About Distance Learning

What Does the Research Say About Online Learning?

2009-07-12T01:45:21Z

Online learning has made a major impact in the world of education. Recent studies show that online learning is an effective and reputable way to earn a college degree.

Want to know more? This new article highlights some of the most significant findings from online learning research reports.

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Federal Officials: Student Spycams Unnecessary

2009-07-11T02:29:32Z

Since last August, everyone involved with online learning has been worried about the implications of the Higher Education Act (also known as the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008). The student privacy clause requires online colleges to ensure that the person enrolled in the class is the same person that actually completes the work. Some have worried that schools would be forced to monitor students through webcams and other potentially invasive methods.

New word from federal officials has put many colleges at ease. eSchool News explains:

"Web-based college programs won't have to buy pricey monitoring gadgets like cameras and fingerprint or eye scanners to satisfy the requirements of a section in the recently reauthorized Higher Education Act, federal officials say. Instead, they say, exam proctors and secure logins will suffice to ensure honest test taking."

Many online students are also pleased with the news. The new requirements may not be as foolproof, but they leave much of the convenience of virtual learning intact.

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Is Online High School Right for My Teen?

2009-07-08T02:24:02Z

Many teens have been incredibly successful with learning online. But, others have fallen behind in credits and motivation, causing tension at home and stress in family relationships. If you�re grappling with the difficult decision of whether or not to enroll your child in a distance learning program, these three considerations may help.

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New Government Plan May Fund Free Online Courses

2009-07-05T01:21:41Z

The Obama administration is currently drafting plans that would fund the creation and implementation of free online classes at the high school and college level.

Inside Higher Ed reports:

"According to the draft materials from the administration, the program would support the development of 20-25 'high quality' courses a year, with a mix of high school and community college courses. Initial preference would go to "career oriented" courses. The courses would be owned by the government and would be free for anyone to take. Courses would be selected competitively, through peer review, for support."

Proponents of the idea believe that government funded online courses could help citizens develop job skills and become more employable. Critics, however, contend that free online classes are already available in the private marketplace and that tax dollars should not be spent on this venture.

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Check Any Online School's Accreditation Status

2009-07-02T00:11:12Z

Proper accreditation can mean the difference between a degree that gets you a new job and a certificate that isn't worth the paper it's printed on. If you have the right tools, you can check any school's accreditation status in less than a minute. This article will show you how to find out if a school is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

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New: Find Free GED Classes Online

2009-06-29T18:42:17Z

Want to find free GED classes online? Although you are required to take the official exam in person, free GED classes can be taken over the internet to help you study and prepare.

Free GED classes often contain subject summaries, practice questions, and test-taking tips. In this new article, you'll find links to some of the best no-cost courses available.

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The Truth About Online Law School

2009-06-28T02:33:05Z

In limited circumstances, it is possible to earn an online law degree. But, choosing an online law school has some very serious drawbacks that can make it difficult to become a practicing attorney.

California is the only state that currently allows students from online law schools (none of which are accredited by the American Bar Association) to sit for the bar exam. If you pass the California bar after earning a degree from an online law school, you may be eligible to sit for other state exams after successfully practicing law for several years. Many states will permit California lawyers to take their bar exams after five to seven years of practicing law. Alternatively, you could enroll in a Master of Law program accredited by the American Bar Association.

Want to learn more. Check out the in-depth guide to online law school.

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Department of Ed: Online Learning More Effective

2009-06-26T01:34:50Z

In a groundbreaking meta study released today, the United States Department of Education found that blended and online learning options are more effective at improving achievement that traditional classroom instruction. They explain:

"The meta analysis showed that 'blended' instruction � combining elements of online and face-to-face instruction � had a larger advantage relative to purely face to face instruction or instruction conducted wholly online. The analysis also showed that the instruction conducted wholly on line was more effective in improving student achievement than the purely face to face instruction...

'Studies of earlier generations of distance and online learning courses have concluded that they are usually as effective as classroom-based instruction,' said Marshall 'Mike' Smith, a Senior Counselor to the secretary. 'The studies of more recent online instruction included in this meta-analysis found that, on average, online learning, at the post-secondary level, is not just as good as but more effective than conventional face-to-face instruction..."

Due to these findings, the Department urges colleges to use stimulus funds for the implementation of technology that can help learners.

This report comes as good news for online learning advocates. When questioned about the legitimacy of online teaching, we can now respond that learning on the web is actually better than learning from a classroom desk.

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How Does an Online University Work?

2009-06-24T00:03:37Z

Taking classes through an online university can be a bit confusing at first. But, most online university students are easily able to navigate through their coursework once they understand how virtual schools operate.

If you�re new to the world of elearning, this article will walk you through the basics of online university programs.

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12 Ways the Government Will Help Pay for Your Online Degree

2009-06-21T02:26:09Z

Paying for online college courses can take a toll. But, Uncle Sam wants to help. Check out this article to learn about twelve loans, grants, tax breaks, and scholarships available from the government.

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