The Next Educational Frontier: Online Distance Learning and Online Distance Learning Programs

In the early 90’s, it was predicted that online distance learning programs would grow tremendously in the coming years. By the late 90’s, up to 80 percent of US community colleges have some form of distance learning in place.

There are many technologies that are required with having an online distance learning system in place. The communication form between student and teacher is basically distinguished by two categories: the synchronous and asynchronous. In the former, students and teachers participate in real time. In both cases, telecommunication such as videos, audio files, and electronic messaging are important to create effective online distance learning programs.

With the improvement of internet technologies, the learning process has evolved to include audio conferencing as well as livestreaming of lectures. This trend is expected to continue and institutions that offer online distance learning programs will tend to rely on a combination of recorded as well as live sessions with the instructor.

According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the profile of those who take up online distance learning are usually in their mid-20’s and highly motivated to pursue their studies. They are also unable to attend more traditional educational settings because of work or geographical considerations. They tend to take online distance learning programs because of convenience and the flexibility offered by the schedules. It is also a way to cut down on costs from transportation and even relocation.

For institutions that are planning to start offering online distance learning programs, there are many investments that need to be made in terms of finances. New courses would have to be developed and equipment such as computers and software would have to be purchased. Investing in such programs, however, does create substantial savings for schools in the long run. Teachers can conduct multiple classes at the same time from remote locations. To fund educational institutions, private and public funds as well as grants are usually used.

According to studies, students that participate in online distance learning programs show no significant differences in terms of average GPA when compared to students from traditional classroom settings. This indicates that it can work just as well as more popular forms of education. However, it is important to maintain access to technology so the educational process is not interrupted. Individuals from remote locations or low-income situations are among those who are most affected by this problem.

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Online Educational College Degree

The increasing demand of online education makes many colleges arrange online programs to meet. Their customers are people lacking of time due to schedules, taking care of children or distant problems. These programs are showing their convenience and flexibility for almost every attendants.

 

An education degree is the best option for individuals who want to specialize in the learning and teaching field. Specific programs are offered, so you can choose based on your goals and career direction. There are programs for degrees in literacy, secondary education, and instructional leadership.

 

Go through each program, its objectives, and request information or more details to help you decide. Another option is to consult with a counselor to help you find a good program and fit it into your schedule.

They can give you advice in both choosing the program and the online college as well.

 

Online degrees are offered by reputable colleges that are known for their standards and quality of education. Factors that you should consider when choosing an online college include background of the college and instructors, available courses and subjects, registration and course fees. Before signing up, you should also find out more details about a college's online educational system. How do they deliver lectures and coursework materials? How are homework and projects assigned? How are evaluations and grading systems conducted? How do they monitor the performance of their students? Keep in mind that you are investing in your future.

 

Online colleges that offer education degrees are not a trend, but rather, they are a good option which provides the same quality of education as in the traditional school setting.

They give a chance to those who are limited by time constraints, those who live far from the school, or those who are looking for a more affordable education.

 

There are individuals who can study and learn by themselves, without constant face to face interaction with instructors and other students. They prefer a more flexible program that can fit in their schedule. If you are confident and motivated to pursue a degree, consider earning it online. You can work and be at home, without compromising your learning process.

 

Military Education Online

Today, the U.S. military has a number of programs in place to help active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families complete postsecondary education and vocational training. One of the benefits of being a member of the U.S. military is the wide ranging educational benefits available to help you transition to civilian life.
Programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Veterans Assistance Program (VEAP) and the Yellow Ribbon Program are designed to help veterans and their families finish their education.
Montgomery GI Bill versus the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Two of the most common–and popular programs–are the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill. Active duty servicemembers qualify for 36 months of education benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill program. Benefits are payable for up to 10 years following discharge from service.

The program pays for the following:
Degree and certificate programs
Flight training
Apprenticeship training
Technical or vocational courses
Correspondence courses
Post-9/11 GI Bill. The newest revision to the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill went into effect on August 1, 2009. Designed to enhance the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides additional benefits, including:
A living allowance called the housing stipend
Benefits transfers to eligible dependents
Additional educational expense coverage in the form of book stipends and the Yellow Ribbon Program
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Unlike its predecessors, the Post-9/11 GI Bill calculates benefits based upon the highest in-state tuition rates from a public institution located in the state where you plan to study.
Benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill are traditionally payable for up to 15 years following discharge from service.
Military Education Benefits: VEAP and the Yellow Ribbon Program
Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). Servicemembers who make monthly contributions from their military pay qualify for this education benefit. The Federal government matches contributions on a to basis. Benefits last from 1 to 36 months–depending on your number of monthly contributions.
VEAP can be used for:
Vocational flight training programs
Degree programs
Certificate programs
Correspondence programs
Apprenticeship programs
Benefits can be used for up to 10 years after discharge from the military and any unused benefits are refunded after that time.
The Yellow Ribbon Program. Part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program helps servicemembers secure a cost-free education. Over 1,100 colleges and universities have entered into voluntary agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover a portion–or the entire difference–in tuition and fees that are not covered by Post-9/11 GI Bill rates for that state.
Servicemembers who qualify for maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are eligible for Yellow Ribbon funding.
Military Education Benefits: Other Programs
In addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, other education benefits are available. Leading programs include:
Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program
Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)
Student Loan Repayment (LRP)
Completing Your Military Education Online
Returning to the classroom is a logical step to remaining competitive in today’s job market. Online education has expanded educational opportunities for students across the country–including active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families.
Many people choose online education because of its convenience and relative affordability. You can take courses online without having to leave your job or relocate, making online learning an affordable option for those who need to work.
Depending on your goals, various online certificate and degree programs exist to help you succeed in your chose career field. You can complete an online degree program at the following levels:
Associate’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
PhD
You can also complete certificate programs or take a single course online.
According to the Sloan Consortium, the vast majority of students enrolled in online courses complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program. And, the number of students enrolled in online education courses continues to grow. The most recent statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics reveal that 12.2 million students annually enroll in some form of online education programs.
Finishing an Education Is Important
With the various military education benefits available, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal government place an emphasis on helping servicemembers and veterans to complete their education.
In today’s world, completing an education is vital. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, completing an education pays off for your future:
4 out of 5 (84%) Americans have high school diplomas, but only 1 in 4 (27%) have a bachelor’s degree
On average, workers with bachelor’s degrees earn ,000 more annually than those with only a high school diploma
Over the course of a 30-year career, bachelor’s degree holders earn twice as much as workers with just a high school diploma
Some military jobs naturally transfer into the civilian world, have great growth potential and pay well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, five career fields showing good growth potential between 2008 and 2018 include:
Network and computer management
Human resources
Health care
Education and training
Law enforcement
With programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and VEAP in place, a military education–online or on-campus–is not far from reach.

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