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.
Click on a program or degree below to request information from the school of your choice.
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Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
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With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
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An accredited online university founded in 1970 and dedicated to enabling the success of working professionals around the world. Join 33,000+ students making a positive change in their careers and the lives of others.
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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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Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
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Florida Career College has been specializing in career training since 1982. All our programs are specially designed with employers' requirements in mind. We train individuals who want to succeed in the fields of Allied Health, Cosmetology, Information Technology, and Business and Wellness.
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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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As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
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Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
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Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
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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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