8 Points To Ponder Before Choosing Online College Degrees

Image via WikipediaWith the abrupt increase and sought after online college degrees, numerous bogus online degree programs are actually offered by unaccredited institutions. Erroneously earning a faux online college degree will definitely not support your academic path.
There are some important points to consider before enrolling in any online educational institution to earn your college degree. Take the following 8 points into consideration when deciding on an online college.

1. Is this a well established educational institution? While a short academic record isn't a warning sign, a long-standing status in the academic realm is actually an indication of institutional stability and reputability.
2. Is the online college approved? Certification guarantees a fundamental quality level in the training you get from an institution. Additionally, it ensures that specific online college degrees are a truly valuable addition to your CV.
3. What is the institution's financial history/current position? Watch out for bogus operations that will most likely be not operational the coming year!
4. What other expenses are associated with your selected online degree course? Depending on your degree you may be required to attend some hours of physical classes or lab works. These visits may require additional payments such as technology fees or lab costs.
5. Is the coursework of your selected online college degree inline with your professional goals? Taking irrelevant courses are a waste of time and money.
6. How current is the course material? Ask for a list of current textbooks or other learning materials to ensure they are current and relevant.
7. What technological support is available to you as their online student? Online colleges normally have a web page for online students who allow you to logon to view your coursework status, assignment submissions or getting support on any course related issues and access online library if any.
8. What student services are available to online students? Full advising, placement, and tutoring services may or may not be available to long-distance learners.

In conclusion, get as much as information on selected online college degrees. The most important factor is whether it meets your educational needs and career goals.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Evaluating Online Programs: How to Choose the Right College (distance-education.org)
• Have Online Colleges Become a Last Resort? (onlinecollege.org)
• Employer Perception about Online Degrees: Yay or Nay? (brighthub.com)
• Momentum Gained by Online Degree Courses (socyberty.com)

Typical Myths About Online College Degrees

Image by slworking2 via Flickr

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.  ~Sydney J. Harris

Despite the fact that there are many students studying online, you may still find misconceptions around online training making individuals tentative to pursue this type of education.

What are these typical myths?

You must be proficient in encoding, software tools and configuration; this is completely untrue. You need the following competencies: taking care of e-mails, downloading and uploading projects and communicating with instructors and classmates.

Online courses are not that challenging. Many people believe that online studies may be simpler, but that is not necessary the truth. Online classes enable students develop their learning and mastering strategies independently. Every course, standard or online, involves hard work, perseverance and dedication to ensure success.

Employers tend not to recognize online college degrees. This is totally untrue simply because many employers and firms, will compensate the tuition fees. Employers are also comprehending that attributes like devotion, commitment and focus are a vital element in their workforce. Online learners cultivate these characteristics in detail as they are crucial for their success in acquiring an online college degree.

Online degrees are costly. To be honest traditional college curriculums cost more than online degrees Accredited online colleges are also offering payment plans allowing students to pay by means of installments. Furthermore, you save on boarding and travelling expenses.

There are no respectable online colleges. This is completely incorrect. Many traditional colleges came to the table and are now offering online courses. Just make sure you choose a college which has an accreditation certificate by U.S. Department of Education.

Online teachers are not decent trainers. Online colleges are evaluated by the same college accreditation agencies as traditional institutions. Teaching on the web is definitely not for the faint hearted and the teachers may experience some difficulties, as they rely predominantly on technology, digital applications and written content to evaluate the student’s development.

Credits attained in online colleges is not transferable. Credits earned from accredited online colleges can be transferred to another institution or college, particularly if the online student continues his or her education. Conventional universities also recognize online college credits provided that it is inside the conventional university’s transfer guidelines.

Online classes are untrustworthy because technical issues. It is a fact that power shortages and internet connection failure may affect routine interaction with your instructors. Nonetheless, it will just cause delay and will not restrict the student’s education. The student can gain access to the lessons again the moment the internet connection or power is restored.

A majority of these myths makes online college degrees appear trivial and not an alternative for success. Before settling on any online program make research and interviews part of your decision to keep facts in perspective.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Momentum Gained by Online Degree Courses (socyberty.com)
• Finish, Don't Start, Your Degree Online (usnews.com)