Unusual Opportunities in Distance Learning

As online schools continue to grow in popularity, the opportunities for distance learning expand to more and more subjects — one step closer to achieving our goal of a Matrix-like society of homebodies tethered to computers. Oops, was I not supposed to mention that? Here are 40 of the most unusual topics available to the public for online or correspondence study. And remember: there is no spoon… (more…)

Perhaps the biggest challenge of taking an online class is the solitude. Without the in-person stimulus and support of faculty and classmates, online students need more self-reliance and discipline than traditional students when it comes to remaining focused on the workload. (more…)

Online learning isn’t for everyone. Penguins, for instance, have little need for it. Even non-penguins, though, should sit back and ask themselves if enrolling in an online school suits their needs. Here are a few things to consider before you jump into the world of cyber-learning.
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Israeli entrepreneur Shai Reshef has a vision of a world in which a college education is readily available to anyone in the world, regardless of their location, background or level of income. That vision takes its first steps towards fruition in April when the University of the People opens its (virtual) doors.

U of P is the world’s first tuition-free online university, which grew out of his work with other online universities and with the homework help site Cramster. Cramster’s peer-based method of learning helped inspire the structure of U of P, which doesn’t use professors to teach classes. Instead, free class materials, lectures and “open” textbooks culled from the Internet are used to spur weekly discussions between students and to generate homework assignments, quizzes and exams. A small, part-time faculty of active and retired professors, plus masters-level students and professionals within the respective fields, will evaluate the curriculums and oversee assignments and tests. The only portion of classes that will be held offline is the final exam; to deter cheating, it is administered in a physical location by a representative of the school. If you pass the exam, you pass the class.
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With hundreds — or even thousands — or online degree programs available, the decision of which school to choose can be a daunting one. With that in mind, here’s a handy checklist of things to look for on the school’s website and questions to ask the school counselors and admissions officers. Print it out and cross off each item as you complete it. Or use it to wallpaper your Barbie Dream House. We’re not picky. (more…)