Guide Distance Learning Online Education

Distance learning opportunities used to exist through"Online, I have the freedom to require contributions.
what was called correspondence courses, whichEvery week, my students have to submit essays
were conducted over the mail, on the radio or onand participate in group discussions. I get a better
television. Today, the internet is the primary methodsense of the learning process." He also finds that
of presenting educational materials. Online educationonline students come from all over the world and
affords students who little time or money, or whohave unique contributions that benefit the other
live in remote areas, to attend classes.students.
Classes Offered Through Distance Learning OnlineOnline Education Distance Learning Association in the
EducationUS. Several distance learning associations exist within
Almost any curriculum can be pursued online.the United States that offer additional information
Students can seek programs that result inabout taking classes online for prospective students.
certification, advanced technical skills, associatesThe United States Distance Learning Association
degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees and(USDLA). The USDLA is a non-profit association that
even doctorates. Even continuing education classespromotes the development and application of online
for licensed professionals and high school equivalencedistance learning for education and training purposes.
courses can be completed through virtual classrooms.The USDLA encourages distance learning for grades
Methods for Distance Learning Online EducationK-12, college and higher education, corporate training,
Online education is usually web-based with a specificcontinuing education, government training and military
web site designated for the course. Supplementaltraining. Further, the USDLA supported the
materials, such as software, may also be part ofimplementation of the Snowe-Rockefeller
certain online courses. Students visit the course webAmendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as
site to complete the posted assignments and takewell as other legislation in 1997 that was introduced
tests. Instructors and students communicate throughby Kennedy and Snowe.
email and chat rooms. Sometimes virtual lectures andThe Distance and Education Training Council (DETC).
discussions are part of online coursework. StudentsThe DETC is a non-profit educational association that
can attend virtual classrooms to complete theiris a central hub of information about distance study
education and some colleges even have virtualand the correspondence learning field.
graduation ceremonies.Federal Government Distance Learning Association
Types of Students Who Pursue Distance Learning(FGDLA). The FGDLA is also a non-profit association.
Online EducationThe FGDLA was formed to promote development
Many different students from all over the worldand application of distance learning programs. The
participate in distance learning online educationAssociation also acts to foster understanding and
opportunities. Some students work and attendcollaboration among the people involved in education
classes online during their free time. Other studentsand training within the federal government.
live in remote areas where local colleges do not exist.Covering Costs for Distance Learning Online Education
Still other students choose to combine online coursesPrograms
with traditional classes for what is known as aFinancial aid is available to online students, just as it is
blended learning experience. Student who pursuefor traditional students. Online students can apply for
distance education do not fit a particular mold, butapplicable state and government financial aid, Stafford
should possess the followingloans, student loans, tuition reimbursement and
qualities:self-motivation;well-organized;independentscholarships to cover costs for cyber classes. Also,
learner;computer literate;good time managementvirtual students save money on transportation and
skills; andexcellent communication skills.housing. Gaston Caperton, president of the College
Validity of Distance Learning Online Education:Board, said, "The College Board continues to
Research from the Sloan Consortium states thatadvocate for need-based aid, so that students can
online learning is comparable to education obtained inhave the opportunity to benefit from college
a traditional setting, based upon a poll of academiceducation."
leaders. Academic leader James Sherwood, Ph.D. andNational and international strides are being made
dean of University Extension, the continuing educationeveryday in distance learning online education. Rep.
branch of The University of California at BerkleyVernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., introduced legislation to
states that, "Coming out of World War II and gettingscientifically scrutinize online learning. The Independent
into the 60's and 70's there was a kind of stigmaStudy of Distance Education Act of 2007 directs the
associated with distance education. That has certainlyNational Academy of Sciences to conduct a study
changed." Because of technological advances andthat would compare classroom instruction with
online resources, distance education has improveddistance learning programs. Colleges such as the
and offers an equivalent opportunity to traditionalUniversity of Wyoming are experimenting with
education.gaming as a form of teaching online education.
Faculty Perspective of Distance Learning OnlineConsider that the dynamic nature and convenience of
Education. Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer University inonline education has attracted about 3.2 million people
Virginia has taught courses both in person and onlineto take a distance learning course in the past year.
at the same college. His opinion is that online classesDistance learning online education programs are an
generate an unexpected level of motivation, saying,effective way to achieve higher education.