About Distance Learning

Check Any Online School's Accreditation Status

2009-07-02T00:11:12Z

Proper accreditation can mean the difference between a degree that gets you a new job and a certificate that isn't worth the paper it's printed on. If you have the right tools, you can check any school's accreditation status in less than a minute. This article will show you how to find out if a school is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

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New: Find Free GED Classes Online

2009-06-29T18:42:17Z

Want to find free GED classes online? Although you are required to take the official exam in person, free GED classes can be taken over the internet to help you study and prepare.

Free GED classes often contain subject summaries, practice questions, and test-taking tips. In this new article, you'll find links to some of the best no-cost courses available.

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The Truth About Online Law School

2009-06-28T02:33:05Z

In limited circumstances, it is possible to earn an online law degree. But, choosing an online law school has some very serious drawbacks that can make it difficult to become a practicing attorney.

California is the only state that currently allows students from online law schools (none of which are accredited by the American Bar Association) to sit for the bar exam. If you pass the California bar after earning a degree from an online law school, you may be eligible to sit for other state exams after successfully practicing law for several years. Many states will permit California lawyers to take their bar exams after five to seven years of practicing law. Alternatively, you could enroll in a Master of Law program accredited by the American Bar Association.

Want to learn more. Check out the in-depth guide to online law school.

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Department of Ed: Online Learning More Effective

2009-06-26T01:34:50Z

In a groundbreaking meta study released today, the United States Department of Education found that blended and online learning options are more effective at improving achievement that traditional classroom instruction. They explain:

"The meta analysis showed that 'blended' instruction � combining elements of online and face-to-face instruction � had a larger advantage relative to purely face to face instruction or instruction conducted wholly online. The analysis also showed that the instruction conducted wholly on line was more effective in improving student achievement than the purely face to face instruction...

'Studies of earlier generations of distance and online learning courses have concluded that they are usually as effective as classroom-based instruction,' said Marshall 'Mike' Smith, a Senior Counselor to the secretary. 'The studies of more recent online instruction included in this meta-analysis found that, on average, online learning, at the post-secondary level, is not just as good as but more effective than conventional face-to-face instruction..."

Due to these findings, the Department urges colleges to use stimulus funds for the implementation of technology that can help learners.

This report comes as good news for online learning advocates. When questioned about the legitimacy of online teaching, we can now respond that learning on the web is actually better than learning from a classroom desk.

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How Does an Online University Work?

2009-06-24T00:03:37Z

Taking classes through an online university can be a bit confusing at first. But, most online university students are easily able to navigate through their coursework once they understand how virtual schools operate.

If you�re new to the world of elearning, this article will walk you through the basics of online university programs.

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12 Ways the Government Will Help Pay for Your Online Degree

2009-06-21T02:26:09Z

Paying for online college courses can take a toll. But, Uncle Sam wants to help. Check out this article to learn about twelve loans, grants, tax breaks, and scholarships available from the government.

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Take an OpenCourseWare Class This Summer

2009-06-19T18:44:36Z

If you want to polish your skills or learn something new, take a look at no-cost OpenCourseWare offerings. Many major colleges such as MIT offer online material from their classes to the public.

OpenCourseWare classes are self-directed and do not count for credit. However, they can be a smart way to give online learning a risk-free try.

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Do You Prefer Scheduled or Free Form Learning?

2009-06-17T20:36:05Z

Summertime really highlights the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online classes. Students taking scheduled, synchronous courses must log in at specific times every week. This is a useful way to keep up with coursework, but it can also keep learners from those evening barbecues and last minute vacations. Asynchronous learning, on the other hand, lets students log in whenever they please. Students love the flexibility but find it easy to fall behind without regular class meetings.

Learn more about the pros and cons of each scheduling option in the article Synchronous Distance Learning vs. Asynchronous Distance Learning.

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New Search Engine Makes Cheating Easier

2009-06-14T03:13:23Z

Some online professors are concerned about the new search engine WolframAlpha and its potential to give students the answers to assignments. WolframAlpha calls itself a "computational knowledge engine" and has the ability to calculate problems and deliver solutions - even for questions that no other user has ever asked.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports:

"The latest dilemma facing professors is whether to let students turn to a Web site called WolframAlpha, which not only solves complex math problems, but also can spell out the steps leading to those solutions. In other words, it can instantly do most of the homework and test questions found in many calculus textbooks...

Unlike Google, WolframAlpha features a supercharged math engine based on the Mathematica software used by many researchers. It makes a graphing calculator look like a slide rule."

Since WolframAlpha demonstrates how math equations are solved, students could easily get around the "show your work" requirement that is often mandated to make sure a calculator isn't used.

Perhaps online professors will need to come up with a new way for students to prove that they're working on their own. Or, perhaps it's time to embrace technology and let students use the problem-solving programs that will only become more common in the future.

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Completing a Degree Online

2009-06-12T01:05:05Z

If you're an adult learner with past college experience but no degree, you may be able to complete your studies by enrolling in an online school. Many online colleges cater to professional adult students wanting to transfer previous credits and earn a degree in less time than the traditional 4-year program.

Check out this article to learn the basics of finishing your college degree online.

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