Jamie's Distance Learning Blog

The Distance Education Training Council (DETC) launched a new corporate marketing site this year. The site, www.detc.org/corporate, encourages employers to educate their workers using DETC accredited programs. It includes a database of online schools, student success stories, and an employee tuition reimbursement template.

This is a smart move from the DETC. As more employers send workers to DETC accredited schools, the accreditor will gain greater recognition and acceptance. Employers who choose not to participate will at least gain some exposure to the idea of national accreditation.

See Also:
What You Need to Know About DETC Accreditation
DETC Interview

Diploma mill degrees are almost always considered dishonest and unacceptable by employers. However, in some states, using a diploma mill degree is actually illegal. In many cases, using such a degree to get a job, promote your business, or enhance your resume is punishable with a fine or even jail time. Use this article to find diploma mill laws applicable to your state.

It is sometimes difficult to transfer coursework from a DETC accredited program to a regionally accredited program. One solution is to enroll in a college that participates in the Higher Education Transfer Alliance. Colleges in this alliance have agreed to be open to schools with any type of accreditation that is approved by the CHEA or USDE – including the Distance Education Training Council. To learn more see: What You Need to Know About the DETC.

Some online high schools are affiliated with brick-and-mortar colleges. These university-sponsored programs may offer advantages such as the expertise of college-level professors or access to for-credit college courses. Many of these online high schools are tailored towards gifted students. However, there are also some university-affiliated programs available to those needing remedial coursework.

Whether you thrive under pressure or prefer to learn in a low-key environment, it’s important to find a college that meets your test-taking needs. Some online colleges require students to prove their knowledge by completing timed, high stakes exams. Others allow students to take tests at their own pace or prove their ability through alternative methods. This article explores some of the most popular test taking options available from online colleges.

See Also: Online College Residency Requirements

Federal student loans offer distance learners the opportunity to pay for their online class tuition without draining their bank accounts or seeking additional employment. By filling out a single online application, you may qualify for federal student loans with reasonable interest rates and terms.

See Also: Employee Tuition Assistance

Online chats for distance learning classes can be nerve-wracking. Students are expected to respond to instructor questions and interact with other students in the chat room, without much time to prepare responses. Unlike traditional classrooms, chat rooms don’t give you the chance to see physical cues or hear verbal inflections during a discussion. Additionally, chatters can be hampered by typing speed or poor spelling. Often, students’ grades will be determined, in part, by their chat room participation. But, never fear. There is a way to enter distance learning chat rooms with confidence and cool. This article will show you how.

See Also: 10 Free Web Resources for Online Students

A "residency requirement" is a set amount of time a student must spend on campus in order to complete a degree. Many brick-and-mortar colleges mandate residency requirements for their online students. If you enroll in one of these programs, you may have to travel to campus for several weekends or even several semesters in order to earn your degree. Before enrolling in any online program, make sure its residency requirements will meet your needs. This article explores some of the most popular residency options available.

See Also: How to Choose an Online School

The Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD) offers students the opportunity to take online courses led by Stanford’s distinguished faculty. Students can enroll in graduate-level courses, certificate programs, and master’s degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Degree-seeking applicants must enroll though a "member company" that has an association with the SCPD program.

See Also: Harvard Extension School

If you're looking for a distance learning program, take a look at our growing list of online college profiles. You'll learn about each school's available degrees, accreditation, costs, admissions policies, and other important information. All of the online colleges in this directory are regionally accredited (the most widely accepted form of accreditation in the United States). Note: this site does not do paid college profiles; the online colleges in this section have been chosen by the site editor and reviewed impartially.