Classes Offered Through Distance Learning Online Education

Almost any curriculum can be pursued online. Students can seek programs that result in certification, advanced technical skills, associates degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees and even doctorates. Even continuing education classes for licensed professionals and high school equivalence courses can be completed through virtual classrooms.

Methods for Distance Learning Online Education

Online education is usually web-based with a specific web site designated for the course. Supplemental materials, such as software, may also be part of certain online courses. Students visit the course web site to complete the posted assignments and take tests. Instructors and students communicate through email and chat rooms. Sometimes virtual lectures and discussions are part of online coursework. Students can attend virtual classrooms to complete their education and some colleges even have virtual graduation ceremonies.

Types of Students Who Pursue Distance Learning Online Education

Many different students from all over the world participate in distance learning online education opportunities. Some students work and attend classes online during their free time. Other students live in remote areas where local colleges do not exist. Still other students choose to combine online courses with traditional classes for what is known as a blended learning experience. Student who pursue distance education do not fit a particular mold, but should possess the following qualities:

self-motivation;

well-organized;

independent learner;

computer literate;

good time management skills; and

excellent communication skills.

Validity of Distance Learning Online Education: Research from the Sloan Consortium states that online learning is comparable to education obtained in a traditional setting, based upon a poll of academic leaders. Academic leader James Sherwood, Ph.D. and dean of University Extension, the continuing education branch of The University of California at Berkley states that, “Coming out of World War II and getting into the 60’s and 70’s there was a kind of stigma associated with distance education. That has certainly changed.” Because of technological advances and online resources, distance education has improved and offers an equivalent opportunity to traditional education.

Faculty Perspective of Distance Learning Online Education. Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer University in Virginia has taught courses both in person and online at the same college. His opinion is that online classes generate an unexpected level of motivation, saying, “Online, I have the freedom to require contributions. Every week, my students have to submit essays and participate in group discussions. I get a better sense of the learning process.” He also finds that online students come from all over the world and have unique contributions that benefit the other students.

Online Education Distance Learning Association in the US. Several distance learning associations exist within the United States that offer additional information about taking classes online for prospective students.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The USDLA is a non-profit association that promotes the development and application of online distance learning for education and training purposes. The USDLA encourages distance learning for grades K-12, college and higher education, corporate training, continuing education, government training and military training. Further, the USDLA supported the implementation of the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as well as other legislation in 1997 that was introduced by Kennedy and Snowe.

The Distance and Education Training Council (DETC). The DETC is a non-profit educational association that is a central hub of information about distance study and the correspondence learning field.

Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA). The FGDLA is also a non-profit association. The FGDLA was formed to promote development and application of distance learning programs. The Association also acts to foster understanding and collaboration among the people involved in education and training within the federal government.

Covering Costs for Distance Learning Online Education Programs
Financial aid is available to online students, just as it is for traditional students. Online students can apply for applicable state and government financial aid, Stafford loans, student loans, tuition reimbursement and scholarships to cover costs for cyber classes. Also, virtual students save money on transportation and housing. Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, said, “The College Board continues to advocate for need-based aid, so that students can have the opportunity to benefit from college education.”

National and international strides are being made everyday in distance learning online education. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., introduced legislation to scientifically scrutinize online learning. The Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that would compare classroom instruction with distance learning programs. Colleges such as the University of Wyoming are experimenting with gaming as a form of teaching online education. Consider that the dynamic nature and convenience of online education has attracted about 3.2 million people to take a distance learning course in the past year. Distance learning online education programs are an effective way to achieve higher education.

Perhaps it is the still sketchy reputation of distance learning and online education that is causing investors to be shy about the companies. Internet based companies of all kinds with the exception of giants like eBay and Amazon have traditionally had rocky rides ever since the dot com debacle of the late nineties. Presumably, those trends will soon change.

Distance learning is growing every day. Because online education offers opportunities in adult education unlike any that have existed before, the business itself is growing by leaps and bounds. In 2001, the British market research firm IDC made the prediction that the worldwide distance learning and online education market would be worth $23billion by 2004. While numbers of that magnitude have yet to be attained, they are much more realistic for the coming years than they were four years ago.

Distance Learning is not just for adults anymore. Part of the growth of distance learning as an industry is stemmed by the fact that, though it was started as an easy alternative to night school and physical adult education classes, many high school and elementary school children are joining the distance learning glee club and receiving their primary education online. By 1999 more than a million American children were being home schooled; taught by their parents at home rather than in a traditional school. The numbers have grown since then and with online education and distance learning options becoming available, more are sure to join the ranks in the coming years.

What this means for investors is that the distance learning business is far from flunking and the decreasing stock prices of online education providers today could be indicative of a bull market after graduation.

Teaching requires certification, which is most often obtained through a bachelor’s degree program. If you are interested in completing a bachelor’s degree, there are many online programs available. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, there are many programs offering online Master’s degrees in education that can be completed in two years.

Benefits to Earning an Online Degree

While there are various benefits to earning your education degree online, they can be summed up with one word: flexibility. You can complete coursework at your own pace, whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. If you have a job or a family that keeps you from traditional classes, you can do the coursework in the evenings or on the weekends. The flexible schedule also means that you can still work full-time, which makes supporting yourself and paying for classes a bit easier.

What to Expect from an Online Education Degree

If you pursue an online bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education, you can expect to take typical education classes such as the following:

* Teaching Methods
* Classroom Management
* Theories of Learning
* Educational Law
* Curriculum Development

You will complete both practicums and student teaching to get real-life experience teaching and managing a class. If your online coursework is synchronous, you will participate in online discussions or videoconferencing at particular times; if your coursework is asynchronous, you will complete lessons and participate in learning activities at your own pace.

Tips for Earning an Online Education Degree

1. Set aside time to work on your online degree every day. While you can complete coursework at your own pace, you will learn more effectively if you study regularly
2. Make sure the school you choose for completing your online education degree is accredited and can prepare you for teaching in the specific field you choose. As all states require the passing of an exam for certification, be sure the online education degree program you enroll in can get you ready
3. Network with other education professionals. Many teachers will tell you that some of their greatest resources are other teachers. If you’re feeling short on inspiration or creativity, teachers can offer advice and help to get you through some tough coursework moments

Of course, the best advice for anyone wanting to pursue an online bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education is to make sure you’re truly interested in teaching, and then go for it. With all the online education programs out there, now is a better time than ever to start working towards a degree in education.