Distance learning is here to stay. Originally on the edge of formal education, online colleges, courses and degree programs have quickly become mainstream. Even traditional campus-based institutions have incorporated online learning into their curriculum. In 2013, seven million students - nearly 50 percent of all enrolled - take at least one online class, with an estimated 20 percent getting an entire distance-graduate program. The Sloan Consortium reports that 74 percent of academic leaders are currently assessing online learning education outcomes equal or superior to face-to-face systems. Recruiters more than ever embrace online credentials.
Search Online Colleges by Subject
While many online colleges provide learning options in various disciplines, some have excelled in a particular field or have special resources to facilitate the educational process. For example, institutions with powerful art programs often have specialized tools designed to organize, send and receive multiple types of digital media. Furthermore, online colleges that concentrate on health care and nursing establish strong relationships with hospitals and other medical facilities to ensure that students get hands-on training where they need to successfully switch from college to career.
When searching for online learning options, doing so on the subject helps students more easily find opportunities according to their career goals and in areas that interest them.
Majors and popular titles:
� Accounting
� Art
� Business management
� Communication
� Computer Science
� Criminal Justice
� Technique
� Language and Literature
Benefits of Higher Education Online
Distance learning has a wide appeal to a diverse American population. It offers students a number of advantages, many of which correspond to other social or lifestyle needs. Online courses and undergraduate programs correspond to working professionals who want to switch to management roles, often with their employer paying part or all of their tuition. This is a powerful choice for parents who stay at home who are preparing for a new career or reentry when they get back to work. Pearson Senior VP Learning Solution Todd Hitchcock reports:
"Learning is no longer confined to the four walls - learning can happen anywhere - and it's everywhere every day.The growth of online learning underscores the need for a flexible and quality education program that meets the demands of our 21st-century workforce."
Flexibility often leads to a list of online education benefits cited by students and educators. The top five list of top online benefits include:
� Flexibility
Time and location are factors that can limit education for students with family/work commitments. Online colleges and their programs break down time and distance barriers, providing classes, subject matter and discussions with 24/7 accessibility.
� Access
No matter where they live, students can participate in online degree programs tailored to meet their professional goals. Students have access to subject matter experts and top-notch professors. The development of a large open online course, known as MOOC, has introduced students to world-renowned scientists from top-tier universities.
� Affordability
According to Wired Magazine, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York calculates a national student loan of $ 902 billion. After considering the shortage of time back and forth, parking and related expenses, online class fees accumulate to be taken directly. Furthermore, many traditional campus-based colleges that have established online degree components are able to provide digital course material, cut off textbook-shock stickers to students.
Who is Best Suited for Online Learning?
Every learning experience should be fun and enriching. The question asked is not, "Can I learn online," but "Should I learn online?" Online student candidates need to consider how they like to learn because a careful assessment of priorities, strengths, and goals will result in the best decisions.
The benefits of online learning for each student are different. Some students may require time flexibility, where they can jump online and post material after hours or early in the morning before work. Others are interested in location flexibility, can work from home, coffee shops or other places that fit their lifestyle. And for those who need a direct element for their education, many online programs have the best of both worlds, allowing distance courses but covering campus-based laboratory experiences or elsewhere.
Like classroom students, online students need to be motivated. Beyond the desire to learn, you need to be self-disciplined, have good time management skills, and feel comfortable in the environment where you and your computer. You must be proactive and often access the course so you stay on top of the job. You should also feel comfortable communicating and interact with others without face-to-face contact.
Choosing a Higher Education or Program
Finding the right online learning opportunities may seem challenging. Whether you're new to long-distance or experienced veterans, it's important to identify situations that match your educational, professional and financial needs. One starting point is to research and review the top online college rankings. Exploring the schools with shown online learning excellence can give students a good place to start.
Second, make sure all target schools are accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies and/or if the school is online only, by the Board of Education and Distance Training. Accreditation means potential colleges and target programs have been fully investigated by independent higher education institutions supported by the US Department of Education (see best accredited online college 2016). Finally, make sure you know exactly what you need from an online degree. The flexibility offered by many programs is great, but the curriculum, professors, and resources must have the same qualities as their college counterparts. Do not be afraid to call a counselor and talk to current and former students.
Once you have created your school shortlists based on the above criteria, consider other factors that are important to you. For example, another aspect to consider is student support. Online learners have a unique and important need to choose a program or school that is committed to serving those needs through various sources and support tools. Finally, assess how well, or even whether, the school trains its faculty to teach online. Not all professors are cut out for online teaching. She needs to be comfortable with technology and can involve a virtual audience. Viewing a school faculty site page might give you an idea of the resources and training related to online teaching available to faculty, as well as the school's expectation of faculty teaching online.
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