EducationforAdults.com Home »» Adult Education Help Center
Online Education - Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a compiled list of some of the most frequently asked questions about distance education. However, if you have a burning question that we just didn't answer or if you have comments or suggestions to add concerning this list of FAQs, please email us !
What is distance education?
Why is the definition of distance education so vague?
Is distance education similar to traditional education?
What are the benefits of distance learning?
I've heard bad things about Diploma Mills. What's that about?
Is a distance learning degree just as good as a traditional degree?
Not surprisingly, distance education involves getting an education from a distance. Typically this means that your courses are delivered through a non-traditional media such as video, DVD, CD, audiotapes, fax or phone, email, or a web-based delivery system using the Internet. With today's technology, the options continue to expand.
The fundamental point is that distance education does not generally require you to go and sit in a classroom somewhere. Distance education may or may not involve attending class through the Internet, teleconferencing or some other medium. However, many distance programs tend to allow you to complete your studies anytime, anywhere, and use discussion boards or forums to create class discussions that do not require all the students being online at the same time.
Why is the definition of distance education so vague?
It is somewhat difficult to clearly define distance learning because today's technology allows for so many different options. This allows distance-learning schools to meet the individual education needs of all their students, which can be a major benefit to you as a student if you have a family, a job, or a busy schedule. You need to investigate your options based on your particular situation and educational needs.
Distance learning is also developing rapidly, which can make it hard to define. It was not that long ago when there were a very limited number of courses, mostly technical, that were offered through distance education. Today, almost any field of study or course is open to distance learners.
Is distance education similar to traditional education?
Yes and no. Many of the overall processes are the same: you receive instruction, and are evaluated based on work you complete (tests, papers, etc.).
However, there tend to be fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction with professors or peers. Some programs offer little structure, requiring the student to practice self-discipline in order to complete the requirements.
Some classes offered by more traditional schools as distance programs tend to run with the same timeframe and requirements as their other classes except without the classroom attendance requirement. These schools will typically award you the same type of degree that those students who sit in class receive because you have completed the same work and met the same standards, only from a different location.
What are the benefits of distance learning?
Distance learning can offer a number of advantages over the traditional brick and mortar school:
- The convenience of learning anytime, anywhere
- The ability to learn at your own pace
- The option of taking accelerated programs or degrees
- Often distance learning is cheaper
- You can keep your job and continue earning while pursuing your degree
- You can get your degree without having to move and disrupt your family's life
- And many, many more!
The benefits vary by school and not all schools will offer the same options for distance learning. Investigate your options and find the school that meets both your personal and academic requirements.
I've heard bad things about Diploma Mills. What's that about?
Diploma mills are a problem. Legitimate distance learning programs are NOT diploma mills. Click here for more information on diploma mills.
Is a distance learning degree just as good as a traditional degree?
This is a little tricky to answer. If your degree is from a legitimate distance provider, yes.
However, having said that, we need to consider a few quick points. Just as with traditional schools, not all distance educators are providing degrees of the same caliber. Degrees from Harvard or another Ivy League school continue to pull more weight than those from a small, local school that no one has heard of. This is, at least in part, due to the quality of education provided by Ivy League schools. Similarly, different distance education providers have different standards and course materials that they provide. Accredited institutions have to measure up to the same standards as traditional schools so you know that they have met that standard, but you donŐt necessarily have the same ranking systems in place as there are for traditional schools. (Although the legitimacy of most ranking systems continues to come under fire as well.)
The other issue with distance vs. traditional degrees is that of reputation. Some people are slow to accept the idea that a distance education could provide education and training of equal value to that of a traditional program. While this is becoming less of a problem as people in both business and academia realize the value of distance education, it is an attitude you may still encounter. Just be aware of it.
