Choosing a distance learning program

Distance learning
courses are becoming more and more popular. In fact, over 3 million students
were rolled in at least one course back in 2006 and those numbers have
increased exponentially. The most appealing thing is being able to take classes
at any time, in any location, which is ideal for people that work, run a family
or live in rural areas.
Choosing a program requires careful research and evaluation. Here are a few points to consider.
Accreditation
This means making sure
that the quality of the institution offering the course is top notch. There are
a number of accrediting agencies that accredit colleges and distance learning
courses. When choosing a course, make sure that the school has met particular
standards in terms of instruction and academics.
Reputation
The reputation of the
distance learning course that you attend could either enhance or hinder your
post-graduate employment prospects. By evaluating the reputation of the
institution, don’t rely completely on the website or marketing materials, but
go about investigating other means such as:
· Talking to past students or reading
testimonials about distance learning courses
· Research this distance learning programs’
record
· Research the organisation in news articles,
print publications and online
Academic Offerings
When looking at distance
learning courses, it’s also important to research the program’s academic
offerings. A quality distance learning institution offers a full curriculum
with a good variety of options, advanced coursework and electives. Send an
email to tutors regarding the content and delivery of the courses that you’re
interested in. Courses should develop your critical thinking, computer,
organisational and communication skills. These are all great skills for
building a resume with.
Instructional Technologies
Distance learning
courses can be delivered in numerous ways through a growing variety of tools
such as DVD ROMs, CDs, email, telephone conferences and web-based schooling
systems. Find out if the program you’re interested in uses a mix of these
technologies. Also determine if hands-on training and support are offered. If
you can, preview courses online and try out the technologies before you enrol.
Teaching Staff
The tutors are the
backbone of the distance learning program. Find out if the distance courses
will be taught by professors or if the courses are perhaps pre-recorded
correspondence instruction. If instructors or tutors are on hand, find out what
qualifications and background they have and if classes are offered by experts in
the particular fields of learning.
Career Services
The extent and quality
of a career services program is another important element to consider in a
distance learning program. It has been shown that the greater the resources on
offer by the career services department, the better the programs job placement
success is. You can enquire as to what percentage of graduates have managed to
find relevant employment when they graduated and whether the program’s career
centre offers personalised career guidance, job placement help or job search
seminars. They may even offer online job boards or assistance with resumes.
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