If you have made the mental commitment to attend and earn and online degree this year you are well on your way to earn a higher income, better position in the job market and a boost in the career track. The recent globalization and information explosion are causing employees to update their skills with increasing frequency and what better way to do it than from the convenience of your own home. What’s great about online education is that you can still earn your income while upgrading your skills and securing a position in the market place of hires. City people can now also take distance education courses when lecture and tutorial times do not fit their pattern, making it easy for them to update skills while managing busy lives and families.
Although you have made a commitment to continue your education, there may be many questions you will need answers to before deciding what school is for you. There are plenty of different of online formats to fit your education needs, and there are many factors that can help you decide which online institution will suit you and your situation the best. When speaking to an admissions specialist, most people are concerned about accreditation, and while this is one of the most important questions, let’s review what else you should know before making a confident decision:
Does the school accept your existing college credits or work experience?
Besides tuition, it’s important to know what kind of credits the school will accept. Perhaps they will take into account your work experience and alleviate you from courses that you may already have a good grasp on due to your already honed skills. Also, check if your existing school credits are applicable towards your new education. If you are carrying over credits from regionally accredited institutions, chances are they are transferable.
How are the courses outlined and students graded?
Don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of a syllabus from one or two courses. You can ask how students were tested and evaluated for written work, how many papers were written for each course and how many papers were written for the degree.
How qualified are the professors?
Are the professors doctorally qualified and recognized in their field? Do they have experience in teaching working adult students? Do professors facilitate discussion or do students simply upload the lecture? Are the professors accessible by phone or is the communication strictly electronic?
What Media format is used for the courses?
With the spread of broadband technology and improved online teaching tools, students and teachers are finding online classes to be a more fluid and rewarding experience. It may be good idea to ask exactly what tools the schools use. Some programs offer simple text documents to read followed by an online exam. Other programs have virtual classrooms with instructor-led sessions and chat rooms.
What are the technical requirements?
The lowest level of technology offers text and graphics. This may be good choice if you have a slow modem and or if you do not have an upgraded computer.
To receive programmed audio and video you must have a sound and video card and may need additional software, such as QuickTime, RealPlayer or Windows Media Player. You will need a high-speed connection of at least 56K or better. Higher connection speed will also help you participate in forums like chat rooms and threaded discussions.
The use of Skype, an Internet-based phone service, has enhanced the teaching of courses such as foreign languages online. Skype allows students to both see and hear the instructor on their computer screens and allows students to get instant feedback and to ask instructors specific questions.
Does the school have synchronous or asynchronous events?
Synchronous events means that there are events that take place at a specific time, for example Monday between 5 and 7 pm. Participants must be present by remaining logged in on their computers. The features may include live video, audio, chat room session, or presentation, and instructors can take questions via e-mail or chat.
Asynchronous events, however, allow students to attend the events at their own pace, because the lesson/session is pre-packaged and available online at any time. Sometimes you can post questions or comments on a message board, which can be available for a specific period of time.
Many schools offer both synchronous and asynchronous events, offering both live chats and pre-packaged content.
Are alumnis at desirable high-level jobs for top-tier organizations?
Many schools keep track of successful alumnis. Ask where you can access the alumni information and how else you can read up about any recent successful students.
These are only some of the many questions you should consider when deciding on a school that will fit your needs. Rememer, there are plentyof choices, so make sure you browse the site throughly and research the many programs available to you!