subject: Online School Options [print this page] Online School Options Online School Options
Time is a commodity, one that more and more people have begun to realize they don't have enough of. There is a significant amount of pressure on people to hit the job market as soon as it is legally allowable to do so, sometimes to the detriment of their education. This means that many get into a job or trade right out of high school - a move a few may regret later in their lives. Thankfully, the Internet allows them the opportunity to attend colleges online, allowing them to get a college education without letting it cut too much into their busy schedules. Of course, not just any online college will do.
First of all, it must be an accredited institution. Other online colleges may not see the importance of this, but accreditation is a proof that an online college offering is good and that its online programs are legitimate. It also means that it has produced at least one batch of students with a level of competence to those that had the same degree in a standard classroom setting.
One should also be careful of online schools that have fake credentials. Even if they show certificates as proof of their legitimacy, there are still those given by accreditation authorities that don't actually exist. To make sure, the individual who's interested in getting an online education should confirm if the accrediting body is indeed registered under the United States Board of Education. This will ensure that the person is not getting duped.
Make sure that the degree being pursued fits long-term educational plans. For example, for those who are looking into an associate program that will be segued into a bachelor's degree in the future, make sure that the institution's program can be credited. This means that all the work done in the associate's degree will be considered later on, when moving into the bachelor's program. When possible, ask for a list of colleges and universities that will credit the units already taken.
Check how easy it would be to contact the professors and instructions, as well as the administration of the school. This is primarily because scheduling conflicts are a very real possibility, so it would be good to have some way of contacting the professors to catch up on lectures. The easier they are to contact, the less hassle it would be to catch up on the course work. Also, note that different online colleges will have different levels of support. This means that some might offer a great deal of support, while others will have professors that can barely be contacted.
