The Challenges of Online Education

Distance learning opportunities used to exist through what was called correspondence courses, which were conducted over the mail, on the radio or on television. Today, the internet is the primary method of presenting educational materials. Online education affords students who little time or money, or who live in remote areas, to attend classes.

Classes Offered Through Distance Learning Online Education

Online Education

Almost any curriculum can be pursued online. Students can seek programs that result in certification, advanced technical skills, associates degrees, bachelors degrees, graduate degrees and even doctorates. Even continuing education classes for licensed professionals and high school equivalence courses can be completed through virtual classrooms.

Methods for Distance Learning Online Education

Online education is usually web-based with a specific web site designated for the course. Supplemental materials, such as software, may also be part of certain online courses. Students visit the course web site to complete the posted assignments and take tests. Instructors and students communicate through email and chat rooms. Sometimes virtual lectures and discussions are part of online coursework. Students can attend virtual classrooms to complete their education and some colleges even have virtual graduation ceremonies.

Types of Students Who Pursue Distance Learning Online Education

Many different students from all over the world participate in distance learning online education opportunities. Some students work and attend classes online during their free time. Other students live in remote areas where local colleges do not exist. Still other students choose to combine online courses with traditional classes for what is known as a blended learning experience. Student who pursue distance education do not fit a particular mold, but should possess the following qualities:

self-motivation;

well-organized;

independent learner;

computer literate;

good time management skills; and

excellent communication skills.

Validity of Distance Learning Online Education: Research from the Sloan Consortium states that online learning is comparable to education obtained in a traditional setting, based upon a poll of academic leaders. Academic leader James Sherwood, Ph.D. and dean of University Extension, the continuing education branch of The University of California at Berkley states that, "Coming out of World War II and getting into the 60's and 70's there was a kind of stigma associated with distance education. That has certainly changed." Because of technological advances and online resources, distance education has improved and offers an equivalent opportunity to traditional education.

Faculty Perspective of Distance Learning Online Education. Dr. Michael Otaigbe of Strayer University in Virginia has taught courses both in person and online at the same college. His opinion is that online classes generate an unexpected level of motivation, saying, "Online, I have the freedom to require contributions. Every week, my students have to submit essays and participate in group discussions. I get a better sense of the learning process." He also finds that online students come from all over the world and have unique contributions that benefit the other students.

Online Education Distance Learning Association in the US. Several distance learning associations exist within the United States that offer additional information about taking classes online for prospective students.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The USDLA is a non-profit association that promotes the development and application of online distance learning for education and training purposes. The USDLA encourages distance learning for grades K-12, college and higher education, corporate training, continuing education, government training and military training. Further, the USDLA supported the implementation of the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, as well as other legislation in 1997 that was introduced by Kennedy and Snowe.

The Distance and Education Training Council (DETC). The DETC is a non-profit educational association that is a central hub of information about distance study and the correspondence learning field.

Federal Government Distance Learning Association (FGDLA). The FGDLA is also a non-profit association. The FGDLA was formed to promote development and application of distance learning programs. The Association also acts to foster understanding and collaboration among the people involved in education and training within the federal government.

Covering Costs for Distance Learning Online Education Programs

Financial aid is available to online students, just as it is for traditional students. Online students can apply for applicable state and government financial aid, Stafford loans, student loans, tuition reimbursement and scholarships to cover costs for cyber classes. Also, virtual students save money on transportation and housing. Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board, said, "The College Board continues to advocate for need-based aid, so that students can have the opportunity to benefit from college education."

National and international strides are being made everyday in distance learning online education. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Mich., introduced legislation to scientifically scrutinize online learning. The Independent Study of Distance Education Act of 2007 directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study that would compare classroom instruction with distance learning programs. Colleges such as the University of Wyoming are experimenting with gaming as a form of teaching online education. Consider that the dynamic nature and convenience of online education has attracted about 3.2 million people to take a distance learning course in the past year. Distance learning online education programs are an effective way to achieve higher education.

There are various kinds of online learning modes that the students can use as per their preferences. Each of these types is well-defined and linked to study resources and useful articles. Some of the models of online learning are described below:

Synchronous e-Learning/Live: In this type of learning, communication between the participating individuals occurs instantly and the participants can access the information at the same time. Some of the examples of synchronous e-learning include virtual classroom or video/audio conferencing and real-time chart. One of the major attributes of synchronous e-learning is that it offers instant feedback of the participant's performance. This gives a scope for adjusting the training to suit the requirement of the candidate, depending on the kind of feedback he/she has got.

Online Education

This type of learning also accelerates the formation of learning groups or communities for booting a higher level of interaction to enable better understanding of a particular subject. The best thing about synchronous e learning is that it enables greater involvement of the participants. This mode provides them an environment that encourages expression of synergism. Hence, participants can empower one another to construct knowledge.

The only disadvantage of this type of learning is the fact that it does not offer self-paced learning and logistics of scheduling. Moreover, it necessitates management of students' availability at various time zones.

Asynchronous E-learning: This is also known as store and forward e learning, wherein the communication between the participants does not occur instantaneously. Some of the examples of asynchronous learning include - taking up a self-paced course, posting messages to various discussion groups, and exchanging e-mail messages with one or more mentors. Asynchronous e-learning offers convenience, accessibility, and the much desired self-paced learning.

However, one of the major disadvantages of asynchronous e learning is that a student may feel isolated or less motivated because in this process, there is no opportunity real time interaction with other participants. Additionally, unlike synchronous learning, asynchronous learning does not offer instant feedback on the student's performance. Hence, any modification or adjustment to training, if needed, can be done only after the completion of the entire evaluation.

Blended Learning: This is often referred as mixed mode of learning, a blend of conventional face-to-face lectures, workshops, and tutorials with learning online through activities like emailing, discussing through discussion boards, tests, quizzes, and announcements.

In this type of learning, students receive their feedback from online quizzes and tests, which helps them to identify loopholes in their knowledge and ways to fill them. Almost all of the reputed online institutes offer blended learning for the overall benefits of the learning communities.

Many times, the use of the title "stay-at-home-mom" does not conjure images of a hard-working college student, but that doesn't mean the two do not go well together. Only seventy percent of college students are under the age of 25, with an average of that thirty percent being over thirty years old. Being able to balance a college education and parenting is not easy, but it is at least easier when online degrees. When you are selecting an online degree you should have a plan and a degree in a market which you will or already enjoy. There are many accredited universities and online colleges which offer distance programs that allow you to do all of your class work online with just a simple internet connection. Often times, you are provided an email address through the school, making it hassle free for you. Getting online degrees has never been easier than it is now. And sometimes the first step toward an online job for mom is mom getting an education.

Signing up for an online degree program is simple for those who have little time or miscellaneous availability. The variety of majors makes it possible for mothers with any interest to apply and succeed. There are associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or doctorate degrees available online. Being a mother requires discipline and organization. Being a student online requires the same coinciding with computer and internet access. This flexibility makes online degree programs perfect for stay at home mothers.

Online Education

Stay-at-home-mothers are able to achieve their dreams without rearranging their schedules each day. Being limited to cooking and cleaning should not be the only thing in your future. Educational life can continue after children by getting degrees, then advancing your career. To begin obtaining your degree online or online training, you select the institution which you choose, then fill out the online admissions application. Once this is done, the internet can be used to enroll in classes, make payments on tuition, and break apart your classes in manageable sizes. Each of the course options vary in their type, length, and level based upon previous studies.

The benefits of these degrees include the fact that stay at home mothers can raise their confidence levels knowing that they have achieved a college education. They increase their chances in any job market and can use this to increase the income level of the household. Online education can lead to online work for stay-at-home-mothers which can add supplemental income to the family. By attending accredited online institutions, stay-at-home-mothers can achieve the same degree that would by attending classes at a traditional institution without having to get on campus. Lastly, by achieving an online education, stay at home mothers reduce their educational costs by eliminating travel expenses and on-campus expenses.

There is financial aid for stay-at-home-mothers thanks to the Federal Scholarship program which the Obama Administration created. By first applying for the academic institution of their choice, those mothers who stay at home can then investigate whether their particular course qualifies them for a scholarship. Filling out these applications with all true information will make it easier to obtain approval. The colleges will contact the applicants once they get a response. The best part about this is it eliminates the need to repay college loans.

A Doctorate in Education (EdD) is the degree that opens any door in the education field. If you are an experienced education professional then this degree is designed to satisfy your needs both educationally and professionally

As you are aware a doctorate is a research level degree, and in distance learning the format is the same however with more flexibility to conduct independent research that allows you to manage you own schedule and allows you to utilize knowledge from your own practical experience in the field.

Online Education

Most EdD courses offer a well-rounded education that is focused on diversity and equality as well as delivering an education that allows for sustained personal development throughout your career. In these programs you will discover that there is a balanced effort in both theory and practice. And you will gain a well-rounded education by exploring educational, social and environmental change in a range of settings.

An EdD distance learning degree is suitable for adult professionals in many education and related fields, like:

* Lecturers who are currently involved in the education field.

* NGO working in global settings trying to expand educational practices in diverse cultures.

* Teachers with masters degrees who are looking at higher leadership roles in their profession.

* Governmental employees or appointees who are wish to be involved at policy creation at the highest level.

* Professionals in industries that support the education community.

The distance learning school you choose for your EdD will need to be and adult education university with both accreditation and the ability to provide you with a high quality learning program in both teaching and research.