Archive for March, 2009

Choosing best online degree program is not that easy as there are thousands of online universities operating at present. Instead of just focusing on accreditation and reputation of the online degree program, you also need to take into consideration number of other factors as well. Point to be noted here is that Online Degree options and universities vary in terms of features and delivery mode. You can’t judge the value of Online University on the basis of price.

Track Record:

When it comes to advertising in print and electronic media, most of the online universities will say that they are the best in the business and students can earn a degree without any hassle. Instead of relying on advertisement of online university, make sure that you check the track record of the online university. This will give you a clear picture of the Online University. For example, if the retention rates of university are not high, it clearly means that teaching methodologies used in the online university are not up to the mark.

Experience:

Best online degree program is normally conducted by the online universities that have an experience of more than ten years in the field of Online Education. When you opt for an experienced online university, you do not need to worry about the syllabus quality, qualification of faculty members, study material and placement services. Experienced online universities develop new learning methodologies on a regular basis so that students feel at ease during study.

Class strength:

Best Online Degree Programs are one where class strength is not too high. When student to faculty ratio is low, students will be able to understand things in a much better way. Therefore, before choosing any online degree program makes sure that you take into consideration the class strength.

Standards and practices:

When an Online University publicize in their prospectus its standards and practices for online degree program, some accountability is required. As a student, it’s your responsibility to find out the standards that is being followed by the online university. Check the accreditation of the online university first before taking admission in any online degree program. There is no point going for an online degree program which is not accredited by the US Department of Education.

Course specialization:

Few online universities are excellent in psychology courses, others in business management and so on. Taking this into account, it is advisable that you do some research work first before applying for any online degree. Stay away from online degree programs whose syllabus is not comprehensive. When the syllabus is not comprehensive, students will not get full knowledge from the online degree program. This is not a good sign especially when you are interested in taking admission at higher education level.

Transferring credits policy:

Transferring credits between universities has improved quite a bit as more and more people have started accepting online education. Before taking admission in any online university, make sure that you check the transferring credits policy, as there are few universities that do not accept online credits.

What is a Diploma Mill?

Diploma Mills are in short, fake online colleges that offer Online Degree Programs which do not meet the required standard of education or those which offer fake degree certificates for money. These players mainly intend to mint money from those students who genuinely look forward to complete an online degree program. It is because of these diploma mills that even genuine colleges loose their recognition and employers do not recognize Online Degree Certifications fearing fraud and misrepresentation.

What is a Diploma Mills Police?

Are you looking forward to enroll in an Online Degree Program? A little confused about how to verify their accreditation and reputation? Do you feel the need for a website which will clarify the status of online schools, their performance and recognition? Diploma Mill Police is a free online college accreditation service that helps you verify an Online Degree Program and its authenticity. This service mainly aims at protecting students with genuine interest from getting cheated by these unscrupulous businessmen who en cash the need of such students. There are students who willingly go for such options, as it gets them a degree with absolutely no effort and just money. It is believed that there are close to 200 colleges in the US which are diploma mills and it is important that students take the help of such services so as not to repent later on.

Online College Accreditation Service – Is it helpful?

Any effort towards fighting against these Diploma Mills is a welcome sign. Further it is one stop shop for students to verify the legitimacy of the online college they choose to attend to. This service mainly helps in identifying whether the educational institution is a valid one or a scam. Even a slightest doubt about the institution can be verified and updation about accredited colleges and the regional agency that has offered accreditation. A step by step effort in this direction will help in wiping away the ill effects of Diploma Mills. Do you wish to differ?

Is Online College the one for you?

Just that a particular course or a subject matter is a good one doesn’t mean that it should suit your lifestyle. No matter what is told about these Online Colleges, kindly analyze whether online education is the kind of study you are looking for? Once you have decided to study it is important that you choose a course and university that caters to your way of life and pace of study. Performing a detailed research in this subject matter is absolutely essential for the future. Given the restrictions and limitations a regular college has to offer, is online definitely a better choice? Every choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important that you analyze and proceed.

Pros and Cons of Online Colleges

Pros or the advantages of Online Colleges

• Home based study – You get to stay at home while pursuing your course of study. Whether you are busy professionals or mother of two, you gain by avoiding the otherwise expensive day care and baby sitting fee or missing assignments for the sake of attending classes. You have complete freedom at home with no traffic or late attendance tensions.
• Study by capacity – You are not in any hurry. You are allowed to study at your own pace and subject to your ability to cope with your studies. Time availability is really not a problem for you are not forced to do something if you are otherwise held up.
• Classes anywhere – You are at ease as far as classes are concerned. You can attend to your classes anywhere. It can be your kitchen or bedroom or a nearby library, wherever the internet facility is available. Don’t you relish this?
• Fits any lifestyle – These classes are made especially for people who have an extraordinary lifestyle of a student. In other words, the course structure provides the space for all your job or family needs.
• Financial Assistance – The same federal and private institutions that offers funding for regular colleges also funds Online Degree courses. So, what is stopping you?

Cons or the disadvantages of Online Colleges

• Online Scams – Just like any other online forgery, there are predatory online institutions, whose aim is to squeeze money from genuine students. Beware of Diploma mills.
• Limited Coverage – However extensive may be the course coverage, it is limited when compared to a regular college atmosphere. There are courses which require hands on experience or a practical demonstration which needs to be seen in person and felt. There are some professions which certainly needs a practical exposure which is offered only by a regular college.
• Mixing with people – You loose a chance to meet people and mingle with them. Social interaction is a must for any person, which you just do not get in an online college atmosphere. Even though you get to talk or chat it is just not the same as mingling with people in person. A completely virtual atmosphere.
• Self Initiative – You need a lot of self motivation to succeed in an online course of study. Remember you study amidst a busy schedule, which means you literally have no time for study. You need to think once again about the justice you can do to the course after enrolling for an Online College Program.
• No Immediate Response – In a virtual atmosphere you just cannot expect a natural reaction. Whether it is dressing down for a wrong or an idiotic answer or appreciating for a very satisfying and justifiable reply, you definitely got to postpone your expectation or reaction. Because it only through mail that you get your responses which is not immediate.

So friends, what do you think you can get away with these disadvantages considering the benefits Online Colleges have to offer? Let us have you say on this.

Online learning is a highly advanced approach to learning that provides people from all walks of life with an opportunity to gain higher education. Whether you are a busy professional, stay at home mom, or a person who does not have access to a traditional learning, online learning gives you the freedom to earn a degree in a format that best suits your lifestyle. Online education is entirely different from a conventional learning, therefore you need to take a proactive approach and set your study time table on the basis of your schedule.

A Customized Learning Approach

Online learning is a customized learning approach that allows individuals to earn a new degree without interfering with daily life. It needs a lot of self motivation and commitment to earn your degree online. Pursuing an online education helps you gain higher education without interrupting your work schedule.

Easy Access to Education

Online learning gives easy access to education for individuals who have difficulty with traditional ground-based classes. Online students can continue their regular job and complete their online coursework during their free time, so there is no need to give up their careers for their education.

Comprehensive Online Syllabus

As the syllabus of online education is often quite comprehensive in nature, you will definitely require the assistance of your faculty members. Some students think that online degree program is a self-study and there is no help available for them. This is wrong because you can take the help of faculty members in an online environment even when the class is over.

Allows You to Learn On Your Own Pace

Online learning allows you to devise your own schedule and learn on your own pace. Although online classes have deadlines and due sates, but online students can complete their assignments within those deadlines on their own schedule rather than following a traditional class routine on calendar.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Since online learning offers a great flexibility to working professionals to complete their online courses without leaving their current jobs. Despite that, it also provides you with the opportunity to improve your career prospects. You can earn an online master’s degree or specialize in any particular field of interest in order to get promoted. In some cases, your employer may even compensate you by paying for your education, since the knowledge you learn will eventually benefit the company as well.

Faster Completion

Online learning gives students the convenience and freedom to work at a more comfortable pace. Individuals who can complete their projects faster can take more classes than they could in a traditional college setting. Thus, allowing students to complete their degree much faster.

Enhanced Student Interaction

Online education promotes enhanced interaction among students and their peers through online discussion boards, emails, Skype and more. This online communication helps bridge cultural gaps such as speech difficulties, race or age differences.

Overall, online learning is a great way to pursue higher education that allows you to improve your academic credentials and employment prospects as well.

Hi Friends…while doing some research for new post on Online Degree Talk; I thought like compiling a list of Best Accredited Online Colleges for everyone’s convenience. I know it gets so frustrating when one has to do endless research for one thing or another. The list below I hope will help you in more than one way.

• American InterContinental University Online
  American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Since 1970 AIU has been providing a high-quality education with industry-current degree programs. If you are looking for an education that gives you the confidence and credentials you need to succeed in the job market, AIU is for you. Their online degree programs are designed to meet the needs of your chosen profession and the workforce. Take the next step forward in your career at AIU.
• Penn Foster College
  Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Penn Foster College is designed with busy schedules in mind. If you have a packed schedule and do not have the time to attend classes, Penn Foster College is for you. With Penn Foster College, you will gain the necessary skills that will prepare you for a competitive workforce.
• Ashford University
  Experience a new way of learning through the innovative online experience at Ashford University that integrates engaging curricula, modern digital tools, a vibrant online community, and cherished tradition.At Ashford, you get the feel of a traditional college campus with effective online learning. Your education at Ashford University is a shared experience that unites you with students and faculty around the world.

• Capella University
  Capella University takes great pride in developing online courses and degree programs that are based on professional standards and employer recommendations so that you are well prepared to succeed in your field. Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
• Kaplan University
  Having the right skills and training is vital in today’s competitive job market. Kaplan College online degree programs are developed to advance your knowledge and give you the required training for career success. Kaplan College is accredited by one of several national or regional accrediting agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Ashworth College
  If you are a busy working adult looking to for flexible class schedules and professional instruction, Ashworth College is right for you. Established in 1995, Ashworth College offers affordable and flexible online programs to suit your needs. Ashworth College is nationally accredited by the DETC, and our high school is also regionally accredited by SACS.
• Baker College Online
  Founded in 1911, Baker College Baker College gives you the education and training required to succeed throughout your career. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, Baker College offers the most relevant education and training for career success. Discover more career possibilities at Baker College Online.
• Western Governors University
  Western Governors University is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is also regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. You can count on Western Governors University to provide a high-quality degree program that will meet your personal and professional goals.
• Walden University
  Founded in 1970, Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The North Central Association is one of the six regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).You will find Walden University to be the ideal choice for you whether you are a working adult or just start your career. Earn your degree from a leading accredited online university.

Friends, I may have missed some good Accredited Colleges Online, feel free to share with us those which you think should also be included in the list too.

Happy Learning