Remote learning is a wonderful opportunity that makes higher education much more accessible. And there are numerous options out there, starting from online courses, certification programs, open universities, and up to complete digital degrees. Such a variety comes with one disadvantage – it is sometimes hard to choose the specific program. If you are wondering where to start, here are some factors and criteria to pay attention to.
Start with your goals
As it was mentioned, there are many options to select from. To narrow them down, start with defining what your end goal is. It can be anything in lines of the following:
- Learning a new skill;
- Constant professional growth;
- Gaining a specific professional certificate;
- Earning credits to continue in the traditional curriculum;
- Earning BA or MA degree remotely.
The first two goals do not require any specific accreditation of a college. One can learn many exciting skills on platforms like Coursera or Skillshare. It is more of self-motivated learning that one does to grow as a professional or engage in something they are interested in. One can learn anything from Animation and Film Theory to Creative Writing and how to write essays for college students. There are tons of online courses and programs available for free, on sites like EdX.
But the other three options require a much more educated and research-based approach to choosing the school. These goals mean you want to get a respectable diploma or certificate.
Look for accreditation
This is by far the most important criteria when narrowing down the options. It is pretty easy to get scammed online so one needs to be prepared to dig deep.
Even if a school is not a scam, it can be simply not what you are looking for. For example, there are lots of open universities that provide free programs online. Their eligibility criteria are quite broad and available to wide groups of students. But the catch is that they do not count as credits. It is a dashing thing if you are not interested in a diploma or further education. But if you want a full degree, it is not an option.
Accreditation of a college or school means that it meets the academic requirements of the country and it offers credits that can be transferred to other institutions. Accreditation also ensures that you’ll get a legit and respectable diploma. Also, do not forget to check the accrediting agency itself. For US schools, you can check whether the agency is endorsed by the Department of Education.
Available Programs and Their Quality
The next step is to look at what a college or specific school has to offer for remote learners. Unfortunately, the options are not as varied as for traditional classes. But they are still pretty good. Visit the websites of colleges you are looking into and read through the degree or courses provided. Here are some factors to look for:
- What kind of degree a college offers – associate, bachelors, masters, or professional certification.
- How long has the program been offered? Are there any alumni?
- Are the credits transferred to other schools?
- What courses are included in the degree? Do they look appealing to you?
- What are the main course requirements?
Of course, visit the page of the faculty; learn about the professors and alumni. University professors should have at least a Ph.D. and the faculty should be well-staffed. All of this will ensure you of the quality of education there.
Time and Schedule
Before committing to a program, one needs to access the time it will take to finish. Look closely at your schedule and think of how much time you can devote to learning. Figure out how much time a specific program requires completing. Those two have to go together. Otherwise, you risk dropping out or burning out while working all the time. Of course, you can always get help from top essay writers when needed. It is a valid option. There are lots of tasks a term paper writing service can help with. But it is still important to be realistic about your time.
Learn about the pace of the course. How are the lectures given? At what time? Is the course self-paced? What are the deadlines? What does one have to do to pass? Evaluate how manageable it is for you.
Cost, Enrollment, Office Hours
Remote learning is usually cheaper than the traditional college experience. It is one of the main benefits. That’s why it is essential to compare different courses not only in terms of quality but also in terms of finances. Maybe, you cannot commit to a full degree now, but you can choose courses that will earn you credits and help you to continue further.
Also, check out the enrollment numbers. The more students are attracted to the course, the better it probably is. And do not forget about graduation statistics, too. Are there any successful alumni? Usually, respectable universities are proud to display them. But the class itself shouldn’t be too big as you’ll need a decent level of individual attention from an instructor.
Office hours will be also helpful as you’ll need to communicate with a professor. It is better to choose a program that is convenient in terms of the time zone.
Technology and tools needed
Before settling for a specific choice, check what technologies you’ll need to take it. Overall, you’ll need a laptop, a good internet connection, as well as a webcam. Research what specific tools or applications are needed. And look into the different materials and textbooks the course provides. A well-designed program will have many media to give students the information. There should be not only lectures, but practical tasks, communication platforms, and a prompt support system.
In Summary
Start your search for the best remote learning program by defining your goals. Depending on what you are aiming for, there are various options. Evaluate the accreditation and respectability of the college. Read more about the faculty and the program. Make sure that it is convenient for you in terms of time and finances.