Online degree and certificate programs use a variety of delivery methods to help students interact with their peers and teachers and to have access to different methods of learning. At first, correspondence courses were done strictly through the mail. As radio and television gained prominence after the 1920s, lectures were delivered over the air waves.Today, instant messaging, chat rooms, discussion boards, online video lectures and email all contribute to virtual real-time interaction between students and teachers.
Six regional accreditation bodies accredit colleges and schools in the United States. It is important that your school be accredited to ensure the quality of education you will receive. If it is not, check with the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to see if the organization is recognized by them. Specialized accrediting agencies and state accreditation offices are also accreditation options for institutions. Check with your state's attorney general and the Better Business Bureau to find out if the school has received complaints from students in the past. Poor training and lack of employment opportunities because of that training are particular complaints to look for.
Six regional accreditation bodies accredit colleges and schools in the United States. It is important that your school be accredited to ensure the quality of education you will receive. If it is not, check with the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to see if the organization is recognized by them. Specialized accrediting agencies and state accreditation offices are also accreditation options for institutions.Check with your state's attorney general and the Better Business Bureau to find out if the school has received complaints from students in the past. Poor training and lack of employment opportunities because of that training are particular complaints to look for.
Online education gives you the chance to do your school work when you are able. You can interact with your peers in an environment where you do not have to deal with face-to-face interactions, which can be unnerving to some students. It also provides a well-rounded learning experience with its supplemental materials and various instruction methods. However, learning online is not for everyone. Self-motivated and disciplined individuals succeed more often than those that need accountability and motivation from other students and teachers.