Questions and Answers - Ask The Experts
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Distance Learning Questions:
Distance Learning Answers:
Does an online degree have the same weight as a traditional degree?
Absolutely! Most online degree programs exceed traditional programs in meeting students needs for exceptional classes, ease in learning, and access to faculty and other students. Academically, online degrees are equally rigorous, and in many cases more difficult than traditional programs. One area that distance learning students find most valuable is that online programs offer learners unparallel flexibility through multiple class start dates, no set class schedule, no travel time, and a variety of online services. These capabilities cause distance learning students to be very satisfied with their online programs. Research conducted at Liberty University shows graduates of the distance counseling program performed as well, and at times better, than the residential students on licensing exams. At Liberty University, transcripts and grade reports are the exact same for students studying on-campus and through distance learning. In addition, the classes are taught by the same professors! Most importantly, a students graduation certificate does not note a difference between a residential and distance learning student. Liberty considers the distance learning program to be at par with its residential program, and has no need to distinguish between the programs. The bottom line is regardless of how your classes are delivered, the benefit a student receives from his/her education is based on how much effort a student puts into his/her studies.
S Lee Beaumont, Director of Administrative Affairs
Distance Learning & Graduate Studies
Liberty University
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Is there a cost difference between earning a degree online or at school?
There are some differences. There are additional fees for technological and support services for our online courses, but there are no non-resident fees for distance students. Generally, costs for a three credit hour distance course ranges between $700-900, which is mid range compared to other intitutions.
David Stewart, Assistant Dean
Program Development and Marketing
Kansas State University
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How does a student abroad take testing?
Programs will handle the testing of distance students in a variety of ways. Various methods might include proctored exams in the students country, online exams where students are allowed a specific amount of time to complete and submit the exam, or projects and papers in lieu of exams.
Pamela Shelley, Asst. Director
Advanced Distance Learning Network nWPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
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Is using a credit card online safe?
Generally, using a credit card online is safe as long as the site is indicating as "secure." It is wise to look at privacy and security statements provided on the Web site before using a credit card to make an online purchase.
Darrin Pruitt, Coordinator, Distance Education
Access to Learning and Teaching
UNO - Metropolitan College
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Will employers know I earned my degree online?
Some institutions are virtual institutions and do not have a campus that offers traditional face to face courses. By virtue of being an online institution it would indicate the degree was earned completely online. Traditional institutions may or may not designate that the degree is an online degree. For example, at The University of Toledo there is no designation on the student's transcript that a degree was earned via distance learning.
Dr. Karen Rhoda, Administrative Director
eLearning and Academic Support
The University of Toledo
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Do you encourage seniors to take courses which may not result in a completed degree but just for interest and their own satisfaction?
We first encourage students to earn their degree. If they wish to take personal enrichment courses once they have completed their degree that is fine. We do offer personal enrichment courses for credit and non-credit for adult learners that are not interested in pursuing a degree.
Jeff Harmon,
Director of Marketing,
University of Illinois Online
University of Illinois
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Is the cost for semesters or by degree pursued?
Usually distance students are part time students, not full time students, and therefore the tuition cost is charged on a per course basis.
Pamela Shelley, Asst. Director
Advanced Distance Learning Network nWPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
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Do you recommend these courses for Senior Citizens? My desire is to earn a degree and wanted to work from my home computer.
Completing courses online is an excellent option for Senior Citizens. The convenience of online courses and flexibility of scheduling allows individuals to work around various time constraints. Tiffin University offers a nationally accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a top-notch Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) online.
Kristi Krintzline, Director
Graduate Admissions
Tiffin University
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How important is school accreditation?
Accreditation is an important factor when students consider a traditional or online program. Regional accreditation is important in that the credits generally transfer between institutions and the institution has been evaluated and meets the standards of the accrediting agency. Regional accrediting bodies can also extend institutional accreditation and authorize institutions to offer degrees online. With the proliferation of "diploma mills," accreditation is becoming a key factor in a student's choice of online institutions of higher learning and assists employers when reviewing employees' and potential employees' educational credentials" according to Dr. Karen Rhoda, Director of Distance and eLearning at The University of Toledo.
Dr. Karen Rhoda, Administrative Director
eLearning and Academic Support
The University of Toledo
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Can I receive printed information?
Many schools also send out printed information, but usually there is more information on the web than in print.
Pamela Shelley, Asst. Director
Advanced Distance Learning Network nWPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
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Does distance learning mean the death of the traditional campus?
As a strong advocate for distance learning, I say absolutely not. Nor are we trying to eliminate the traditional campus. The traditional campus plays a very critical role in education and in our culture, and it will continue to do so. However, distance education will continue to grow and expand. It is very valuable in meeting the needs of another kind of student who for many good reasons cannot access on campus courses. Distance Education is also increasingly valuable for those who need to work on advanced degrees or renew their knowledge base due to the changes in their fields. Both the traditional campus and distance education will play vital roles in our society in the future.
David Stewart, Assistant Dean
Program Development and Marketing
Kansas State University
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Does one register with one of the universities or is the progam general in all the universities listed?
Most distance programs will come from a specific university, just as a campus based program comes from a specific university, and students would get information on specific programs directly from the universitys web site.
Pamela Shelley, Asst. Director
Advanced Distance Learning Network nWPI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
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Is an online degree worth the same as a degree from a traditional campus?
The quality of online degrees as compared to on campus degrees depends on a variety of factors one being the institution offering the program. The degrees offered online by traditional colleges and universities should be equivalent to the on campus degrees. It is important to note the distinction between degrees offered online versus online degrees. Degrees offered online are for the most part traditional on campus programs that have been converted to the online format. The course content and program requirements are the same. Online degrees may or not be offered in the traditional format and could be offered only online or created to be offered only online. Students should check with the institution and ask questions related to the online program requirements versus the on campus program requirements. The credentials of the faculty teaching online also impact the quality of the program. Institutions vary from utilizing all part-time faculty, utilizing tenured professors or a combination thereof to teach their online courses. Full-time tenured faculty bring their expertise in teaching and research to the online classroom and their careers are centered in learning. Part-time instructors have specific expertise and experience which may enrich an applied or technical field of study.
Dr. Karen Rhoda, Administrative Director
eLearning and Academic Support
The University of Toledo
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How do I know that these are genuine learning opportunities and that my money will not vanish somewhere without any response or any learning material coming forward?
If you are not familiar with the institution that is offering a program of interest to you, I would encourage you to do some extra research. Of course you should look at the entrance requirements and the required number of hours you must take. If you only need to take a few courses for a degree, that should be a big warning sign.
Jeff Harmon,
Director of Marketing,
University of Illinois Online
University of Illinois
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Is a PhD obtained by an online university gaining acceptance in the field of Higher Education or not?
When considering continuing education, students need to research the prospective institutions to determine the accreditation of the institution, reputation of the program and applicability of the degree. Tiffin University has successfully educated students for productive and satisfying lives of leadership, excellence, and service for over a century. We do not offer a PhD online, but offer a nationally accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a top-notch Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) online. Tiffin University provides access and opportunity for individuals while facilitating their preparation for successful careers and for productive and satisfying lives.
Kristi Krintzline, Director
Graduate Admissions
Tiffin University
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