Distance
Learning in the US
What
is Distance Learning?
What Types of Qualifications are Offered?
What Factors are Important in a
Programme?
What Different Media Are Available?
Is Accreditation Important and
Why?
What Challenges Can I Expect?
Is Financial Aid Available?
Which Universities Offer the Programmes?
How Do I Apply?
Searching For More Information
What
is Distance Learning?
Distance learning, also known as correspondence
study or independent study, is any non-traditional
educational process existing outside a classroom setting.
Courses are taken using a variety of means, from traditional
pen and paper correspondence, to lectures delivered
by videos or computer. In some cases, the instructor
is replaced altogether by a computer programme. Many
individuals find distance learning helpful if they
wish to pursue a career while studying. The typical
distance learning student is older in comparison to
students of the same education level and often has
additional commitments to a job or family.
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What
Types of Qualifications are Offered?
Individual courses can take from as
little as a few hours to one traditional 12-15 week
semester to complete. Courses may be taken on a credit
basis, which can be applied towards degree programmes,
or on a non-credit basis for personal satisfaction.
High
School Diplomas
It is possible to take high school level
courses via distance learning. Colleges and universities
offer such courses and there are a few on-line high
schools in operation. Courses may be added to a regular
high school record or students can complete a US high
school diploma.
Undergraduate
Degrees
Associate
Degree Programmes
Associate degree programmes require students
to complete approximately 60 credits-worth of courses
and traditionally take two years of full-time study
to complete. Community Colleges and Vocational and
Technical Schools traditionally offer Associate degree
programmes. Bachelor degree programmes require students
to complete approximately 120 credits worth of courses
and are normally offered at four-year colleges and
universities. Bachelor degrees are traditionally completed
in four years of full-time study but may take approximately
six years of part-time distance learning study.
Postgraduate
Degrees
Master's degree programmes require students
to complete 30-35 credits worth of postgraduate level
courses, normally completed in 18 months to two years
of full-time study or two to three years by part time
distance learning. PhD programmes usually take between
four to eight years of study.
Certificate
Programmes
These are usually vocational or professional
courses that can last from a few days to one year
of study depending on programme and topic.
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WHICH
UNIVERSITIES OFFER THE PROGRAMME I WANT?
Nearly 2,000 US institutions offer some form of
distance learning programme. The Educational Advisory
Service (EAS) is not able to compile a comprehensive
list. However the EAS
reference library holds directories on distance
education which visitors are very welcome to consult.
You can also find a wealth of information on the World
Wide Web, especially as more and more universities
are on-line. At the end of this section, you will
find useful Internet addresses to get you started.
What
Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Distance
Learning Programme?
Many
universities and colleges are still in trial phases
with this new form of education. When researching,
make sure you will be able to take all the necessary
classes for a qualification through distance learning.
Some universities may not have the capability to offer
all required courses for distance learning. This is
changing as more universities are competing against
each other but there are still some limitations. Some
institutions may limit the distance from which you
can study to a predetermined region or area. Depending
on the requirement of each class, you might be required
to travel to the institution on some occasions for
labs, lectures, etc. Time zones also have a large
effect on those classes which require video/audio-conferencing.
These demands may not be realistic for students outside
the US. Other factors to consider when choosing a
distance learning programme include: · accreditation
of the institution (see below); · method of
instruction (see below); · faculty qualifications
and experience; · student population - ask
to be put in touch with current students of the programmes
you are considering; the number of students per faculty
member (the lower the better); · library and
resources available to a distance learning student
- the Web is one source of information but beware
of programmes that overly rely on one source; ·
student support and academic advising services available
to a distance learning student; any requirements for
distance learning students to spend time on the US
campus; · completion rate and success rate
of graduates; and finally the costs involved in the
programme. For a fuller explanation of the above points
please consult Virtual College by Pam Dixon, (Peterson's),
which is held in the EAS reference library.
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What
Different Media Are Available For Distance Learning?
As technology changes, so will the
media in which distance learning is taught. Currently,
there are four different ways one can use distance
learning: · Voice - Information is exchanged
via the telephone or by audio cassette. · Video
-The use of video-conferencing, video cassettes or
any other visual aid. These instruments may be used
to convey one or two-way communication. Lectures are
typically given through this medium. International
students considering programmes which rely heavily
on the use of video are advised to check the compatibility
between the US NTSC video system and that of their
own country. · Computers -The use of email,
faxes, and World Wide Web is most common. Computer
applications may be used as the proctors of lessons,
for monitoring work, or administering tests. ·
Print - In addition to the above mediums, there will
be a component of printed material which might include
textbooks, guides, course syllabi and/or case studies.
Distance learning typically uses a combined medium
approach. For example, most of the education might
be from printed materials with some email contact
with the professor. The administration of tests and
grades could be completed by email or by fax but will
vary depending on the course instructor and testing
procedures of the university.
Which
Medium Is Best?
Depending on the educational programme which
you study, the medium of the distance learning will
change. Look at the academics of the programme as
well as other aspects that you find important. The
medium will depend on all factors involved and may
be adjusted for individual requirements.
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Is
Accreditation Important and Why?
There is no rule in the UK concerning the
recognition of degrees earned with overseas institutions.
Evaluation is left to the employer or academic institution.
When students contemplate study through a non-regionally
accredited American institution, they are advised
to check with academic institutions in their home
country as to the recognition of such a degree. It
is our understanding that many UK educational institutions
and professional bodies may not consider graduates
of an American institution that is not regionally
accredited. The process of accreditation is a voluntary
one that provides for a minimum of standards and includes
an intensive self-study by the institution and an
inspection by external examiners. The US government
plays no role in this process. Click here to go to
the Council
for Higher Education Accreditation.
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WHAT CHALLENGES CAN I
EXPECT?
Previous studies comparing distance learning with
traditional on-campus learning have indicated similar,
if not higher, success rates. The distance learning
student, however, will have to compete with other
distractions such as family and work, unlike the "traditional"
student. Make sure your schedule will enable you to
successfully complete requirements for each class.
Keep in mind that some course work will strictly adhere
to pre-established timelines while other programmes
are flexible and self-adjusting to the rate of study.
All educational institutions have policies concerning
refunds, renewals periods, transfers, and withdrawals
from course work.
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FINANCIAL
AID
There is currently very little funding for distance
learning. Since a majority of individuals who use
distance learning are not full-time students, the
home institution might not provide as much funding
as for campus-based students. Keep your options open
and talk to your employer, union you belong to, or
any other organisation which supports continuing education
about possible funding. Each university is different
in charging for distance learning. Some institutions
have set prices per credit hour or per semester, others
might have a base fee, plus handling fees. These handling
fees may include rental charges, course transfers,
etc. The institution's catalogue usually lists all
fees involved in a distance learning course. State
universities usually list two costs; one for residents
of the state where the university is located and one
for "out-of-state" residents which is usually higher
than the "in-state" resident fee. International distance
learning students will usually pay the higher fee.
Costs will vary so keep this in mind when looking
into programmes.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Each US university establishes its own admission requirements
and procedures. There is no central application clearing-house
like UCAS in the UK: international students need to
deal directly with the institution they wish to attend.
In general, most two-year colleges, vocational and
technical schools, and short courses have simple admissions
procedures. Write to the Office for Distance Learning
at the institutions you are considering requesting
information and an application from. Applicants will
need to complete this form and may have to submit
a transcript
of previous academic work, listing courses you have
previously attended and the grades you achieved. The
procedure for applying to distance learning degree
programmes is similar to traditional degree programmes.
Contact the admissions office at the institutions
you are considering and request information about
admission requirements for distance learning degree
programmes. The application package will usually consist
of an application form, transcript, score from one
of the standardised admission tests e.g. the Scholastic
Assessment Test for undergraduate degree programmes
or the Graduate Record
Exam for postgraduate programmes, plus one or
two essays. Prospective students should read our EAS
Guides to Undergraduate
and Postgraduate
Study respectively for more information about application
procedures for traditional degree programmes.
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For More Information
On-Line
Resources
The following are Web sites and email discussion
groups concerned with distance learning which are
listed as a starting point for your search and are
by no means comprehensive. We suggest that you use
one of the Web search engines such as Metacrawler
(http://www.metacrawler.com)
to help you locate Web sites that match your particular
interests.
Online
Degree Programs listing
Arizona
State University Distance Learning Technology
Distance
Education & Training Council
Distance
Education Clearinghouse
National
Universities Degree Consortium
Peterson's
Education Centre
Yahoo
- Distance Learning
United
States Distance Learning Association
International
Discussion Forum for Distance Learning: listserv@psu.edu
Online
Chronicle of Distance Education and Communication:
listserv@alpha.acast.nova.edu
Off-Line
Resources
The following distance learning guides may
be found in the EAS reference library at the Fulbright
Commission. It may be possible for local bookstores
to order the guides through UK publishers.
John and Mariah Bear, College Degrees by Mail
& Modem, 10 Speed Press, ISBN 0-89815-760-9.
Pam Dixon, Virtual College, Peterson's, ISBN
1560796294.
National University Continuing Education Association,
The Independent Study Catalog Sixth Edition,
Peterson's Guides, ISBN 1-56079-4607.
The Electronic University, Peterson's Guides,
ISBN 1-56079-139-X.
The Macmillan Guide to Correspondence Study,
Macmillan, ISBN 0-02-871391-5.
Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning Programs,
Peterson's, ISBN 1560798750.
Evelyn Levinson, PhD by Correspondance. Robert
Moskovitz, Wired U: For Many Students, the Net Will
be Alma Mater, Internet World.
Dr. E. Nelson Swinerton, Using Your Distance Learning
to Earn an Academic Degree, Distance Education
and Training Council.
Fritz J. Erickson, School Can Come to Us, 1+Way.
Eric C. Richardson, Internet Cum Laude, Internet
World.
Marcie Kisner Thorson, Campus-Free College Degrees,
Thorson Guides, ISBN 0916277445.
Sam Atieh, How to Get a College Degree Via the
Internet, Prima Publishing, ISBN 0761513701.
John and Mariah Bear, Bear's Guide to the Best
MBAs by Distance Learning, 10 Speed Press, ISBN
1580082203.
Vicky Phillips and Cindy Yager, The Best Distance
Learning Graduate Schools, Princeton Review, ISBN
0679769307.
James P. Duffy, Colllege On-Line, John Wiley &
Sons, ISBN 047112351X.
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