes for five years, Linda Aragoni continues to support students embarking on college careers through her e-book Grammar Abusers Anonymous which teaches study skills for turning error-riddled papers into grammar exercises. She also offers free essay help in an on-line forum at website, You-Can-Teach-Writing.com. Copyright 2010, Linda G. Aragoni. You may reprint this article provided the whole text, the author's name, the links, and this copyright notice remain intact.


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The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

By Linda Aragoni

Out-of-school adults are entering college in increasing numbers. If you are one of those students, knowing what not to do can make the difference between between flunking out and graduating. Here are four tips to help you make the most of your college experience. 1. Don't expect college to be like high school. Unlike high school teachers, college instructors won't break the work into daily assignments for you. They expect you to read the syllabus and plan your work to meet the class deadlines. In many classes, your semester grade may depend on one or two assignments. College instructors rarely give a separate grade for homework and class participation, so your course grade will likely be based solely on test grades and papers.

2. Don't expect college to be like your workplace.

Your employer probably hired you because of your aptitude for your job, told you how the job must be done, and trained you to do it. At least for the first week, someone probably checked daily to see how you were getting along and whether you had questions.

In college, your instructors will assume you have skills such as time management, study skills, and academic writing. If you do not have those skills, may find yourself plunged into situations for which you have little or no preparation. You may be a whiz at bookkeeping, for example, but find yourself enrolled in English, history, and sociology.

3. Don't take on too much.

If you have been out of school a few years, you many find it best to ease into a college program by taking just a single course. For starters, take a course in which you have some expertise or interest. That will help learn your way around and gain confidence. Be careful, however, that your grade in the course will not depend heavily on skills you don't have. If your grade in an art course will depend on a term paper and you need remedial writing, don't take the art course until you have dealt with your writing skills deficit.

Then, when you are familiar with the college environment, take a single course in which you expect to have some difficulty. In this way, you will not only have time to adjust to college, but also get one tough class out of the way.

4. Don't hesitate to seek help.

If you see you are having difficulty with an academic subject, make an appointment to see your instructor right away. If you have problems that affect you in more than one class, such as a learning disorder, check the college catalog or ask your advisor to refer you to someone who can help.

If your problem is not academic, you may still be able to get help on campus. Most colleges can direct you to employment services, academic aid, health services, and counseling for personal problems.

With realistic expectations and a willingness to ask for help you'll be off to a good start on your college degree.

A former college writing instructor who taught adult students in online classes for five years, Linda Aragoni helps teachers do a better job teaching expository writing to students at her website, You-Can-Teach-Writing.com. She continues to support students embarking on college careers with essay help in an on-site forum. Copyright 2010, Linda G. Aragoni. You may reprint this article provided the whole text, the author's name, the links, and this copyright notice remain intact.

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