Accredited Online Education

Online education, also known as the virtual classroom, lets you pursue additional education even if you are unable to attend on-campus classes. Taking advantage of the growth of the World Wide Web, it adds social interaction to the distance education experience. It provides you with an affordable, flexible alternative way to receive quality instruction leading to an academic degree or a workplace credential whether you live down the street or a thousand miles away.

The Facts

Online education refers to a type of distance education where 80 percent or more of instructional material is delivered over the Internet. Qualified instructors teach the classes. You discuss course materials, exchange ideas and share your life experiences with other students as well as interact with faculty through discussion boards. Additionally, you discuss personal course-related issues with instructors through email. You post assignments either to discussion boards or submit them online, depending on the format of the class. You can take online classes for credit, for workplace credentials or for personal enrichment.

History

According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), distance education includes "any educational or instructional activity in which students are separated from faculty and other students." Distance education began in 1728 with correspondence courses, branching into other modes of instruction including radio and television as technology changed. Online education began in the early 1990s with the growth of the Internet. By December 2001, nearly 2,000 institutions offered distance learning.

Providers

Online Education is provided by accredited colleges and universities as well as by for-profit educational organizations. Offerings range from individual courses to complete associate's, master's or doctorate's degrees. CHEA oversees the quality of online programs through the accreditation process. CHEA is a private not-for-profit organization that advocates for educational quality through voluntary self-regulation.

Benefits

Online education removes distance and time as barriers to accessing education. You attend classes at your convenience by logging into the virtual classroom at any time. You are not required to be online with other students. This flexibility allows you to better balance life issues while attending school.

Online instruction allows you to enroll in programs regardless of where the offering institution is located and, therefore, increases the academic options available to you.

Online programs are often more affordable than on-campus programs.

Warning

The virtual classroom, however, may not be appropriate for all students. You work independently and must be responsible, disciplined and self-motivated. The online format may be difficult if you require structure. Also, this format may not offer adequate interaction with classmates if you enjoy the socialization of the in-class environment.

References

• CHEA Monograph Series 2002, Number 1, Accreditation and Assuring Quality in Distance Learning, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, 2002.
• Degreeboard.com; Distance Learning: Where did it really Begin?; Tamita Amor; Oct. 13, 2008
• Distance Learning Net; The History of Distance Learning; 2009

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