ONLINE DEGREES AND COURSES OFFERED

With online education, it is possible to study for different university degrees. There are programmes available for degrees at the Associate, Bachelor, Master and Doctorate levels, as well as professional certificate programmes and continuing education units.

An Associate Degree is a type of undergraduate degree awarded to a student upon the completion of a two-year programme of study. Typically, it requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. The programme consists of a curriculum with a broad base in general education and a specific field. It is given by a community, junior or technical college.

A Bachelor’s Degree is the classic four-year degree commonly referred to as a “college degree”. Generally comprising 120 credits, most universities allow transfer of up to 60 credits from associate degrees. There are two main types of Bachelor’s Degree – Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

A Master’s Degree is a graduate degree awarded to candidates who complete one to three years of concentrated study in a particular academic discipline.

A Doctorate or Doctoral Degree is the highest academic degree. It usually takes four to six years to complete. It also requires a dissertation during the final phase of the programme.

From associate to masteral level, there are numerous courses available in different fields of study. For example:
· Administration – Medical Administrative Assistant, Clerical and Typing
· Architecture – Interior Design, Drafting
· Art and Design – Digital Media, Photography, Fashion Design
· Business – finance, Business Marketing, International Business
· Education – Early Childhood Education, Special Education
The above online courses are only some of the many online degree courses available. Both traditional and “virtual” universities are constantly expanding their online catalogues.

HOW ONLINE DEGREE EDUCATION WORKS

Online degree education follows much the same routines as traditional learning but with a twist. Instead of attending lectures and interacting with instructors and classmates in person, students do so thru the use of virtual classrooms.

For most courses, instructors post assignments, lectures, projects via the Web or e-mail. Students turn in their work on a certain date. Work is done on a regular basis according to the schedule set forth by the instructor. Upon completion, assignments are usually submitted thru e-mail. Students are expected to join chat sessions or discussion boards at a given time to discuss assignments and trade ideas and questions.

At times, live sessions are held. Students log in at a set time to watch a live web cast wherein the instructor facilitates class in real time. Students can raise their cyber hands and even view the cyber whiteboard. This type of class takes place via Internet websites, audio or video conferencing or even two way live broadcasts to students in a classroom.

Online schools offer demonstrations on their websites which allow students to preview the virtual learning experience beforehand. Some even require orientation class where students meet fellow students, instructors and school staff. Students are also introduced to the technology tools that will be used and resources available for students to use such as the library.

Most online degree programmes adhere to the same academic schedules set by traditional degree programmes. They are based on semesters or quarter terms.

TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS NEEDED

Obviously, the prime requisite for taking an online programme is to be online, that is, access to the Internet and its various resources using a computer and a connection. Most online programmes just require students to have basic computing skills – knowledge of the Web, e-mail and appropriate software.

In general, online programmes have common technological requirements. For one, all online education requires a computer. Specific equipment recommendations vary from school to school. If a computer is not directly connected to the Internet, a modem is needed to access information on the Internet via a telephone line. An internet service provider provides access to the Internet through dial-up or broadband. Although most assignments are submitted thru e-mail, a printer will come in handy when work have to be submitted in paper form. If lectures are delivered in real-time as video over the Internet, a sound card and speakers are needed.

Students will also need various types of software. In online education, e-mail is used as a means of communication among students and instructors. Course assignments are also submitted via e-mail. Instructors may also hold chat sessions where students can discuss readings and virtual lectures in real-time. A word processor is also a must.

The number of online degree programmes now available is increasing. Both traditional and virtual universities are expanding their online courses. It surely is just a matter of time before a degree, undergraduate or graduate, will be available online in almost any field of study.

If you are planning on obtaining a degree while working at a full-time job, an online programme is just the perfect fit for you. But with so many options, how do you decide which online degree is right for you? No worry, selecting an online degree is similar to choosing a traditional campus-based degree.

For starters, what field are you interested in? If you want to be a doctor, it is obvious you need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, say, a biology course. But what if you are undecided? If you are just starting your online degree, you can fulfil the general course requirements while you make out which degree to pursue. Course requirements typically include English composition, history, philosophy, literature and math. Do you look forward to your history class? Do you like to solve number problems? Are you eager to know how stuffs work? Or do you prefer writing for the school gazette? Your answers to these questions will help you arrive at a decision on what degree to take.

Another option will be to enroll in an online degree programme that is relevant to your job. If you are an entrepreneur, you can pursue a business or management degree.

Another thing, check the method of instruction offered to know what will suit you. Most degrees follow a programme that conducts live sessions or non-live sessions. In a live class, learning is done in real-time. Students log in at the same time and communicate directly with their instructors and fellow students. This is done thru Web or tele-conferences or live broadcasts. Non-live learning is based on e-mails, online chats, online message boards or online discussion groups. Most online programmes offer free demo courses, try it to find out which medium you prefer.

In choosing an online degree programme, it pays to talk to alumni and instructors to find out more about what the online degree programme is all about. Better still, talk to other students completing the degree you are interested in. Inquire about the credentials of the instructors and the quality of the programme.

With these things settled, you are well on your way to getting closer to discovering the online degree that best suits you.

Finally, you have been accepted into an online programme, registered for classes and is about to begin your journey toward your college degree of choice. How do you prepare for it to better adapt to the transition?

First, be very certain that you have everything you will need for class. Check if your computer fits your class’ computer requirements and you have the right tech tools. Once in place, make sure they work. Allot a specific place at home and at work for your school things. Assign folders on your computer where you will store your coursework. Next, get a feel of your virtual campus. Visit your school website, log in using your assigned username and password. Navigate the site until you get the hang of where things are. Find the bookstore and order the required books for your course. Do this right away as delivery takes time.

The school bookstore done with, locate the other offices and the corresponding information. As an online student, you need to know where the help desk, business office, guidance office, course department and the library are. The school website provides links, numbers, e-mail addresses for these services. In case you will need help, you will not have to be in a quandary as to how and where to go.

You have now familiarised yourself with the school layout; subsequently, inspect your course classroom. Verify if you will still be using the same password to log in. As with the school website, accustom yourself with the classroom space. Click on all the menu headings. Check out the message boards, chat rooms, e-mail system and the other links. Learn to navigate the course site and remember key details so that when class begins, you are fully aware on how the site works. Nothing is more frustrating than being left behind in class because you do not what to do.

Secure a copy of the course outline and read it to get a bird’s eye view of what will be tackled during the duration of the course. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare and keep you organised and focused.

Not to forget, socialise. Get to know your classmates. Write a short introduction and post it on the message board. It is basically like your first day in school. It is acquaintance time. Finding a friend in an online class is vital. You will have somebody to compare notes with, trade ideas and of course feel that you are not alone in class.

Finally, relax. As it is your first online education experience, you might be a little bit overwhelmed. Rest assured, once you get the hang of it, you will be comfortable already. As in any other regular class, join in and remember to ask questions.

Learn and enjoy your online degree education.