Distance Education's Frequently Asked Questions

Typical Questions Most Adults Ask when Considering Online Education

Mar 5, 2009

Answers are provided to eight of the most often asked questions which adults ask when they are researching the possibility of enrolling in distance education.

The important question most adults need to ask themselves is "why I should not complete a distance education program?" The increased advantages of financial and employment stability are well worth the investment in time and resources. Regardless of the state of the economy, completion of a distance education program will only improve an adult’s chances for long term stability.

The advantages of distance education include personal flexibility for improving professional and personal knowledge in a chosen career field or a new career field. This is why adults should consider distance education as a possible approach to earning a college degree, advanced college degree, completing a certificate program, or earning continuing education credits they have many questions.

Frequently Asked Questions in Distance Education

Most adult’s questions are similar in nature to questions asked by other adults who are also considering distance education. These distance education frequently asked questions have been compiled, along with answers that consider most situations.

Often called distance learning, elearning, or online education, distance education refers to any education that is completed outside a traditional brick and mortar school. Students complete their education requirements though courses offered online, with all course materials received or turned in to course instructors via the Internet.

Students typically need a basic computer or laptop with access to the Internet and an e-mail account. Broadband access through cable, telephone, and satellite companies provide the speed and access necessary to handle online courses. Distance education courses use course management systems such as Blackboard and eCollege. Courses typically use streaming video, audio, and podcasts to deliver information. Many courses include links to online textbooks and literature for students to read during a course. This is why dialup Internet access is typically too slow to handle distance education.

Distance education courses are taught using either or both of the following methods:

The most important indicator of the quality of distance education is the fact that most top tier universities and colleges offer distance education programs today. Schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale, University of Southern California, University of Alabama, and most major schools offer programs.

Most programs are properly accredited and certified to offer diplomas or certificates for their programs; however, there are a few fake schools called – diploma mills. Avoiding diploma mills in online education provides guidance in avoiding these fake schools.

All schools have financial aid offices that provide students with assistance in completing proper forms for determining eligibility for student loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid. One source many distance education students overlook is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). This form should be completed before contacting a school’s financial aid office. Another source of aid is from employers, they often provide employee assistance for completing continuing education or completing continuing education credits.

Making Connections

Adults who have completed continuing education programs are employed in careers which they tend to enjoy and have more employment stability. People with education beyond high school are less likely to be unemployed when compared with those with a high school degree or no high school degree (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2007). This is where distance education helps adults, especially those who need the flexibility online education provides.

The copyright of the article Distance Education's Frequently Asked Questions in Distance Education is owned by David R. Wetzel. Permission to republish Distance Education's Frequently Asked Questions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.