Although a seemingly new technology, distance education has been around for over a century. Isaac Pitman first taught shorthand through correspondence as early as the 1840′s. Of course, the internet has revolutionized the way distance education is conducted and has lead to its wide spread throughout the world. A 1997-1998 government survey found that over 1. million students enrolled in distance education courses and nearly 50,000 college classes were offered through distance education in that academic year alone.
With the advent of the internet, students can now earn an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and even a PhD completely online. A variety of methods exist for each distance learning program, but modern technology brings the conveniences of the classroom often to the student’s home PC. Professors may prerecord lectures and upload them onto the internet for later viewing by students. Most distance education programs also utilize electronic discussion boards, email, chatrooms, and telephone to offer class interaction as well as teacher-student interaction.
Research is finding that today’s distance education student is not the traditional 18-22-year old found in the campus classroom. Students enrolling in online degree programs are typically older, already working, and engaged with responsibilities such as family. These adult learners often choose an online degree program in order to maintain a 40-hour work week while pursuing a college degree or further developing their current professional skills. Online degree programs have turned into a wonderful option for adult learners who are unable to enroll in traditional higher education.
One of the most appealing advantages of distance education programs is the flexibility of completing class work anytime and anyplace. Because lectures are often prerecorded, one student can “attend class” at 6:30 AM while another tunes in at 6:30 PM. It also gives students a broad range of online degree programs from which to choose instead of being limited to the campus degree programs offered in a specific geographical location.
As with anything, distance education does have its drawbacks to consider. Keeping up with an online degree program requires a certain amount of self-discipline and internal motivation. Without a specified class schedule and a professor assigning homework in-person, it can be easy to let family and work responsibilities swallow up study needs. It also takes effort to maintain effective communication with the professor and other students by keeping up with emails and discussion boards.
Students interested in pursuing an online degree program have a large selection of universities to choose from. Approximately one-third of all postsecondary learning institutions offered distance education programs in the 1997-1998 academic year, a number that has surely grown since the survey period.
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Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals.
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Our programs are current, in depth, and job oriented. A sound educational background, combined with "hands-on" experience, is required to meet the needs of an ever-changing and increasingly technical society.
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At ITT Tech we are committed to helping men and women develop the skills and knowledge to pursue many opportunities in fields involving technology, criminal justice, and business.
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Saint Leo University Online is a leading provider of accredited online education to working adults and is a major global provider of education to the military. The online programs are designed to meet the growing needs of adult students and offer the best attributes of traditional classroom education in conjunction with today's most innovative computer technology.
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Newbridge College provides high-quality, career specific training and an emphasis on practical skills required by today's employers.
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Once you decide to become part of the expanding, exciting, and in-demand world of healthcare, selecting the best college to meet your needs and goals is clearly one of your most important decisions. Medical Careers Institute, the School of Health Science of ECPI College of Technology, understands the aspirations of people who want to experience the rewards of caring and who want a direct route toward their career goal.
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Courses that you can take with you---the varied curriculums at HoHoKus Rets School of Business have been evaluated by the American Council on Education, allowing graduates to earn up to 55 college credits at more than 1500 colleges and universities across the nation.
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At Western International University (West), we've provided degree programs for working adults for more than 30 years. We understand that classes must not only fit your schedule - with all of its obligations and commitments - but compete fiercely for your time and attention.
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Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care offers flexible class schedules, supportive instructors, and dedicated career services to help you every step of the way. Everest focuses on hands-on training and learning by doing, so that graduates hit the work force running. Whatever program you choose, you can rest assured that Everest College is committed to your future, and your success.
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Find out why so many students in Florida and nationwide are choosing Southern Tech as their school of choice. Whether you need to upgrade your skills or change careers, we have the right program to fit your needs. Let us show you how to get the skills you need in a short amount of time so that you can get into your career today!
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Bellevue University, a leader in adult learning, is your best choice. We accept ALL of the credit in your associate's degree - that's EVERY credit in your A.A.S, A.S., A.G.S., and A.A. degree! And, Bellevue University gives you accelerated bachelor's degree completion 100% ONLINE. So, you enroll with your associate's degree, and complete your bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months.
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You can graduate and enter the workforce in less than two years as our programs vary from 12-20 months. Our classes are approximately seven hours a day, to keep you learning, not burning out.
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You can start now to make your dream career a reality at Sullivan College of Technology and Design, the region's respected academy for training technical and creative professionals. For half a century, we've shaped the people who've shaped the design and technology industries, with career-focused programs designed to prepare students for success much sooner than traditional colleges.
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Tags: academic, degree programs, distance learning, education, education courses, Online Degrees, universities
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm and is filed under Online Degrees.
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