Nowadays, you frequently receive emails and messages on mobile phone advertising one or the other distance learning program. But, when you actually want to pursue the one, it become challenging as how to choose a right distance learning program. Read on to get some tips on the right approach to choose a suitable course for you.
Distance learning has emerged as a rapidly growing component of higher education. The convenience of pursuing a desired course anytime and anywhere has appealed the young generation and all those who want to continue their job along with studies. As a result, the number of online enrollments is burgeoning on yearly basis.
However, all such distance learning programs do not meet quality parameters. The increasing demand for distance education has resulted in a whole new market of distance learning schools that offer useless certificates and degree at a high price. Hence, it becomes extremely important to choose an appropriate distance learning program.
Below we discuss some of the important factors that should be considered at the time of choosing a distance learning program to serve your purpose. These include:
Accreditation
At the time of choosing a program in any field for distance learning, it is important to note if it is a recognized course and offered by colleges that are accredited by the authorized body. Accreditation is a way to ensure if the college and the academic program meet the standards of educational facilities and instruction. This information is easily available on the institute’s website where you want to study a particular distance course.
Mandatory Campus Sessions
Another important point that helps you in the selection of a distance education program is the type of program: online or on-site. Most of the programs in distance education mode conduct weekly on-the-campus sessions once or twice in a year. Before enrolling into any program, check the requirement of the course and ensure if visiting the campus will not be a hindrance for you.
Scope of the Program
It is one of the most important features that should be considered for any program you are planning to pursue, as the goal of any student is to ensure a lucrative job at the end. As a result, do a proper research about the job placement offered by a distance learning program and ensure its academic offerings. Is the program appropriate to prepare you for the competition? Choose a course, which offers curriculum to develop critical thinking, computer skills, communication skills and ability to handle ethical issues at work.
Availability of Instructional Material
Make sure the instructional material is easily available for the program you want to study to avoid problems later on. Confirm from the institution about the mode of availability of the study material. Such courses can be offered in a variety of ways, including e-mails, audio mode, CD offering audio-video mode, web-based, and telephonic system. Also, ensure that the study material is available online to offer easy accessibility. Checking out the schedule of the program is vital to know if you can access the learning website on special days only and for how many hours to plan your work schedule, if you are a working professional.
Alumni
For distance learning programs, teaching staff plays a crucial role in deciding the quality of education. Hence, it is important to check if the programs are taught by experienced and highly qualified professional teachers.
Reputation of the distance education program plays a vital role in your job prospects. Hence, you cannot rely merely on the institute’s website, but should also research about the program and school on the internet, talk to the alumni and visit the campus once.
Happy Learning!
About the Author
Swati Srivastava is an expert writer with interest in writing for diverse areas such as education and career. Her articles and blogs on a wide array of educational topics offer extensive knowledge to the education seekers. The above blog post offers the tips to choose a right distance education program for a bright career.
