Monster Learning 

Monster Learning Featured Article

Considering an Online Education?

1.  CHOOSE A PROGRAM CAREFULLY

When considering an online education, it is  important to choose a program carefully. Keep the following suggestions below in mind when choosing a program.

Is the school accredited? Beware of “diploma mills.” These are companies that exist solely for profit; they do not grant degrees that are actually meaningful in the workplace or to other educational institutions. Be certain that school you wish to enroll with is accredited by one of the groups listed below or by the Distance Education and Training Council. These organizations evaluate the worth of schools and the degrees that they grant. If a school is reliable, then it will advertise that it's "accredited" by one of the six organizations. Credits from an accredited degree program are more respected by employers and may also be transferable toward degrees at other accredited schools.

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools & Colleges

Does the program meet my needs?

Below are some differences to consider when comparing programs:

• Prerequisites. Some programs require certain background knowledge. For example, to succeed in a certain engineering class, you might need three semesters of calculus. To enroll in a specialty area of dentistry, you will need a general dentistry degree first.
• Time. A great advantage of online programs is that they are designed to fit anybody's schedule. Some programs allow students to take just one class at a time, but other's may require taking multiple classes for full-time study.
• Expenses. The cost of online education varies widely. Students at accredited online schools are now eligible for federal aid. Many types of scholarships may also be available through the school's endowment. Military personnel and their spouses often receive substantial discounts. Of course, education should be considered an investment; the money that you put in will ideally be returned. A college diploma opens many doors to employment and job advancement. And by learning online instead of on a traditional campus, you can save on school-related expenses such as fuel, car maintenance, child care, clothing, and meals.
• Prestige. Some people want a degree from a well-known Ivy League university. Others are only concerned with acquiring knowledge and an accredited degree. In any case, you'll want your degree to be respected in ways that affect your own life. If you're pursuing an online degree for job advancement, speak with your employer about online degrees that he/she would value. If you're hoping to transfer online credits to another institution, consult with the institution before investing in online classes. You can learn about the general reputation of a school by reading rankings that are published by magazines such as U.S. News & World Report.
• Learning style. People have different learning styles, and you'll want to keep this in mind as you choose an online degree program. Instructors in traditional schools have different teaching styles, and the same holds true for instructors online. Some professors will rely exclusively upon audio lectures delivered on MP3 files. Others will use Blackboard technology that lets you watch as they graph data or write equations.
• Support. Schools offer a variety of benefits to their students and such perks as: academic advising; writing assistance; library access; tutoring; and assistance finding internships and employment.

2.  APPLY TO ONLINE SCHOOLS

How many schools should you apply to? This depends upon your situation. Generally, students are advised to apply to five schools. These would include two schools that will almost definitely accept them, two schools that will probably accept them, and one that is more of a reach. Students might apply to more schools or fewer schools depending on how much time they have to spend on completing applications and how much money they can spend on application fees.

Once you've identified one or more programs that fit your needs, complete their applications. If a program is not very competitive, then this may involve little time and effort. If the choice is to submit your application online or through the mail - applying online! You'll want to show the admissions committee that you are comfortable with computer technology. Some online programs have application processes that are identical to or very similar to traditional university applications. That is, they involve writing essays, providing letters of recommendation, and perhaps completing a phone interview.

If you are required to submit an essay, allow yourself plenty of time to consider the question. You might want to keep the question in the back of your mind for several days before writing a response. Then, after you've written your answer, set it aside for a day. Your answer might seem different after you've stepped away from it for awhile. Of course, make your essay and the entire application as error-free as possible. Use the spell-checker and ask another person to review your essay and application before submission.

When will your application be due? Many programs accept applications year-round. Others have specific time windows for application submission. Also, some online programs have open enrollment which allows students to begin their coursework at any time. Others are more similar to traditional universities and have defined semesters or quarters.

After you submit your application, the school should send confirmation of receipt.   Allow them sufficient time to review the application. However, if you don't receive confirmation within a few days of submitting your application, then call the admissions office to verify receipt. Make certain to also submit transcripts and any application fees if required.  If you neglect to send in all of the required materials, your application may not be reviewed.

3. TAKE YOUR ONLINE COURSES. LEARN

Online schooling experiences vary. With advancements in internet speed and other technologies, schools have developed many different ways to deliver information. Common methods include print, video and audio materials.

• Print. Physical textbooks or accessing e-texts.
• Video. Students download streaming video, log on to view a live lecture, view a course on television, or receive a video lecture in the mail.
• Audio. Streaming audio, download MP3s, or receive audio tapes in the mail.

Interact with your professors and classmates. Online asynchronous (not live) interaction methods may include email, listservs, or forums with threaded discussions. Synchronous interaction may include text chat, videoconferencing, or talking on the telephone.

Show what you know. Schools also have devised different ways to evaluate students. Students might take online tests, interact with their professor for an oral exam, or submit a paper. Some programs require students to complete a comprehensive project.

4. EARN YOUR DEGREE AND MOVE AHEAD!

Visit an online institution which offers distance learning opportunities for more information.