Online education courses are a great way to learn many things. With the sheer number of people today who have regular access to the Internet, the opportunities to learn these things are far greater than they were just a decade or two ago. Without online education, the only way to learn a new skill or take a class would be to physically attend that class or find someone who could teach you privately. Because of the technology of online education, there are literally thousands of things you can learn and many of them can be studied right from the privacy of your own home.

In many cases, the fact that you are learning from home can be a real benefit. Consider the privacy you have in your home. If you are learning something new, there’s no need for others to even know you are studying this particular subject. You may be embarrassed to let others know that you don’t already have this knowledge, or it might simply be in your best interest that others don’t know. For example, you may be seeking to gain a training certificate that will put you in line for a promotion. It might be politically incorrect in your current employment to be making this move. Your current supervisor might resent the fact that you want to move up. While secrecy is never a good thing, being discreet about your plans might be a wise move. You may even be looking for employment elsewhere and taking online education courses may be a stepping stone to that move. Again, letting your current employer know about your educational goals could be cause for tension in your current work environment.

It could also be that you just want to learn something new. You’ll find literally hundreds of online education courses available. Whether you’re wanting to learn to sew or you want to work on a degree, you can likely find an online education program that’s just right for you.

Online education courses are generally assumed to be those courses completed from your home, but you can also find some online education opportunities from satellite locations. There are some obvious benefits to taking online or distance learning classes from a satellite location, but first you may wonder why anyone would take this route in searching for educational advancement.

Geographic location is arguably the most common reason for seeking out online education courses from a satellite location. Even if you live in a college town, you may want to take classes that are not offered locally. If you don’t have even a community college nearby, you may find yourself faced with three equally unappealing options - drop the idea of taking the classes, traveling several hours each time the class meets, or moving. Online education from satellite locations eliminates the need for you to make any of those choices.

Online education in the form of distance learning has become a popular option for public and private schools that have trouble recruiting teachers for specific subjects. In order to offer some classes, these schools become satellite locations. They associate themselves with another school that does offer the class and the students at the satellite location have the opportunity to take the class along with students at the main location. Two way communication, including video feed, allow students in both classes to interact with the teacher and with each other. Sometimes, additional satellite locations meet at the same time and it’s not unusual for three or four classes to share time and teacher.

The advantage is that students get to interact, ask questions and hear discussion in real time, but aren’t required to be physically present at the main classroom. That concept is being offered in locations around the world for a myriad of courses. To find classes available at a satellite location near you, check with local schools, colleges or universities, or your local library. You may be amazed to discover what’s offered in the way of online education at satellite locations right in your home town, right around the corner, or even right on your personal computer screen.

Although there are many advantages of an online education, there are also some disadvantages. The fact that you are working on your own could very well be one of the major disadvantages of taking online educational classes.

Consider the busy lifestyle of most people. Between work and family responsibilities, the average person has little time to dedicate to outside pursuits even when those pursuits could mean a better job, more money and better benefits. Simply finding the time to attend regular classes may be impossible so an online education becomes a viable option. But the same reason that online education is a great option - lack of time - is the very reason that online education is often difficult.

When you’re attending a traditional class, you go to school at a prearranged times. You are expected to be in class and you are forced to keep up with your instructor’s assignment schedule or risk failing the course. With an online education, there is probably no one checking your progress on a regular basis. You may be given some guidance along the way, but you and you alone are usually responsible for working your way through the course. Since you can work at your own pace, some people find themselves putting the work off until they don’t have enough time to finish the requirements.

If there are no time requirements, the opportunities to put off working on the material is even greater. You can literally go for weeks or months (or even years) without finishing the material to get credit for the course. You’ve paid for the opportunity to learn, but a lack of motivation is often the downfall of those who seek out online education.

Another major disadvantage is the lack of interaction. You aren’t in a classroom and don’t have the opportunity to hear questions and discussion from other students. This isn’t always an issue, depending on the subject of the online education course you are taking, but it could be an important factor in deciding whether an online education is the best option when seeking out opportunities for learning new skills or gaining new training.

There are some major advantages to online education, including the ability to set your own study time. There are dozens of reasons to go back to school but there are also dozens of reasons not to. You may be looking for a promotion or career change that requires additional training, or you may simply be ready to learn something new. But with today’s busy lifestyle, there’s little time to devote to regularly scheduled class time. That’s where online education can be a great asset for a motivated person.

Many people - especially adults who have already started a family - are faced with some major decisions as they decide how to spend their time. Typically, work takes the majority of the daytime hours. That leaves only a few hours each day that could be dedicated to education. If there are children, soccer practice and dance recitals will take up a large part of the time that’s left. Creating some time for personal socialization is necessary to avoid burn out and you may very well be left with only an hour or two each day to work on an education.

Even with the few hours you have free on an average day, you’re faced with the problem of finding those courses you need close to home. Unless you’re fortunate enough to live in a university town, you’re likely to be traveling several hours each time you attend class. That’s never a problem with online education because the “classroom” is as near as your computer room and you’ll “attend class” at your convenience.

The fact that you have no location requirements and can actually work on your online education from anywhere is another great advantage. Perhaps you can spend your lunch hour each day with a sandwich in front of your computer at work. Maybe you schedule study time at night after the rest of the family has gone to bed or you may even be an early bird who likes to study in the mornings. No matter what your time requirements or restrictions, you’ll find that you can easily make your online education a reality.

You’re thinking about furthering your career or finally getting your college degree. But with so many educational choices online, how do you know whether it’s right for you? Here are some pointers you should consider, before making your decision.

There are many perks associated with online study. Unlike traditional learning, distance learning can offer you greater flexibility, as you don’t have to waste time- and money- commuting to the campus and you can choose a program that truly suits your interests or professional needs, because you are not confined to the classes that are offered locally.

Another advantage to distance learning is the fact that you can continue to work, because you don’t have to worry about fitting your classes around your job schedule. This is a distinct advantage over traditional methods of learning, because this option allows you to continue earning while you study. Online programs often cost less than their traditional counterparts, so you can save money on tuition, if you pursue your degree through an online university.

Online study is also a great option for those students with physical handicaps, which may prevent them from travelling to a traditional campus. Likewise, if you are shy, or perhaps even language-challenged, participating in an online course may be the perfect alternative to a live class.

There are some drawbacks to online education, however. For example, traditional instructors may not successfully make the transition from the classroom to the online platform and it can sometimes be difficult for them to transfer course content or offer additional support to the students.

While the technological aspects of online learning can make the courses more interesting and interactive, some students may not have the computer hardware to support the specific programs required for the class. Many courses require DSL or a high-speed internet connection in order for the student to interact effectively with the instructor or other students. Similarly, online learning can rob the student of the conventional aspects of classroom interaction, such as being able to talk to the instructor or the other students, face-to-face.

In spite of the drawbacks, however, many new and returning students are opting to study via distance learning and are finding it to be a very rewarding experience.

Online learning is still a relatively new format for the delivery of classroom instruction. And while the benefits of attending a virtual classroom instead of a physical classroom are many — ranging from convenience and affordability to better collaboration and accessibility — there are still a number of potential students out there who are reluctant to give it a try.

Yet, there is a way to test the waters of online learning to figure out if online study is right for you. Unlike, say, parachute jumping or becoming a heart surgeon, you can find out without taking a big scary plunge.

While traditional colleges and universities normally require you commit to a full semester or even year of courses, that is anything but the case with most online schools. Without any commitment, and very little (if any) expense, you can decide firsthand whether or not online education is a good fit for your unique learning style. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

That being said, online learning isn’t just about earning a degree any longer — far from it in fact. There are countless certification courses out there — offered by top-tier and accredited universities — that can be taken to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one. From graphic design to massage therapy, certification courses can lead to a new hobby and even a new career.

‘Personal growth’ courses also abound, and range from discovering your inner peace and improving your positive thinking to photography and screenwriting. While these kinds of online courses might not enhance your resume, necessarily, the impact they have on one’s life can be profound. You won’t find a more convenient or affordable way to pursue some serious — and seriously fulfilling — self-improvement.

So why not give online learning a try — or try online learning to test that career path you’ve always dreamed of?

Here are some reasons to give online learning a try.

Dream Big

You only live once, so why not look into the true dream job or career you would want most out of life? With today’s countless options online, anything is within your grasp – whether you’ve considered becoming a private eye, trial lawyer, or heart surgeon.

No one wants to be wondering years down the road whether they should have taken the chance on a career that they really would have loved. You never know what’s possible until you try!

Get Creative

Online learning isn’t just about getting a degree or improving your technical skills. It’s now an educational arena more and more people are turning to for art, music, photography, and other creative endeavors.

At the very least, you’ll liven up your current life with a fulfilling creative release. And who knows, your creative passion might even lead to a whole new career!

Try Something New

As we mentioned, distance learning can be a convenient and affordable way to investigate a new passion, learn a new skill, or sample a new career direction — with no risk and little expense.

Maybe you’re a receptionist that’s always wanted to try graphic design? Or a paralegal itching to get into IT? Statistics show that most people change careers at least once in their lives, and gaining expertise in a new field is a great way to test-drive a new career. Online courses let you sample a new field without leaving your current one, and can generally be worked into your busy schedule with ease.

Take a Step Up

On the other hand, maybe you’re already happy with your job and chosen field, but would like a quick career boost. You’d likely be surprised at how much learning one new skill can impact your job standing. An accountant learning a new bookkeeping program, for instance, or a graphic designer getting a grasp of the newest cutting-edge software, can make all the difference in the world when a promotion is at stake.

Additionally, your employers will almost certainly be impressed with your drive and initiative — not to mention your tangible new skill. Some businesses will even cover the cost of your tuition if the course directly applies to your work with them.

Help Yourself

If you’re a small-business owner, or just aspire to be, there’s a perfect online course just waiting out there for you. What shopkeep, e-commerce seller, or innkeeper couldn’t stand to improve their bookkeeping skills, know more about saving on their taxes, or gain crucial knowledge on business management?

Imagine the money you could save by handling your own financial ledgers, or dealing with your own tax filing at the end of the year!

And for the aspiring entrepreneur, your only challenge will be choosing the right business to explore. Whether you’re considering opening a B& B, restaurant, import-export service, or other small business, there’s likely an online course available to show you the ropes.

Strengthen a Weakness

It’s safe to say that everyone has at least one weakness — from the technically handicapped, to the financially clueless, to those who struggle to communicate better or run their office in a more organized manner.

That monkey on your back has been there too long, but you can give him the boot with one thorough online course. You’ll feel a weight off your shoulders and won’t feel so much at the mercy of your bookkeeper or office IT staff.

Satisfy Your Curiosity

Maybe you’ve always wondered what it was like in the world of graphic design, or how those computer gamers come up with such amazing results. Everyone has something they’re curious about but never looked into. Our pragmatic side, or fear of failure, tells us “that’s not for you,” or “you’re an accountant, not an interior designer, darn it!”

With the accessibility and affordability of distance courses, you can now satisfy your curiosity without breaking the bank, or even a sweat. Even if you don’t end up making a career change, you’ll get to see how the other half lives – and gain expertise in a brand-new area.

Stop Waiting!

Regardless of your choice with distance learning, there’s no time like the present to give it a try. The field as a whole has grown to be so extensive there is literally no end to your online options.

For someone who’s unsure whether or not they want to start pursuing a full degree online, a certification or personal development course can be ideal for getting a true feel for what online learning is all about. If you like it and feel you can succeed at it, then you can take the plunge and move on to a legitimate degree program. If it’s not your cup of tea, no big deal, since the monetary and time commitments are fairly nominal.

But the fact is, you won’t know how you feel about online learning, or that dream career you’ve always thought about, or learning a new skill, until you give distance education a test-run.

You have little to lose and a world of possibilities to gain.

Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before thanks to the number of institutions offering distance learning opportunities. Whether you are pursuing a undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degree you can choose from scores of degree granting schools. 57 leading institutions are featured here.

1. Southern Christian University

2. University of Phoenix

3. Walden University

4. DeVry University

5. Kaplan University

6. Everglades University

7. Ellis College

8. American International University

9. Capella University

10. St. Louis University

11. Regent University

12. Utica College

13. The University of Scranton

14. University of Saint Mary

15. Touro University International

16. Stetson University Virtual School

17. Nova Southeastern University

18. South University

19. St. Joseph’s College of Maine

20. San Joaquin Valley College

21. Rasmussen College

22. Keiser College

23. Jacksonville University

24. Jones International University

25. LeTourneau University

26. Crown College

27. University of St. Augustine

28. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

29. University of Northeastern Ohio

30. University of Southern Indiana

31. Florida Metropolitan University

32. Champlain College

33. Bellevue University

34. Pitt Community College

35. Stephens College

36. The College of St. Scholastica

37. Vincennes University

38. North Arizona University

39. St. Petersburg College

40. Barton County Community College

41. Simon Fraser University

42. Simmons College

43. A.T. Still University

44. Medical College of Georgia

45. ECPI College of Technology

46. Westwood College

47. Kettering University

48. Thomson Education Direct

49. South University

50. National American University

51. Columbia Southern University

52. Canadian Virtual University

53. Western Governors University

54. US Sports Academy

55. The Art Institute Online

56. Bryant and Stratton Online

57. ACCIS

Scores of additional schools also offer distance learning to their students including traditional “brick and mortar” universities. Drexel, Fairleigh Dickinson, East Carolina, and Iowa State, are some who fall into this category.

So, whether you are pursuing an art certificate, a B.A. in Psychology, an MBA, or a PhD consider doing your studies from a laptop and never set foot in a classroom again.

There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms - those companies that invest in new and emerging businesses - all agree that distance learning’s future is very bright, and a good investment opportunity as well.

All this translates into a bright future for anyone looking at distance learning to accomplish their career, educational, and learning objectives. Chances are if there isn’t a program in place today for your specific needs, there will be one - soon. This article explains how the perfect storm is brewing for distance learning, in a very positive way. Several market factors are presented here, along with research from research and government agencies that show that distance learning is here to stay and may someday surpass traditional classroom attendance approaches to learning.

What’s driving Distance Learning growth?

Consider the following statistics from International Data Corporation on the market for distance learning - these figures and others are making many traditional colleges and universities re-vamp their courses and degree programs to make them available online.

• There are 133 million U.S. adults or 66% of the adult population, which have Internet access today. That’s over half the entire U.S. population and serves as a strong incentive for colleges and universities to re-vamp their programs to support this untapped educational market.
• According to International Data Corporation, over 90% of college students access the Internet, with 50% accessing the Web daily, and this is on a global scale. Colleges and universities have also found that to stay relevant to their traditional students, they have had to create online and distance learning programs quickly to stay up with their learning needs.
• 87% of four-year colleges will offer distance-learning courses in 2004, up from 62% in 1998. According to International Data Corporation, 25% more colleges and universities added distance learning programs between 1998 and 2004.
• By 2004, 2.2 million degree-seeking students are enrolled in distributed courses - CAGR of 33%. The growth of distance learning on a global scale has the attention of companies as well - they plan on spending $272B in the next five years on in-house training and education programs, according to International Data Corporation.
• 51% of all online courses worldwide have online discussion forms in 2001, growing to 65% in 2005. This is a sign of how quickly the Internet’s performance is improving around the world. The bandwidth required to support online discussions is great news for distance learning. Now even the most geographically remote student can get the education they want.

Summary

The implications are clear. Distance learning is growing rapidly and has been fortunate that many countries teach English in addition to their own native languages. What’s next on the horizon of distance learning is offering courses and degrees in multiple languages. International Data Corporation predicts that by 2006, 65% of all Internet users will be international.

Stanford University’s Online Lessons Learned

Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development has recently completed a survey of those that have been successful in completing online degree programs globally. The results of their research provide useful guidance for anyone considering an online program. The findings of their research are summarized here:

• Best for motivated, self-directed students who have a definite goal. The Stanford survey confirms that the best students are those that don’t need constant attention and guidance, and most importantly, have a clear goal for their educational degree.
• Online learning attracts students who would not otherwise have taken courses.The survey shows that it is definitely an either-or situation for many students - many don’t take classes at all unless they are offered online.
• Need for recognition and achievement.Stanford has found that the most effective students for online programs like to compete for high marks online and eventually earn a degree that is delivered to them anywhere in the world.
• High need for autonomy. Stanford’s results show that any student who prizes their autonomy over being overly socially involved excels at online learning programs.
• Ability to commit up to 10 hours a week to the course. Stanford’s study show that the best students don’t necessarily put in the longest hours; they are the ones that make the most of the hours they commit. The minimum amount of time Stanford found students could spend per week on entry-level courses was 4 hours per week; for graduate-level courses, 15 hours or more.
• Confidence in sharing their own experiences. Many of the respondents to the Stanford said that the best classes were marked by other students sharing their own experiences. The willingness to share experiences makes for the best online classes, and this is substantiated by the Stanford study.
• Like to write. Stanford found this as a definite requirement, but critical to the success of anyone in an online program. Writing is the primary means by which student’s interaction with each other and their instructors is achieved, so this is also important to keep in mind.

Bottom Line:

The Stanford survey shows that the more independent and focused a student is, the more successful they will be in distance learning programs. Writing is also important, as is the willingness to contribute to classes.

More and more people are finding that knowledge really is power, and that they can accomplish their education goals online.

Best of all, these online learners are finding that degrees from accredited colleges and universities are increasing their earnings potential, giving them greater responsibility in their professions, and best of all - giving them the chance to accomplish a key goal without completely interrupting their existing lives.

There are many reasons to consider distance-learning programs for your goals. Instructors who have taught distance-learning courses originating in the United States to Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Europe, report these as the top reasons distance learning makes sense: