Online College Is Right Choice

Online College

Whether you're working a part-time job, a full-time job, unemployed, a job seeker, a high school graduate or a stay-at-home parent, online college can fit your lifestyle. Distance education has changed the face of learning over the last few years as people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds find themselves taking courses online. In distance education, you can expect to spend a lot of time on the computer working on projects, taking quizzes, emailing your instructor and listening to lectures. This is the format in which all work is done. If you enjoy working on the computer or using the Internet, this may be the best educational track for you.

None of the work in online education is completed in a traditional school venue. Instead, it's done at home, in a library, at a coffee shop or wherever you can take your computer. In distance learning, you may have group projects or collaborate with classmates on the Web, but you will be doing the majority of work on your own and studying the course material by yourself.

College Accreditation

College accreditation is important because it signifies that a particular school has meet the standards of quality education set by a board or government agency. Accreditation can affect your education immensely. From the quality of instructors to eligibility for financial assistance, accreditation plays an important role in an institution's functions.

To verify, you can search the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs. There, you can also find in-depth information on regional and national accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. secretary of education as reliable authorities on the quality of education. Not all online colleges are accredited, and many legitimate schools are either too new to be granted accreditation or they choose not to pursue it. 

Accreditation is not only important for the quality and reputation of online colleges, but receiving a degree from an unaccredited college could affect the transfer of your credits to other schools and whether employers recognize your degree or certificate.

In the United States, online colleges that are fully accredited have been recognized by one of six regional accreditation boards that also evaluate traditional campuses. 
These include:

1. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

2. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

4. New England Association of Schools and Colleges

5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges 

Once an online program becomes accredited, it’s more likely that a traditional school will accept its transfer credits and that employers will recognize its value.

The Different of Online Colleges and Traditional Colleges

Online Colleges

Online colleges and traditional ones have the same goals in mind to provide students with an education and award degrees. Although their purposes are the same, they have significant differences. A key distinction between online and traditional colleges is the Internet-based curriculum. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, an online class is defined as "a formal education process in which the students and instructor are not in the same place." This means that all exams, lectures and much of the reading in online classes are done on the Web. This is the biggest change when transitioning from traditional classroom learning. Many students have overcome the challenge of online instruction and have adapted well to the system.

Online classes provide more flexibility than do traditional ones, making them more convenient for many students. Online classes allow you to attend school but also work, so you can fulfill all your important obligations. This has been the answer to many people's quest to further their education while still meeting their family and work responsibilities.

Online Colleges Benefits

Enrolling in online college offers significant advantages over attending traditional campuses. The convenience of learning at home has been a major selling point for studying online. You can attend class anywhere a computer can go such as at home, a library or while traveling internationally. Online college classes are designed to fit your needs, while allowing you to continue working and tending to your other obligations. The idea is to easily blend education into your life, no matter your circumstances. In fact, the majority of students at online colleges are working professionals, young and old, looking for a way to switch fields, advance their careers or broaden their education. Online schools also give you the option of part-time or full-time learning, as well as a flexible schedule and reasonable demands. Although there are still deadlines and you must submit work online, you can attend class and do your schoolwork anytime, anywhere.

Another benefit of online education is affordability. In some cases, you can get the same quality education for a lot less money. Online students save thousands of dollars every semester in housing fees, commuting costs and other campus expenses that people enrolled in traditional colleges have to pay. Online courses have competitive tuition rates, and numerous scholarships, grants and student loans are available to help meet the cost