TECH KNOW
From
earning an MBA to making a webpage, online classes are a convenient way to study at your
own pace. Kristen McQuillin hits the books.
With
a nod to 19th-century correspondence courses, 21st-century technologies take learning
online to make them more interactive and personal. Online classes let you to work at your
own pace at a time and location that is convenient to you-just the ticket in hectic Tokyo.
Basic distance learning courses are packaged on CDs or a simple website. They are the
equivalent of a book and may include access to an instructor by e-mail. These simple
presentations are targeted for lifelong learners who are not interested in college or
professional credit.
More interaction comes with the addition of components like testing, bulletin boards and
chat. Some courses use custom classroom software that incorporates assignment uploading,
class projects groups, and resource libraries in a secure environment. The instructor is
more accessible and participates in the course to answer questions, give assignments and
guide students. Taking distance learning a step further, computer video conferencing is an
infrequent but very effective method of communicating among classmates and faculty
scattered widely.
The perfect online
learner
It takes a special person to excel in online education. Some students feel they get more
out of online learning than from traditional classes. You will probably enjoy distance
learning if you are self-directed, comfortable with technology, and able to express
thoughts and personality in writing. Remember, most of your interaction with your
instructor and classmates will be via e-mail, chat, or bulletin board postings, and that's
not counting class assignments and papers.
For an evaluation of your future as a distance learner, try OnlineLearning.net's
self-assessment: www.onlinelearning.net/ole/holwselfassess.html
Professional
education
Technology certifications and skill upgrades can be earned online from vendors like Cisco
and Sun or from more broadly-based technology educators including BrainBench (www.brainbench.com) , SmartPlanet (www.smartplanet.com), and CompTIA (www.comptia.org).
You can earn professional credits in other fields including real estate, accounting,
education, architecture, and law. About.com's Distance Learning section (www.about.com) lists many professional certification
programs.
University
degrees
Accredited programs in the US, UK & Australia offer degrees from Bachelor to Masters
level and certificate programs. MBAs are popular, areas of study but even Music Education
degrees can be earned online. Many degree programs combine solo study with online group
projects, discussion boards, live chats or video conferencing.
When choosing a degree program, beware of diploma mills, "colleges" that offer
degrees to anyone who opens a wallet. Real academic degrees are earned, not purchased.
Make sure the school you choose is accredited and that any credits you earn can be
transferred to other institutions.
To find an accredited program to fit your needs and budget, take a look at Peterson's
Distance Learning Guide (www.petersons.com/dlearn/).
Their searchable database helps you pinpoint relevant courses of study.
If you prefer an up-close-and-personal approach to choosing a school, mark your calendar
for November 8th & 9th. Distance Learning Center (www.distance-learning.org) is sponsoring the
Education Expo 2001 at Tokyo Central Station; a wide range of schools will be on hand to
discuss their programs with prospective students.
Points to
consider
Access to instructor. For university and post-graduate courses, you should have ready
access to your instructor via e-mail and perhaps chat or a bulletin board. Other types of
online learning offer less access to the instructor, but any course should include an
e-mail address or phone number for questions. Technology and Materials. What materials
(textbooks, CDs, software) are required for the course? Will any required software run on
your computer? Location-dependent components? Is a residency required before a degree is
granted? Are there times when you must join an event online with the full class? Do you
need access to a local video conferencing system? Time/Homework. Are there deadlines or
calendars to follow? How much work is required to complete the source? |
TECH
KNOW: