WHY ONLINE EDUCATION: A Must-Have Guide to Understanding the Pitfalls and Payoffs of Distance Learning

Transcription

1 WHY ONLINE EDUCATION: A Must-Have Guide to Understanding the Pitfalls and Payoffs of Distance Learning

2 Is this ebook Right for Me? You will find this ebook most helpful if you fit into one of these catagories... I am new to the concept of online learning and want to find out more. I am considering getting my undergraduate or graduate degree and want to explore the differences between online and on-campus schools. I am ready to commit to an online education, but looking for guidance on how to choose the right university. Share this ebook! ONLINE is fast becoming a preferred way of learning for military and civilian adults alike. According to the Sloan Consortium s 2011 Survey of Online Learning, nearly one-third of college students are taking at least one online course, and 65% of higher education institutions now say that online learning is a critical part of their long-term strategy. ( Inside the pages of this ebook, Why Online Eduation, you will discover important need-to -know aspects of online degree programs. Included are tips for: Determining if your lifestyle is a good fit for online learning Getting your family onboard with your education Distinguishing among online institutions as you choose the right one for you Making an informed, confident decision about the mode of learning for your college education will have you well on your way to your chosen degree and desired career path. We are pleased to help you take the first step with this ebook. Enjoy! 2 Grantham University

3 Table of Contents I. Is Distance Learning for Me? 5 College Education: Are You Ready? 7 Dispelling the Myths about Online Degrees 9 Simple Answers to Common Questions about Distance Learning 11 The Merits of Online Degree Programs 13 Online Versus On-Campus: The Pros and Cons II. Preparing for Online Learning 16 The Power of Family Support: Topics for Discussion Before Starting Your Online Degree Program 17 What to Consider in Your Search for the Best Online University Mistakes to Avoid When Exploring Your Options 19 Comparison Worksheet 20 Student Checklist: Preparing for a Successful E-Learning Experience

4 4 Grantham University Is Distance Learning for Me?

5 College Education: Are You Ready? Good indicators that you are ready to pursue an online degree: You have a goal and know that education is key to getting there. You are ready to start your college education online if you already know that you need a certain degree type in order to get ahead either financially or in terms of job responsibilities. Just remember: Earning a degree requires commitment. Make sure you have a clear objective; otherwise, you will have a tougher time making it through your more difficult studies. Your family is on board with your decision to pursue your education. You are ready to start your college education online if you have discussed your education goals with your family and have their support. It is important to talk with your family before starting your degree program about why you want to go to college. Go over how things might be different around the house: increased chores for kids, rotating meal preparation responsibilities, guaranteed quiet time to study in the evenings, etc. You understand the time commitment required. You are ready to start your college education online if you are comfortable with the time involved and are 100% committed. A three-credit college course will require, on average, 10 to 12 hours per week. Be realistic about your schedule and your motivation. A good rule of thumb might be to set aside an hour and a half each evening for your studies, and a few hours each weekend day. Grantham University 5

6 4 5 6 You have considered the financial impacts of going to school to earn your degree. You are ready to start your college education online if you have done your research on student financing and know your options. Look at your personal budget and examine how paying for school may affect you and your family over the next few years. Explore all financial assistance options, including scholarships. And think about the payoff from your investment the potential for increased earnings with your degree in hand. You are an active duty service member or veteran, and are familiar with your tuition assistance benefits. You are ready to start your college education online if you have learned about the veteran benefits and tuition assistance (TA) benefits available to you. TA funds and veteran education benefits can cover the costs associated with tuition, books, supplies and more for a variety of educational and training programs. It is a smart, cost-effective way to obtain your education and enhance your career advancement opportunities. You are a corporate employee, and tuition reimbursement is one of your company benefits. You are ready to start your college education online if you know the ins and outs of your company s tuition reimbursement benefit. Taking advantage of this generous offer is a smart move and always worthy of serious consideration. Do some checking at your workplace sometimes tuition assistance is not heavily advertised, although available. If it is offered, consider these factors: How much they will pay. Employers are able to provide $5,250 in educational assistance per year tax free. If your employer chooses to offer this benefit, chances are that the amount would cap at the $5,250. What they cover. In addition to tuition and fees, are things like textbooks and related course materials included? Type of education. Some companies will pay 100% of the costs toward a degree or certification, but only 50% for personal interest courses. Make sure to ask! Type of institution. Typically, employers will insist that your chosen school is accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (DOE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Check this out before settling on a university. Your grades. Find out how grades may affect your level of coverage. Employers often require a C or better for tuition reimbursement eligibility. When they will pay. Determine whether your employer will pay up front, at the start of the semester, or if you have to come up with money for tuition first, and then wait for reimbursement after you receive your grades. Field of study. A common employer requirement is for your field of study to be relevant to your current or future job. Length of employment. Following degree completion, you usually must remain employed for a certain amount of time by that employer. 6 Grantham University

7 Dispelling the Myths about Online Degrees 1 Myth #1: Distance learning programs are easier than those at brick-and-mortar schools. There is no definite way to label either online or on-campus schools as easier or harder than the other. The degree of difficulty is dependent on the student, the program and the school. Some brick-and-mortar schools offer both on-campus and distance learning programs. For these schools, the course work will no doubt be the same, just delivered in a different manner. And for most online universities, like Grantham University, the focus is on quality education. 2 Myth #2: Online learners miss out on interaction with instructors and other students. Many distance learning institutions hold class via webcams and chat rooms, enabling students to listen to course lectures by instructors and interact with other students. In fact, some distance learning schools mandate that students post to a message board for their class a certain number of times a week. If they don t, they risk being dropped from the course or getting a lower grade. Group work involving a number of students is also built into the curriculum of some distance learning programs, and the students are graded on their group project. In comparison, class sizes at many on-campus institutions are growing. Some underclassman courses hold several hundred students, and the courses are often taught by graduate students. 3 Myth #3: Distance learning is for students who can t succeed in a real school. Online learning students are from all walks of life. In fact, many distance learning students are adults who have already earned an undergraduate degree or credits through classroom learning and have just gone back to school via distance learning to upgrade their skill set or earn a graduate degree. Grantham University 7

8 4 Myth #4: A distance learning degree won t be accepted by employers. Degrees earned through distance learning are gaining wider acceptance by employers especially for hard-to-fill jobs. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to their employees knowing full well that the degrees are being earned online or through other distance learning methods. 5 Myth #5: Credits earned via distance learning won t transfer to other schools. Credit transfer whether from brick-and-mortar or online is always left to the discretion of the receiving institution. Look for a university that will give your credits from other schools as well as prior work experience and training serious consideration for transferability. If you plan to transfer, be sure to check first with the receiving institution to determine if it will accept credits from the institution you are considering attending. 6 Myth #6: Distance learning programs are overpriced. Tuition for online degree programs varies widely. Some are very competitive. Distance learning schools have their own unique expenses. While campus schools pay for landscaping, building maintenance and sports facilities, online schools often pay extra for student support services and graduation coaches. Some online schools have technology fees and proctored examination fees, which are legitimate expenses that allow students to complete their studies in a convenient format. It s also important to consider the cost savings that online programs allow. Online students almost always pay zero commuting costs, zero parking fees and zero childcare costs. 7 Myth #7: Anyone can succeed in a distance learning course/program. Distance learning is not for everybody and can be quite challenging for some. Before committing to a distance learning course, consider the following: Do I have easy access to a newer computer and high-speed Internet? Do I work well unsupervised? Am I able to stick to a schedule and avoid procrastination? Can I meet deadlines? If you answered no to any of these questions, you may want to rethink the distance learning option or get family and friends to support you! You must be able to work independently, stick to a schedule and meet the required deadlines. While some students thrive in a virtual learning environment, others do better within the structure of a classroom. 8 Myth #8: A degree from a distance learning school is useless because nobody has heard of the school. There are numerous distance learning programs available today, and students should easily be able to find one that meets their needs. For most employers, the name of the school is irrelevant; the quality of the education and the accreditation of the school are what really matter. 8 Grantham University

9 Simple Answers to Common Questions about Distance Learning Distance learning, also called e-learning, online learning, distance education or online education, can generally be defined as academic material delivered via the computer and the Internet. The rising popularity of online learning is largely due to its flexibility and affordability. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions: 1. How do online courses work? Online courses are available through an institution s virtual learning environment. All of your coursework, including discussions, tests and writing assignments, is completed electronically. You simply log-in to the virtual learning environment through a web browser, click on the link for your course, and you are in class. 2. Are online courses truly available 24/7? Convenience is one of the top reasons students elect to learn online. As long as assignments are submitted by the established due date, it doesn t matter when you actually do the work. And then there are schools that give you a deadline for completing the entire course, rather than for each assignment. As long as you have all coursework completed prior to the class end date, you won t be penalized. 3. Is online learning effective? Yes. More than 20% of higher education students are online learners. Research compiled by the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications suggests that there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of learning through online courses and traditional, classroom-based courses. ( 4. Is there any interaction with professors and other students? Unlike an on-campus class, there are no class lectures and no one is sitting in the back row. Everyone participates. Many online colleges require students to engage in weekly discussions. Professors provide feedback on assignments and are also available via , phone and course chat rooms. Some even have virtual office hours. 5. Will I have an actual Instructor? Yes, all online courses have instructors, with varying credentials and real-world expertise. Typically, your instructor will have one of three different backgrounds: An instructor at a traditional campus-based program, who also teaches online courses. Someone who prefers online teaching only. An expert working full-time in the career field in which he/she teaches, who teaches online courses part-time. For example, your instructor for Criminal Justice 101 could also be the Chief of Police in a city or town near you. Grantham University 9

10 6. How much time will I spend studying? Online learning is flexible. But you still must work hard toward your degree. On average, expect to spend about hours per week on your studies for each course. It s work, but the upside is the increase in job opportunities following graduation. ( 7. Is an online degree accepted by employers? Upon graduating from an online university, your diploma and transcript will be identical to those earned by graduates in a traditional campus-based program. Your diploma will not distinguish you as an online student. That said, with more than 3.94 million students enrolled in online courses, employer acceptance of online courses and degree programs is rapidly increasing. 8. Are online colleges accredited? Reputable online universities, just like traditional campus-based colleges, are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accreditation assures that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, and approved recruitment and admissions policies. A great way to check on a college or university s accreditation is to search for them on the U.S. Department of Education s Database of Accredited Programs and Institutions ( 9. Can anyone take an online course? If you have a computer and Internet access, you can take an online class. But that doesn t necessarily mean it is the right choice for you. Online students need to be highly motivated and capable of adhering to a set study schedule. If you are by nature a procrastinator and need a structured learning environment, online courses may not be the best choice. 10. Do I have to wait until the start of a new semester to enroll? Rather than semester-based, many online universities have weekly, biweekly or monthly enrollment periods, so you can get started on your degree as quickly as possible. Also, many online schools have continuous enrollment, meaning that once you enroll and start your courses, you can progress through each course without taking a break. 10 Grantham University

11 The Merits of Online Degree Programs A critical part of the online versus on-campus debate is understanding the advantages of online universities. Check out why online degree programs continue to rise in popularity. Convenience and flexibility Adult students with families and career commitments, also called non-traditional students, enroll in online degree programs because they find it easier to balance work, family and school. You may not have time to sit in the classroom and listen to a lecture. But with online learning, you can study and attend class when it is convenient for you, not when it is convenient for the institution. Online programs typically allow you to work at your own pace, and some do not have any required login times, making it a flexible option. Affordability If you are seeking an associate degree, online courses can be more expensive than taking courses at your local community college. But according to GetEducated.com, a national consumer advocacy group that researches, rates, ranks and verifies the credibility of online college and distance learning degree programs, it is possible to save thousands of dollars on a bachelor s degree and pay $12,000 less than the national average for a master s degree by going to school online. In addition, students attending class online save valuable time, money, and wear and tear on their car by not traveling to and from campus. Maximizing your transfer credit from life experiences, including military service and corporate training, can reduce the number of courses needed to graduate. Validity Online students have indicated that online courses are just as tough, if not tougher, than courses taught in a traditional classroom, because they require excellent time management skills and dedication. 11

12 Student support One fear many students have about online education is that they ll be all alone in their studies. This isn t the case at all. Like students attending class on campus, you ll have to study, read chapters and complete assignments independently. But if you have a question, you don t have to wait until the next time your class meets to get an answer; your professor is just an , chat session or phone call away. You can also take advantage of course discussion boards and chat virtually with fellow students about your questions. In addition, look for online institutions that offer academic and student progress advising, tutoring and mentoring. Students also have the opportunity to work and communicate with other students, faculty and subject matter experts outside of their geographic location. Collaborating with people from different areas and levels of expertise enhances the education experience. Immediate results Many distance learning programs have online testing, which allows you to complete an exam or assignment and receive your grade right away. Because you aren t waiting one or two weeks to get your grade back, you are able to progress through your studies at a much faster rate and gain a better understanding of the subject matter areas. At most distance learning institutions, you also have access to your student account, online classes, course material and grades 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Flexible class sizes With distance learning, the size of the classrooms is not as limited as in a traditional school setting. The classroom sizes of on-ground schools can t keep up with the growing number of college students, so distance learning has become and will continue to be a viable choice for many. Distance education also allows for a large variety of courses offerings because classes aren t restricted by time and location. 12 Grantham University

13 Online Versus On-Campus: The Pros and Cons Pros Convenience: Do you have a full-time job? Are you an active member in the military? Do you have family members, including children, at home in your care? Online education is ideal because of the flexible nature of classes offered, enabling you to complete your degree while balancing work and family responsibilities. Ability to set your own pace: Some online degree programs have frequent start dates some even weekly. This allows you the opportunity to complete courses and achieve your degree quickly. Affordability: Not all online degrees are more affordable than traditional or community college rates, but some are. However, enrolling in an online degree program does ensure you don t have to spend extra money on gas, parking or child care. Cultural diversity: Online students are in class with faculty members and students from around the globe. Technology benefits: Taking classes online and becoming familiar with modern technology will help you in your career. A wide range of practical experience with computer software could set you apart from the competition. Online Education Cons Time management required: You must be disciplined to complete assignments according to established deadlines. Limited face-to-face interaction: You meet other students in an online setting, but it is typically via chat rooms or class discussion threads. If you don t mind independent learning with limited live interaction, this won t be a problem. Natural technology problems: Without the Internet, you cannot complete your online course work. Make sure you have a backup plan in the event of a power or connectivity issue. Grantham University 13

14 Online Versus On-Campus: The Pros and Cons Pros Traditional Education Networking opportunities: You meet more people face-to-face while attending a traditional university. As a result of networking, your contacts could grow, and your networking opportunities could increase. Experience new places: For some students, experiencing a different part of the country (or the world) is a valuable part of going to school in terms of maturity, diversity and social opportunity. On-site facilities: Students who enroll in a traditional university have the opportunity to take advantage of the institution s many facilities, including the student union, gym and athletic stadium. Cons Strict scheduling: Enrolling in a specific course at a traditional university can present scheduling challenges. If a desired course is only offered during the day, it can be difficult for working adults to work it into their fulltime job. Affordability: Cost will vary, but admission into a traditional university, especially if it s out of state, won t come cheap. Limited personal attention: This is particularly true in larger state universities, where undergraduate lecture halls packed to the brim with students is commonplace. Oneon-one instruction is not common in this type of setting. 14 Grantham University

15 Preparing for Online Learning Grantham University 15

16 The Power of Family Support: Topics for Discussion Before Starting Your Online Degree Program When contemplating your college education, don t underestimate the power of family support. Your education experience is a team effort, and their understanding and assistance is critical to your success. Organize your thoughts around the following five topics, and you ll be well on your way to a cohesive family plan for your education. 1 Explain why you are going back to school. Outline your choice in specific terms. Mention the kind of job or promotion that a new degree can yield. Explain how your earning potential and job security will improve ( gov/spotlight/2010/college/). Consider the issue from their perspective, and discuss items that will directly impact their lives in the short term and the long run. 2 Explain that an online degree makes sense for you and your situation. Share the reasons behind your choice of online education. Distance learning is flexible, convenient and as effective (if not more so) as classroom learning. Anticipate a level of skepticism. Describe some of your initial concerns about online education and discuss how you got beyond them. Illustrate that you have conducted careful research into the different educational options available to you. 3 Discuss the impact of tuition on the family budget. Be up front in talking about how you will pay for college. Assure family members that tuition assistance is available, and that you understand the application process. Discuss your employer s tuition reimbursement program, if applicable. If some corners are to be cut, be fair and show how everyone will have to contribute. Remind your family that your education is essentially an investment in the entire household. 4 Tell your family how they can help you succeed. place. Establish ground rules for your study time. Set reasonable expectations for your study hours. And be prepared to consistently enforce these rules until the new family routine is firmly in 5 Estimate a timeline of goals and hurdles. Both kids and adults respond well to timelines, rather than open-ended periods of change. Even though you can t promise when you ll graduate, you can provide a reasonable estimation. Let family members share in the excitement of your progress. Plan celebrations for milestones along the way, such as completion of courses. Be calm and open. Make sure everyone s ideas are heard. Your kids and partner need to feel valued, too, so don t let the conversation end on a note about you. And above all express your thanks for their cooperation. 16 Grantham University

17 What to Consider in Your Search for the Best Online University Once you decide that an online program is a good fit for you, there are several points to consider as you begin looking for the right institution. Take a look Pay close attention to scheduling requirements. Many schools offer flexible scheduling, but not all their scheduling may qualify you to use various forms of student aid. For example, if you are using Federal Student Aid, you may have to follow a set course schedule, which can rule out flexible, student-paced programs. Explore all fees associated with any program. While it is easy to fall into the program with the lowest tuition to save money, it s also easy to get into a program with many hidden fees that suddenly run up the program cost. For example, some programs include books in their tuition costs while others do not. This simple difference can mean hundreds of dollars each term in saved cash. Utilize social media to check out the prospective online colleges. With the popularity of many online networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, it is easy to find a virtual community of students and alumni. This is a great place to plug into the overall feel of a school, see how happy current students are and ask general questions. Explore every aspect of the online colleges websites. Taking the time to click through each college s website and see how it compares with others is also a good glimpse into the overall school. You will find that the web presence of many schools varies and that some less-than-reputable schools are poorly represented online. The website should be user-friendly with easy access to information. Find a useful contact at the school. Beyond a useful website, another key source of information when comparing online colleges is to find a knowledgeable staff member at the college to answer questions. Many people do not utilize student advising to its fullest potential, and this is actually a very important part of finding the best-fit program. If you find your first contact at the school less than knowledgeable, don t be afraid to ask for a supervisor to get the answers you need. Learn how the institution deals with deployments. For military students, coordinating classes and coursework with deployment is an important issue. Find out how military-friendly the school is. Determine if the school s advisors communicate with faculty in order to resolve deployment-related scheduling issues. Taking special care to compare all aspects of online colleges will allow you to make an informed choice as you prepare to jump back into school. With the variety of programs available, there is no need to settle for a program that does not fit your scheduling needs, interests or even job requirements. In order to find the information you need to make the final decision, taking the time to compare and research is key. Grantham University 17

18 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Exploring Your Options As you get closer to deciding upon an online university, there is much to consider. Don t let the following mistakes get in your way of making the best choice for your education Procrastination. Where will you be if you do nothing? If you are not sure what degree is best, ask your admissions representative for help. Sticking with the big names. Don t eliminate an online college or university just because it is not an institution whose name you immediately recognize. Being timid. Don t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, put together a list of questions before talking with admissions representatives. Ruling out a school based on cost. Don t be afraid of initial costs presented by a university. Financial aid, credit for life experience, scholarships and tuition payment plans may make a college or university far more affordable than it appears to be. Discounting the attention of admissions reps. Don t blow off any admissions representatives who may call you. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their online degree programs. They should be able to offer valuable information on programs and admission requirements. Relying upon memory. Don t assume you ll remember the details. Take good notes when you read college brochures and speak with admissions representatives. The comparison worksheet on the next page is a great way to record your experience with the various schools you are considering. Being discouraged by financial aid forms. If you need help understanding the financial aid forms, most online colleges have staff members who will be happy to help you. Settling. Don t go with the first program you discover. Be thorough in your search. For instance, a general business program might not serve you as well as a program with a focus in accounting, marketing, management, etc. Conversely, a more general, broadly based degree program in business may better meet your needs. Get the degree that fits your background and career goals. Going it alone. Don t keep your interest in continuing your education a secret. Give friends, family members and colleagues the chance to share their experiences and offer you important encouragement and support. Being intimidated. Be confident in your decision to return to school. If you have good academic and time management skills, are motivated, and have the support of your closest family members and friends, your chances of achieving your degree (and career) goals are high. 18 Grantham University

19 Online University Comparison Worksheet School of Interest School B School C School D Financial Assistance Interaction with University Representative Flexibility Variety of Degree Programs Faculty Grantham University 19

20 Student Checklist: Preparing for a Successful E-Learning Experience Start off on the right foot with your online education. Here are a few of the essentials for a successful and easier student experience. Time. Know, on average, how many hours to set aside for schoolwork. A dependable computer with the typical Microsoft Office programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Reliable Internet access Ability to access your school account daily The school s tutorial (typically provided) for navigating through the online learning environment and accessing valuable school resources (e.g., the library, learning center, tutoring, etc.) Technical support Textbooks. To cut costs, consider buying used or renting. Beyond the essentials you need to consider, universities typically provide the following online tools to help keep you on track for a successful virtual experience: Announcement boards / course syllabi to stay current on assignments Discussion board to post questions and responses Chat area to interact with other students and the instructor Grade book for checking progress 20 Grantham University

21 ? Now What? So now that you have given this ebook an in-depth read, what do you think about this mode of learning for you? Ready to dive in and get started on your online degree? Visit Grantham s website at or call us at (866) , and we will be happy to share information on our accredited online degree programs or tuition assistance possibilities. We look forward to hearing from you! Share This ebook! Grantham University 21