How to Sign up for a Computer Science Distance Learning Program
Jump start your computer career by taking computer science courses from a distance learning provider. Some of the advantages of distance learning courses include on demand class schedules and self-paced learning. You will need to have discipline and self-motivation to complete courses without being in a formal classroom. However, many computer science course options exist for those who want to try this method of instruction.
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Instructions
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Get information about computer science undergraduate and graduate programs of study at schools at a trusted website, GetEducated. Find rankings for distance education providers and scholarship information. Download the free guidebook for computer science graduate programs.
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Read the E-learning primer on the Ed-x website to get more insight into the advantages and disadvantages of online education programs. Learn what to expect when you enroll in a distance learning program. Get information about computer science certificate programs that you can take.
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Choose a general or specific specialty in computer science. InfoWorld tracks computer job opportunities by field. Unless you are taking courses for fun, you can narrow your choices by looking at programs for careers with good job opportunities. You will also find recent salary survey data at InfoWorld.
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Request the application and financial aid packages for three to five schools. Many schools will allow you to download the applications, even though you will need to return them by mail. You can complete the entire application process online for some schools.
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Find out when online classes will begin at the school where you intend to enroll. Setup your weekly schedule and block off time to be online, when scheduled, and interact with the instructor and other students. You should also set aside additional time for reading and reviewing class materials.
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Check your computer hardware and memory to make sure they meet the required specifications for online access to the courses. Upgrade your computer, if necessary. Download and install any required software before your first class begins.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your employer if the company helps pay tuition and fees or reimburses you for courses that improve your skills.
Avoid distance-learning programs that are not properly accredited. You won't see a good return on your investment.
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Comments
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Bobby Easley
Nov 11, 2007
This is good advice for people who plan to take CS classes online, but it is an extremely bad idea to take more than a few classes through this medium. You need real classroom instruction and guidance for this kind of degree. CS classes that would be good to take online: Computer Ethics, Formal Languages and Automata, Programming Languages (that is the name of the class, not a generalization), Discrete Structures, Introduction to Logic (actually a required Philosophy class, not a proper CS class), and Operating Systems. All others you need to be in a classroom. -
Bobby Easley
Nov 11, 2007
This is good advice for people who plan to take CS classes online, but it is an extremely bad idea to take more than a few classes through this medium. You need real classroom instruction and guidance for this kind of degree. CS classes that would be good to take online: Computer Ethics, Formal Languages and Automata, Programming Languages (that is the name of the class, not a generalization), Discrete Structures, Introduction to Logic (actually a required Philosophy class, not a proper CS class), and Operating Systems. All others you need to be in a classroom.
