Look for Accredited Online Classes
60
Popularity of online classes
Online classes are becoming more and more popular every day. In 2009 about 5.6 million students took one or more online college classes in the United States, according to a survey by the Sloan Consortium, and organization of higher education professionals dedicated to online learning. A new report by the consortium estimates that the online student population grew by another million people last year.
Advantages of online classes
The rise in the number of students is not surprising. There are many reasons why online classes work better than face-to-face classes for many people. Online students do not have to travel to college, saving them time and money – and they can take a class from a college or university located anywhere. Online classes are usually cheaper than regular classes. Students do not have to pay dormitory and meal plan fees when they attend an online university.
A unique feature of many online classes is that the work can be completed asynchronously, which means the instructor and students do not have to be at the computer at the same time. An asynchronous class allows a student to do her work on a weekend or at 2:00 am., and the instructor has the same freedom. Discussions among students are often mandatory and are held internet forum-style. All the lectures from the instructor and class discussions can be saved and reviewed at a later time, as often as a student wishes to go over the material.
Benefits of accredited classes
Not all online classes and colleges are the same. It is important that students looking for a high quality class or program choose a college which is accredited by one of the accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. government. Unaccredited classes will not transfer to another college in the event a student decides to pursue a degree. Bachelor’s degrees from unaccredited colleges are usually not allowed to serve as prerequisites for master’s degree programs. Student requiring certification for employment should avoid master’s degree programs which are unaccredited. Finally, most government financial aid programs are not available for unaccredited classes and colleges.
Checking accreditation
Students wishing to check the accreditation status of a particular college can use the online database available from the U.S. government to determine if the college, and the particular program which the class is part of, are accredited. The database, called The Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. You can search any college or university by name on this database, and you can also browse institutions by state or city. If you know the name of the accrediting agency for a certification you need for employment, you can search for colleges accredited by that organization. It is important to read the information on the database carefully. An online university may offer several programs, but maybe only one or two are actually accredited.
Online programs at bricks and mortar universities
Probably the safest way to ensure the quality and transferability of classes and programs on the web is to choose one from a reputable “bricks and mortar” university. More and more of these universities are offering online courses as they realize they can increase student enrollment this way at a very low cost. Online programs are a wonderful way for universities to attract top candidates in parts of the country other than where the school is located. Likewise, students can attend top universities once out of their reach because of location.
Conclusion
Online college classes, once the wave of the future, are becoming more and more available—and are here to stay. Students need take only one class to realize the benefits of classes that can be taken anywhere, anytime. Universities like online programs because they can be delivered more cheaply and at a greater profit. To guarantee a high quality program, consider online classes at a well-known university with regular campus classes first. To insure the transferability of your class and access to government aid, choose accredited online classes which can be verified on the U.S. Department of Education accreditation database
For More Information
Online classes
Have you ever taken an online class?
See results without voting- Why Choose Accredited Online College Classes?
Many students are starting to choose online college over traditional colleges for a variety of reasons. Let's take a look at a few of the reasons an online education is more able to provide more students a... - Accredited online universities
These days it is possible to get higher education in any number of ways. One of the increasingly popular methods is to get a degree from an online university, as it offers flexibility and freedom. However, not... - Online classes from the University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix was the first online university to become fully accredited and they are one of the largest online universities. The online classes offered by the University of Phoenix cover...
CommentsLoading...
I agree. I have really enjoyed my online classes, and I really enjoy face-to-face classes also. But online classes are much easier to juggle if you have a job and a family.
Good points here. I finished my four year degree years ago by distance education and an online course - they were really just getting started in Canada. As a single mother (at the time) the flexibility was key. Good job and voted up!
Thanks for writing this ... it is very useful. I did not know about that database, and that is very good to know. I have not taken an online course, but have been looking at different programs, and think it is a great option. One of the principals at the school where I had taught obtained his Masters Degree online, and this made me realize how recognized these programs are becoming. Take care!
Bookmarking this one!
I have taken online classes and it is wonderful and the greatest thing is having professors from all over the country. I have high praised letters I will keep forever and you don't get those in classrooms.
Polly
I know some single parents who would not have been able to get a degree if not for distance courses, that's one big advantage of them!
I have given you your own capsule on my article about taking online classes: http://hubpages.com/hub/Take-Online-Classes
I looked back up and saw that I was the first one to respond to your article when you first wrote it. However, I had forgotten about it when I wrote my article. What inspired me to write my own article is because I am teaching two classes online this semester at the Bible Institute I started 14 years ago. And my courses are credited.
Your hub is completely different from mine...they really go well together, that's why I referenced mine...not to blow my own horn lol.
That's a great idea, I'll add you to mine!
Yeah! We make a good team. (LOL)
Informative article! Doing your research beforehand is really important.
Great hub for beginners! I'll definitely show this to some friends who are looking to go back to college after many years.
Learning through a computer and internet is so great that traditional universities are signing online to it too!
If you've got the drive and motivation, you can succeed with online education. If you're lazy and procrastinate a lot, you'll fall behind quickly
revmjm Level 2 Commenter 14 months ago
Thank you for writing this article about online classes. I have taken online classes, and I teach online classes. In this fast-paced world and the price of gas these days, online classes seem to be the way to go for most people even though there are advantages and disadvantages.