If lack of a certificate or degree prevents you from career advancement, but your schedule does not allow you to attend classes, distance learning may be your answer.
Income levels are usually directly related to education levels. If lack of education is holding you back from job advancement but commitments or location prevents you from taking classes on a college campus, distance learning may be your answer. Distance learning includes correspondence, televised, and online courses, but most are in an online format. Almost all colleges and universities now offer distance learning courses.
Before signing up for distance learning courses, consider the following:
- Do you have access to the computer technology needed to connect with online programs? (Most college catalogues specify the technology needed.)
- Will you have the self-motivation and commitment to complete the course without face-to-face interaction with an instructor and classmates?
- Is the course you are considering part of a certificate or degree program? If not, it may not be transferable or count toward completion of your chosen program.
- Does the institution offer enough distance learning course to complete a program in a timely manner? (Illinois Community Colleges
allow students to integrate online offerings from community colleges throughout Illinois.) Universities such as the University of Illinois offer degrees which can be completed online.
- Is the institution accredited? If not, your education may not be recognized by other schools or employers. Also, you will not be able to receive Federal financial assistance for programs that are not accredited. (The U.S. Department of Education provides information on accredited distance learning programs.)
The Illinois workNet Center online can help you Explore Occupations , Find College Programs , and learn about Educational Financial Aid . The Illinois Virtual Campus can help viewers learn what online programs are available in Illinois and allows users to search by program, degree, course or school. Another helpful site providing information about online degree programs (including Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programs), scholarship and accreditation is Online Degrees and Online Colleges website.
Related Article
The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make by Jamie Littlefield
The Benefits of Online Education from Online College Degree Resources