The Distance Learning Explosion!


A generation ago few would have given much thought to educating themselves apart from a 'brick and mortar' educational institution. Certainly, for several generations, correspondence courses allowed people to gain knowledge while studying in the comfort of their homes, but these schools pale in comparison to entire universities dedicated to instructing students remotely. Let's take a look at this growing phenomenon.

Claiming to be the nation's leading online university, the University of Phoenix was among the first accredited universities to provide college degree programs via the Internet. Founded in 1976, the University of Phoenix began offering internet degree programs in 1989. The program has exploded in popularity to where nearly 150,000 students are in the process of pursuing degrees on the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level. Degreed programs in Business, Education, Management, Nursing, and Technology are available online through the university which claims to be the largest private university in the US.

So, why are degreed programs like those offered at the University of Phoenix so popular? In one word: convenience. You can study at home, at work while on break, on vacation, while traveling on business, etc. Because everything is accomplished online you simply log on, click into class, and go.

Yes, you need a computer, but that is what gives students the freedom that they have vs. traditional route students. Many online universities allow students to take courses at their own speed, usually one course at a time. Disciplined students can finish a course in as little as five weeks and start another course the following week. Indeed, it is not unheard of that students can receive their degrees in as little as 2-3 years after beginning the program.

Most employers recognize online educational options the same as traditional route options, therefore students find themselves available for financial reimbursement. Tuition costs are comparable to that of the "brick and mortar" institutions.

Other online giants include: DeVry University, Westwood College, Walden University, and Kaplan University. At the same time, there are "degree mills" that offer degrees with little or no studying required in exchange for a fee. The reputable schools are accredited, while the "degree mills" are not.

All in all, online schooling is booming as Americans explore an option that is convenient and effective for them.

Matt writes regularly on a variety of business, health, and web management issues as well as managing popular websites. The Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.com is Matt's busiest site.


MORE RESOURCES:

DAVID G. SELLARS ON THE WATERFRONT: Boat manufacturer's move to Port Angeles ...
Peninsula Daily
... on small-boat engines and diesel equipment while simultaneously taking correspondence courses from West Tech Educational Center in Belle Glade, Fla. ...

and more »


Everyday Leadership: Perseverance is a great quality of successful leaders
Marietta Times
I also took as many correspondence courses as Ohio University that I had the time to do. In 1980, I finally completed my undergraduate degree and my ...



Gymnastics: Liang Chow's new pupil eyes London Olympics
DesMoinesRegister.com
... each morning plus a couple more hours many afternoons, while completing high school-level correspondence courses through Louisiana State University. ...

and more »


Distance learning: The advantages of doing college from home
Helium
Doing college from home no longer carries the stigma once attached to correspondence courses of the past. Distance learning is a valid, ...

and more »


Paul D. Vance; W. Sheldon Horton; Harry Kranz; Mary Jane McCardle
Washington Post
He took correspondence courses from his hospital bed and received an accounting degree. He later received a master's degree in commercial sciences from ...



Why is distance learning so popular?
Helium
It tended to bring to mind the specter of correspondence courses offered on the back of matchbook covers in years gone by. Time and experience has certainly ...



Education News Hyderabad

Bangalore University sets up panel to improve quality of study material
Education News Hyderabad
The university has constituted an expert committee to improve the quality of the study materials given to students of correspondence courses and to identify ...



RacinePost

You never know what you'll find at the Habitat ReStore
RacinePost
He went to night school, took correspondence courses in geometry, trigonometry and mechanical drawing -- "The stuff I shied away from in high school. ...



Samskrit Bharati is a registered institution having its branches all over ...
Organiser
Conducting Sanskrit classes in slums and correspondence courses in Sanskrit for the benefit of aspirants adds one more dimension to their achievements. ...



Ashworth College and North Texas Job Corps Partner to Deliver Accredited High ...
PR Newswire (press release)
... Ashworth is able to offer an extensive high school curriculum which includes high school correspondence courses and high school online diploma programs ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2010