Distance Education Raises Inciteful Questions
On-Line Distance Learning Demands Thoughtful Questions
© Gia Gee
Dec 16, 2008
Computer literacy and ownership have made it possible to earn a college degree on-line through an educational services provider. There are hundreds of academic providers of distance education and before you make a decision to purchase the services of a provider, there are several questions that you need to ask:
- Is the provider a college or university? Are they accredited and if so, by whom?
- What is the fee per credit hour? What is the penalty for early withdrawal?
- What is the average length of time students take to complete a degree program?
- Does the provider offer job search assistance following graduation?
Accreditation is important to the learner because it gives credibility to the quality of education that you receive. Knowing that your provider is accredited also protects your monetary investment that you are making in advanced education. For example, the college or university may be accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
What Is The Fee Per Credit Hour
Knowing the cost of your distance learning on a per credit hour basis is important. It allows you to quickly compare the cost of education services among different providers using a common denominator. If one provider is charging what appears to be excessive per credit hour rates, inquire as to the reason, given the charges of other providers.
There may be very good reason for a higher per credit hour cost but you will not know that unless you ask. Cheaper is not always best, but paying excessively isn't always a benchmark of quality. Penalties for early class withdrawal should be known before registering for any classes. Many circumstances beyond our control often occur which result in early class withdrawal.
Average Length Of Time To Complete Degree Program
Students should be able to complete a degree program in a reasonable period of time given the previous educational background and training of the learner. The reason this question is important is to confirm continuity with the program of study that you have selected. Excessive time to complete a specific program may be an indicator the provider has retention issues with professors or that specific programs are constantly changing therefore expanding the time of completion for the learner.
Do You Offer Job Search Assistance
The answer to this question is perhaps the most critical question that you can ask because of the consequences associated with the function of job search. The function of job searching is extremely time consuming and having the advantage of the provider's job searching network is a significant advantage for two important reasons. First, the time it takes to adequately perform job searches can be extensive. Second, the costs associated with the down time of not working while looking for a job can quickly add up. The shorter the search duration, the less it costs the learner and the faster the learner is able to produce income through gaining employment.
Distance education will continue to play an integral role for learners with a wide array of educational needs. As the demand for education services continues to grow, more providers will enter the marketplace offering an assortment of educational products. As the selection option for services expands, e-learners will have to ask specific and targeted questions to assure their educational experience is of the highest quality. Taking time to ask a few simple questions will assure a meaningful educational experience.
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