AP Photo/Lisa Poole
Laurel Ranticelli looks at her UMASS online class information, July 1, 2008, in Springfield, Mass.
Laurel Ranticelli looks at her UMASS online class information, July 1, 2008, in Springfield, Mass.
Online College Courses and Degrees: Go to College Without Leaving Home
If a busy schedule, physical handicap or other obstacle has prevented you from attending college at a local campus, then distance learning may be ideal for you. Most major colleges offer at least a few online college courses and degrees with more and more colleges operating exclusively online.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Distance Learning?
Distance learning can be a great opportunity for some but it isn't suited for everyone. The following Web sites reveal the types of students who do best with distance learning.
Insights for Understanding Distance Learning
- Sites with tips and tricks to help you determine if distance learning is right for you are included below. Review the advice and see if you can imagine yourself following it.
- When looking for general information or opinions about online coursework, go for objective sources rather than an online college's Web site.
Top Sites for Understanding Distance Learning
For an introduction to distance learning coursework ...
Newsweek Showcase
features an excellent introduction to distance learning. Visit the "Ask the experts" section to find answers to frequently asked questions.
elearnspace
aims to provide a comprehensive picture of elearning. The site also features a blog with content that is regularly updated.
To assess whether distance learning is right for you ...
eLearners.com
is a directory of online colleges and degrees, and features a short quiz called "Are YOU A Good Match for On-Line Learning?" The site also offers profiles of real online college students so you can learn about their experiences as distance learners.
Online College Degree Resources
is a comprehensive site with information on specific colleges and degree programs. The article, "Is Distance Learning Right For You?" can help you figure out if you have the discipline it takes for an online course.
Peterson's
can help all college students, whether they attend class on campus or not. An assessment test, "What Kind of Learning Environment Would Be Best For You?" can help you decide what kind of college student you are meant to be. Also take advantage of their free weekly online chats, where you can chat live with college admission experts.
For tips to help you succeed ...
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System
offers distance courses but goes the extra mile with this helpful tutorial, "How to Survive in an Online Class." The tutorial is broken down into 25 practical tips aimed to help you thrive in an online classroom.
Study Guides and Strategies
contains tips and tricks for all college students, such as preparing for tests and avoiding procrastination. Take a look at the "Online learning/communicating" section for resources specific to distance learners.
Finding an Online College
One of the most important details to consider when finding an online college is ... read more »
Financial Aid for Online Courses
Don't assume that you can't qualify for financial aid for online courses. Even if ... read more »
Distance Learning Tools
There are many distance learning tools and Web sites that can increase your ... read more »
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