Distance Learning and Online Degrees in the US
Although many foreign national students who enroll in US colleges and universities prefer a first-hand cultural experience, an increasing number are considering distance learning as a more convenient and affordable alternative. The Internet provides access to the diverse, high quality offerings for which American postsecondary schools are known throughout the world. Connecting students and teachers thousands of miles apart, virtual classrooms make use of rapidly-developing interactive educational technologies that brick-and-mortar classrooms can't offer.
How Distance Learning Works
Students who attend school remotely receive a formal education through one or both of two kinds of distance education. They may participate live at a designated time over the Web, which is called synchronous (at the same time) learning. This is often provided at a specific location, such as a nearby university campus. Or students may receive previously prepared instruction according to their own schedule and location, either using Internet access or mail, which is called asynchronous (not at the same time) learning.
Virtual technologies used in distance education include Internet video / audio through Skype or similar services that use VOIP (voice over Internet), email, bulletin boards, resource centers, whiteboarding or shared applications, online interactive learning programs, and live chat. Other means of distance education include DVDs and software CDs, video cassettes, telephone conferencing and voicemail, radio, television and other means of communication.
Online degrees are relatively new to the educational arena, and so disreputable programs or fraudulent student behavior can be a problem. Therefore, many potential employers, government agencies and funding organizations require proof that a distance learning program is accredited through formal US accreditation system and/or the Accreditation Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Schools and their programs that have been accredited in this way have met rigorous academic and operational standards.
As part of their accreditation, programs must guarantee a certain level of security. Therefore, extensive measures may be taken to ensure that the person who signed up for a course personally attends the course and completes all tests. Such methods of identification may include requiring students to have fish-eye Web cameras attached to their, biometric scanning of eye retinas or thumbprints for identification, and/or proctoring of examinations by faculty members, consular officials, clergy members or US military officers.
In most cases, US-accredited distance education programs are offered through four-year colleges and universities and two-year community colleges or vocational schools with brick-and-mortar campuses. Some of these schools may require occasional visits by enrolled students to their campuses. There are an increasing number of degree-awarding virtual universities, corporations and organizations that do not offer any campus-based programs, but are accredited because of an affiliation with a regional college or university.
Choosing a Distance Education Program in the US
When comparing different distance learning opportunities offered by US educational facilities, be sure to consider the following criteria:
Quality
- Length of time the institution has been enrolling students in the program
- Accreditation through a US Department of Education recognized agency and/or through the DETC
- Variety of relevant courses compared to similar programs at other institutions
- Length of time it takes students, on average, to complete the program
- What graduates go on to do as far as transferring to other programs, becoming certified in their field or finding employment
- Results of student evaluations of programs
- Recognition of the degree or certification in the student's home country
Cost
Distance education courses offered by four-year campus-based colleges and universities often cost about the same as their traditional courses. Admission fees and standardized test fees are similar. There are fewer expenses related to housing, food and travel, however. Virtual degree programs can be considerably less expensive, but it is important to check that they are DETC-accredited. Costs of learning materials, including shipping fees, should be calculated into a budget.
Selecting a program that requires students to live on campus at some point during their schooling will add expenses for travel, room and board, obtaining a student visa, and other costs to a budget.
Credits from other previously-completed courses can sometimes be applied to any degree program, including distance education. It is important to verify this early on when selecting programs. Similarly, be sure to check that credits earned through an online degree program can be transferred to other schools or programs that may be chosen in the future.
Admission
Application procedures for distance learning programs are similar to traditional programs. Prospective students can expect to submit a completed application, results of standardized tests (SAT®, ACT® and/or TOEFL®), transcripts from other schools, and letters of recommendation. They may also be asked to complete assessments in computer literacy and other areas of knowledge, depending on their chosen degree program.
Distance Education is Not for Everyone
Before committing to a program that relies heavily on distance learning, prospective students should consider:
- Goals - What does the student expect to gain from a degree? Are they seeking general knowledge, or specific certification or qualifications? Is in-person social interaction important, or will the student find working remotely with other students around the world rewarding? Is the student considering an online degree to save on tuition costs? If so, how important is it that the school be accredited?
- Learning style - Does the student possess the time management skills and independent drive to remain focused and feel rewarded while attending school remotely? Does the student learn best from hands-on instruction, in-person instruction, reading, listening or watching?
- Internet access - Is Internet access readily available at locations that are suitable for the students' optimal learning? How fast and reliable is the connection? Is it difficult to gain access to a computer because of demand from other users? Is there a cost involved in using a computer or Internet?
- Convenience - Does a given program require participation in synchronous or asynchronous learning activities, or both? How well do class times, projects, labs and coursework integrate with other responsibilities such as work and family?
- Travel - Will travel be required to participate in a given program? In particular, commuting to and from a local campus or computer lab, or required visits to the school's campus in the US. If so, how frequently? What costs in time and money will result?