“Earn a college degree in your pajamas!” “Get your bachelor’s
without leaving the house!” “Study wherever and however you want!”
Higher ed has been marketing online courses and degree programs
like this for years now. Online programs are more flexible than the traditional
residential university experience. But catchphrases like these cause students
to think online study is easy and convenient, too. While the flexibility is
real, know that college isn’t supposed to be easy, and it’s rarely convenient.
It’s important to begin the process of choosing a program with
your eyes wide open. Don’t believe the marketing spin that this is going to be
a cakewalk. Earning a degree is going to take serious effort and long-term
commitment.
It’s also important to understand that not all programs are created equal. In fact, no two programs are exactly the same. There are wide variances in quality, format, cost, success rates, and more.
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is an educational process where students receive
instruction through online classes, video recordings, video conferencing, or
any other audio/visual technology medium. It enables people to receive
education without having to be physically present in a classroom.
Properly designed distance learning programs can be a very
convenient and effective way to acquire more education. This may seem difficult
without students and teachers interacting in a classroom, but people enrolled
in distance learning programs can learn just as much away from a classroom as
in one.
Distance learning and education are interchangeable terms.
Distance learning is not a recent phenomenon. The origins of distance learning
can be traced back to the advent of the modern postal system and the mass
production of printed publications, which made it possible to spread
information rapidly throughout the world.
Why Distance Learning?
Distance learning has made education more accessible to larger
groups of people. It is a convenient way to obtain work experience while
completing college or other vocational training. Many organizations, such as
the military, large corporations, and government agencies rely on distance
education to train service members and employees. Education has also changed as
communication technology has revolutionized society.
In most cases, education or specialized training is a requirement
for most high paid jobs. The availability of the Internet has increased the
number of online courses. These courses are offered at online colleges, such as
Argosy University, University of Phoenix, Capella University, and Kaplan
University.
Who Uses Distance Learning?
More students today are taking advantage of distance learning
programs. Working professionals, high school students, and even traditional
college students enroll in distance learning classes. Companies and other
organizations frequently utilize distance learning programs to train employees.
The following are some of the reasons people enroll in distance learning
programs:
·
Students living in rural areas or those unable
to attend traditional classes utilize distance learning
·
Students from all over the world can enroll in
online courses offered at specific colleges
·
Companies utilize distance learning programs to
train employees, especially those working in distance regions
Distance learning is very flexible.
Although distance learning can fit into anyone's schedule,
students must take the initiative to study and complete their course work.
Distance learning programs are not easy or automatic, so lazy students will
probably not successfully complete courses they enroll in. However, even
students that are busy or have numerous responsibilities should find the time
to study because of the flexibility of these programs.
What technology is used for online distance learning?
Many different types of technology are utilized to enhance online
learning. Special computer programs, high speed Internet, and webcam
broadcasting technology are just a few of the modern technologies utilized in
distance learning. As a result, learning opportunities that never existed for
people living in distance or rural areas can obtain a college education or
specialized job training. It's not uncommon for a student living in a rural
region of South Dakota to complete a course offered by a college in California.
Students often interact with teachers using video conferencing,
satellite, and Internet technology. They can also communicate with other
students enrolled in the same course using modern telecommunications
technology.
Since students can complete courses wherever the Internet is
accessible, many often take time during a work break or while staying in a
hotel during a business trip to complete their school work. The flexibility of
distance learning is one of the main appeals of these programs.
What is the experience like for online distance learners?
Since distance learning is slowly becoming a popular way to
complete college or job training, many people still have reservations about it.
The details provided below will give those considering distance learning an
idea of what it's like:
·
Students usually interact with classmates and
teachers in chat rooms and other instant messaging services. This
makes it possible to ask questions and share comments without sitting in a
classroom. Teacher lectures are frequently broadcast online, and many students
and teachers stay in touch via conference calling technology.
·
Group work is completed in chat rooms and
special rooms on websites. Students also use e-mail, instant
messaging, and web broadcasting technology to discuss project ideas with
classmates.
·
Course assignments completed by students are
completed on a website or submitted as email attachments. Students
are usually not permitted to submit work completed on websites after due dates.
·
Most reference materials, such as documents and
books, are accessible online for students. As a
result, students usually do not have to visit libraries to complete traditional
research. Many of the books students need are scanned and placed online.
·
Questions for instructors can be asked over the
phone, through an e-mail, or in a chat room. Instant
messaging technology is becoming a very popular way for students and teachers
to interact.
Working professionals, stay at home moms, and other people unable
to attend college on a campus are utilizing distance learning programs to
acquire more education or job training.
Choosing a Distance Learning School
Distance learning has existed for centuries through traditional
mail and other creative means, but online education is still a relatively new
field. Even though the technology is different, the educational mission and
academic standards are the same as in traditional education: providing a
quality education. Many online schools do exactly that, while others are merely
degree mills or outright frauds. And of course, there's plenty of variety in
the middle.
As you search for online schools, it's important to know what
you're looking for, and what to look out for. Below are some parameters to help
you choose the best online school for you.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the first and most important aspect of any
school. Make sure a proper association-preferably a regional association-has
accredited the school you're investigating. This will ensure that it is meeting
academic requirements and that other institutions will accept the credits you
earn. Attending a school that isn't properly accredited will not only cause you
headaches in college, but with future employers as well.
You also want to check that the accrediting agency is legit. Some
of them don't review schools very thoroughly and some will approve almost
anyone for a fee. Your best bet is to verify that the accrediting association
is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education.
Quality of Faculty
By its nature, distance education is more independent than
attending a physical classroom with other students, but having good teachers is
still vital. Go online and research the faculty of any school you're looking
at. How much education and experience do the teachers have?
Just because a school delivers classes online doesn't mean the
teachers should be any less qualified. Most community college teachers have at
least a Masters degree in their field. University professors typically have
PhD's. Any good online school should have comparable faculty.
Degree Programs
As with any school, you need to research the academic programs at
an online school and make sure they line up with your goals for higher
education. These days, there are many options to choose from in distance
education, so shop around and compare specific programs at different schools.
Does this school offer Associates degrees or professional
certification? If so, are they recognized by other institutions of higher
education? This is vital, especially if you plan on continuing on to a
four-year university.
Look at the specific courses that are required for a degree. Do
they look interesting, challenging, or make sense with the field of study? Are
these classes that you would be attracted to? How do they compare to the course
requirements at other online schools?
Understand the Requirements and Schedule
It is also wise to understand the academic requirements and the
class schedule before you commit to an online program. In distance education,
these factors can vary widely from program to program. Some courses allow you
to work at your own pace while others have deadlines, a schedule of live
virtual classes, or in-person testing administered by the instructor or a
proctor.
Ask yourself a few questions about you as a student. Are you good
at self-motivation and staying on task, or do you need structure and/or
deadlines? Are you an auditory learner, meaning you can remember details better
if you hear them, or a visual learner who can easily read and absorb
information? Some online courses are filled with live or recorded video
lectures, podcasts and multimedia lessons, while others rely mainly on written
text.
Some online programs are hybrid and require some physical
attendance, either for lectures or exams. Understand the schedule so you can be
certain you can meet these requirements. Also make sure the school is not too
far away from where you live.
Cost
How much is tuition and are there any hidden fees or extra costs?
Distance education is a dynamic and competitive market, and cost and quality
don't always match up. If you've begun your search with one school in
particular, expand it by looking at other schools with comparable tuition.
Compare the quality and variety of degrees, experience of the teachers and
feedback from former and current students.
Online college should typically cost a little less than attending
a traditional college or university. If you're looking at a particular online
school, do a cost comparison with other colleges in your area.
Student Enrollment, Class Size and Office Hours
How many students does this school enroll? In general, more is
better. If an established school isn't attracting that many students, it's
probably not a good sign. The same goes for how long the school has been in
business. The longer, the better. You still want to investigate the quality of
their programs and faculty, but experience is usually a good sign.
Look beyond the enrollment numbers. What is the graduation rate?
You want to attend a school that has a good record of students' academic
success. What is the student/teacher ratio and average class size? The class is
online, but to succeed you will still need some individual attention from the
instructor.
That should extend beyond the classroom. It's often overlooked in
online education, but students still require extra interaction with
instructors, as well as access to tutoring and mentorship opportunities. Many
long-distance teachers will keep online “office hours,” allowing students the
same access to instructors as in traditional classes.
If possible, talk to some current or former students to get an idea
of the availability of these important aspects of school.
Hardware, Software and Textbooks
Most online schools have basic requirements when it comes to
computers. You won't need a supercomputer, just something that is relatively
up-to-date and able to handle word processing and typical online activity. In
the case of some specialized courses, you'll need expensive hardware, but not
for most classes.
Software will usually be provided free of charge. In some cases
you will need to buy software for the class, which can vary widely in price.
The same goes for textbooks. Make sure you know the cost estimate for software
and textbooks. They can add up fast.
Criteria
Remember, distance education has a different delivery method than
traditional education, but the goal remains the same. So do the academic
standards. Use the same criteria you would for a physical college, just in a
different context. If an online school is right for you, it should stand up to
the test.
Choosing a Distance Learning Program
Since
more students are enrolling in distance learning programs, those considering
enrolling in one should be cautious when selecting a program. Not all programs
offer high quality education. Many institutions are cashing in on this demand
for distance learning by offering programs that are sub-par or non-accredited.
Therefore, those looking for a distance learning program should conduct
thorough research before selecting one.
Formats Vary Widely...and So Do Costs
For starters, we’re using the term “online course” to mean a
college course offered for credit that can be taken completely online. But
within that narrow definition exist many different types of courses. Some are
little more than correspondence courses: pre-recorded videos with minimal
personal involvement from the professor. Some are videos
recorded live and archived for later viewing. Others go far beyond video,
offering richly interactive learning materials and robust professor
interactions.
Costs also vary considerably. Many of the high-quality online
programs are offered through traditional universities, where the online courses
are just as expensive as their on-campus counterparts. Devon Haynie at US News found that most
online courses from traditional 4-year programs cost $300-400 per credit hour,
plus additional fees. She signed up for a personal finance course that cost
$1300 total. There were discounts to be had for in-state tuition, and she found
a community college option for $515.
Of course, a quick Google search reveals many low- and no-cost
options. But beware: many of these are from unaccredited schools or can’t be
taken for college credit. As a rule of thumb, if something is worth $1300 from
a well-known school, you should view with suspicion the $25 version from a
school you’ve never heard of.
Bottom line: expect to pay a decent amount for decent quality
online education, and understand that courses will vary in format and quality.
Know What You’re Paying For
Along the same lines, it’s important to know what you’re paying
for before you buy. If you’re enrolling in an entirely online program, this
comes into play before you enroll. Do your research. US News offers an independent ranking of
entirely online programs, with in-depth reviews of the top programs.
If on the other hand you’re enrolling in a few courses here and
there (perhaps to finish out a degree you’ve already started), you need to do
your research for each course. Say you paid $1000 for a robust, high-quality
course and were happy with your investment. Will you be happy to drop another
$1000 on a lesser quality course? Make sure you know what you’re getting before
you buy.
Know What’s Expected of You
Online courses are marketed to busy professionals and adults
trying to complete degrees. Marketers emphasize the freedom and convenience,
but these courses are still a ton of work. Before you enroll in and pay for a
course, find out what kind of time commitment you’re making. Many college
courses, online or not, require 15 hours or more per week. Some have huge
projects that spike the needed time drastically upward one or two weeks of the
semester.
Bottom line: take the time to find out what will be expected of
you, then evaluate whether you are able to give that kind of time—before you
buy.
Have a Plan
If your ultimate goal is a degree, then taking an online class
here or there because the content sounds interesting or useful isn’t a real
plan. Instead, you need to create a plan that leads to your goal.
You may be part-way through a residential degree program, looking
to fill some course gaps. You may be working on getting an academic head start
by knocking out some early courses online before heading to a residential
program. Or you may be looking for a degree that can be earned entirely online.
Whatever your approach, be sure to formulate a plan that leads to a degree
before enrolling in an online course.
The good news is you shouldn’t need to go it alone. You should
have access to a faculty advisor or coach who can help you craft this plan. If
your prospective online college can’t offer you this kind of guidance, consider
that a red flag.
Understand Some Potential Downsides
Online programs can leave students feeling a bit isolated.
Face-to-face (two-way) video interaction with instructors is rare to nonexistent,
and collaboration with classmates is often limited to chat and email. The
collaboration and camaraderie residential students enjoy just isn’t there. Look
for programs that work hard to overcome this, but understand that it’s an issue
even in the best programs.
Online programs have a lower graduation rate than residential or
blended (part residential, part online) programs, notes James Paterson at EducationDive. Experts
disagree on the reasons why, but it may have to do with the greater level of
self-motivation and direction that’s needed to succeed while feeling all on
your own.
To offset these downsides, look for quality online programs with
robust student services and student support. The old adage “you get what you
pay for” is generally true here: the cheapest courses have the lowest levels of
student support.
Know Your Way Around a Computer
You don’t have to be a technology expert to make online college
work, but you do need to be conversant. Every school has its own learning
management system, or LMS. You may need to troubleshoot why video isn’t playing
(do you have the necessary software/codec/browser?). Courses will have their
own platforms and systems and even sometimes specialized software. And of
course, nothing works without a stable internet connection.
Bottom line: if the lingo in the previous paragraph scares you, you
may need to brush up on your computer skills before diving into online
education.
Realize That Convenient Doesn’t Mean Easy
Online classes and degree programs offer a measure of convenience
that a traditional residential program can’t match. The ability to watch
lectures from anywhere and on your own timetable is indispensable for some. But
don’t make the mistake of thinking that an online program will be easier than
an in-person one. Quality online programs are just as rigorous as their
brick-and-mortar counterparts.
In fact, some students may find online programs more difficult
than residential programs. The content is the same, but online programs lack
some of the accountability and presence of traditional programs. In a
traditional program, students have to show up at a set time 2 or 3 times a
week. And when they do miss class, those students have to face the teacher’s
disapproving gaze the next class period. It’s much easier to fall behind when
you’re left to set your own schedule. And it’s easier to let things slide when
you don’t feel the in-person pressure from the professor.
Ensure Your Credits Will Transfer Before Enrolling
If you have any college credit to your name already, be sure your
existing college credit and your prospective online education will play nice.
The goal is to graduate from one school or the other, but not every school
accepts credits from every other school. And some schools may accept some
credits but not others from another school. Whether you intend to earn your
degree from the online or the traditional university, be certain that all your
needed credits will transfer. Do this before enrolling online.
MOOCs Are No Substitute for Traditional Online Courses
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are trendy. You can learn from
professors at elite universities, for free! And as a general enrichment tool,
they are pretty cool. But make no mistake: MOOCs are no substitute for more
conventional (and less free) online courses. They have a low completion rate
and usually have little accountability or assessment. The vast majority of
MOOCs don’t offer college credits, either. Class Central reports on a few ways to
take MOOCs for credit, but the primary way of doing so turns the free course
into a $649 course. With that kind of price tag, why not go the conventional
route and benefit from interaction with your professor?
Bottom line: take these for fun or for general enrichment. But if
you’re looking to earn a degree, these almost certainly aren’t the right choice
for you.
Look for Accreditation
Schools offering online degree programs can be accredited just
like traditional colleges and universities. Accreditation is a kind of seal of
approval granted by an independent accrediting organization. These
organizations evaluate a school’s quality and verify whether the school
complies with education law.
Some employers and many graduate schools require an accredited
degree for either hire or admission. Don’t shortchange yourself by spending
time and effort to earn a degree from an unaccredited school. It’s not worth
the risk.
Student Success
You want your diploma to be the key to future opportunities, not
just a piece of paper. Other than accreditation, how can you better know what
your degree can accomplish for you?
Start by looking at student success. Quality programs will
advertise their student successes. They may advertise high boards passing
percentages in a nursing program, above-average med school acceptance rates, or
a percentage of prospective graduates hired before graduation. These statistics
don’t guarantee you your dream job, of course, but they do suggest which
programs and schools are high in quality.
Conversely, investigate graduation/completion rates and rate of
student loan defaults. Low graduation rates and high default rates suggest a
program is not serving its students well. According to a Chicago Tribune story
by Maria Danilova, for-profit colleges are the worst offenders by both these
metrics.
Graduation rates are easily obtainable, and the higher, the
better. Remember, though, that online program graduation rates overall will be
lower than residential programs. The rate of student loan defaults can be
trickier to track down, as schools aren’t required to divulge this. But this is
the internet: if a school gets a bad reputation in this area, it won’t be too
hard to find out.
What Makes a Good Online Course?
Not all online classes are created equal. Unfortunately, there's a
whole heap of shoddily produced, bore-you-to-tears classes out there that, in
the end, just don't provide quality education. On the other hand, there are some
truly inspired, engaging, and educational classes that really live up to the
potential of distance learning. Here are a few key factors that make all the
difference to the quality of online courses:
1) Proper Pacing
It's a fine balance to strike, but the best online courses are the ones which
are properly paced. Proper pacing means the student is neither bored nor
overwhelmed; they have plenty of time--and notice--to complete large projects,
but also are kept engaged by small assignments in the interim. These small
assignments should never stack up and bury the student in stress and anxiety,
nor should they be pointless, tedious busy work.
2) Multimedia Integration
The really exciting part of online classes is the fact that they can present
content in ways that books and lectures can't. Great online courses take
advantage of this fact, and incorporate various multimedia elements into the
presentation, such as videos, podcasts, interactive activities, and more. This
is certainly more engaging than reading a long text document, and the
information is much more likely to be retained. It's not enough, however, to
simply add in multimedia for multimedia's sake. The content must be done well,
and with a clear purpose. A forty-minute video of the professor mumbling into
his webcam does not qualify as good use of multimedia.
3) Quality Content
When a course's content is of high quality, you find yourself engaged and
curious, and as a result you learn much more naturally. This is in stark
contrast to those courses which only use dismal, bland textbooks and
regurgitative, fill-in-the-blank quizzes. Low quality content feels like a
chore, and the information is seldom retained. High quality content can be of
any modality: videos, websites, audio presentations, etc. What's important is
this: does it lend itself to natural learning? Would an expert in the field
recommend it to anyone curious about the subject, regardless of the online
class? This is the sort of content used by the best online courses.
4) Self-Directed Learning
The best online classes recognize that their students are adults who have the
ability to make up their own mind and take responsibility for their own
education. When the course is too micromanaged, when the assignments are
dictated to the smallest detail, students become frustrated or, at best, don't
make any meaningful discoveries on their own. Good online courses give students
the freedom to design their own projects and explore the aspects of the subject
which are most interesting to them.
5) Community Connection
One of the biggest risks that online courses face is a sense of student
isolation. Great online courses combat this risk by encouraging online
interaction between students and faculty. For example, a class may have an
off-topic discussion board, where students can feel free to chat about anything
that interests them--the playoffs, for example, or a tasty new recipe. Or a
class may require students to work on a group project together via an online
forum. This fosters a sense of community, and gives students the support needed
to ask questions or seek guidance.
6) Multiple Learning Modalities
Everyone learns differently. Some students are very visually oriented; others
need to hear information out loud to retain it. The best online courses
integrate as many learning modalities as possible--visual, auditory,
kinesthetic, musical, and so on--into the presentation. This way, students are
able to study in the way that works best for them.
7) Intuitive Navigation
The layout of the course should be clear and easy to follow. Students should
always know what to do next, and should always know how to access relevant
information and resources. The best courses have been reviewed by third party
organizations and are designed to be intuitive to navigate.
8) Reliable Technology
Many courses, in an attempt to be flashy or stylish, utilize a host of
technologies in their presentation, often requiring students to download a
dozen new plug-ins or sign up for outside services. The problem with this is
that it doesn't always work, and everyone wastes a boatload of time and energy
troubleshooting. The best courses use only technologies which are as reliable and
as universally supported as possible. This makes the online learning experience
much more pleasant for everyone involved.
9) Room for Additional Exploration
Great online courses provide curious students with resources which provide
additional information and a greater depth of detail. It's another fine
balance: having too many supplemental add-ons can be confusing or stressful,
but it's important to give students an opportunity to learn more if they wish
to do so. The key is to clearly differentiate the core class requirements from
the additional resources, so students know exactly what's expected of them, and
what options are available.
10) Creative Design
It's a hard quality to define, but the best courses are designed to give
students a varied and fresh learning experience week after week. All too often,
online courses fall into a formula, and repeat that formula over and over for
the entire duration of the class. This will be a very dull experience for the
students, and the actual educational value of the course will suffer as well.
The best courses are designed by people who put careful thought and focused
effort towards creating a unique and engaging class experience, from start to
finish.