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Choosing
a good quality distance learning course should be aproached like any
other informed "consumer purchase". In this case however the
commodity you are purchasing is training/education. First consider the
list you would make if you were going to buy something like a stereo or
a car.
Let's take a look at some typical
considerations for any general consumer product you might buy....
- Does the manufacturer have a good
reputation for quality?
- Have you had a good experience with this
manufacturer's products before?
- Has the company been succesfully making
this type of product for a long time?
- What are the specific product features
you are looking for?
- Does this manufacturer make a product
that has most of the features you want?
- Is the product reasonably priced?
- Is a more expensive product worth the
extra money, or does it just claim to be worth it?
- Can you get delivery of the product in a
reasonable timeframe?
- Is there full disclosure about the
product and its features in its advertising materials?
- What recourse do you have if you are
having problems with the product, or want your money back?
Now, see how many
of these same considerations can be applied to a good distance learning
course...
- Does the school or college have a good
reputation for quality (accredited, publicly funded/accountable)?
- Have you taken classes from this school
before, and did you have a good experience?
- Has the college been around for a while
and do they have credible experience in the distance learning field
(qualified faculty, support systems, well developed programs)?
- Does the college offer a variety of
technology and delivery methods for different courses (CD-ROM,
Internet, Telecourse, Videoconferencing, take-home labs, etc.).
- Does the distance learning program have
the flexibility, convenience, and delivery features you want/need.
- Is the course tuition reasonable; are
there hidden costs, or additional fees?
- Do colleges with higher tuition offer
something better, or is the same credit/transferrablity/credibility
available for less?
- Can you get enrolled and started in
courses right away, or, what are the entrance
requirements?
- Do the enrollment, costs, and
advertising materials seem clear, and complete?
- Is the college accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, are you protected by the
regulations governing public institutuions, is statement made about
refunds, dropping classes, and other due processes you should be
entitled to?
Suggestions:
Like any purchase, you should comparison
shop for the features that are most important to you. Make a checklist
to help focus your decisions. Ask other students or colleagues who may
have taken classes before. Ask about satisfaction surveys the school may
have conducted. Check the school's accreditation reports (publicly
available). And finally, ask for a mini-tour (virtual or otherwise) to
see if you have a sense that the course or program will offer what you
are loking for.
A good Distance Learning program will offer the opportunity to look at
and explore some of the courses or sample modules. Does the
material seem interesting? Does it have graphic support for the content?
Are there video/music media clips available? Are Quizzes offered online
for convenience? What about forums and chatrooms for class discussion?
Is there a virtual library link? Can you get student services online?
Does navigation and speed of response seem good? Is a complete syllabus
available with clear requirements? These are just a few considerations
for identifying a quality Distance Learning course.
Good quality programs will be happy to direct you to students, articles
and resources that validate their programs. It is probably appropriate
to be concerned about schools that have ONLY a virtual campus with no
connection to the normal control processes, curriculum committees,
overseeing faculty boards of trustees, and accreditation processes.
While some of these start-up institutions may do a good job on same
vocational material, recognition of their college credit, and its
transferrability to other institutions may be questionable. Remember its
easy to build a cool looking website, but not easy to deliver a high
quality, accredited, educational experience. Check before you enroll!
Some agencies that help address course quality are listed below:
- CVC3.ORG
Welcome to the California Virtual Campus Regional 3 Center for
Southern California area - Distance Learning Course Support.
- CVC.EDU
The California Virtual Campus Project of the California State
Community College Chancellor's Offices.
Represents a clearing house for distance learning at the 107
Community Colleges in California.
- WGU.EDU
The Western Governors Association college distance learning
consortium
- USDLA.ORG
The United States Distance Learning Association
- WASCWEB.ORG
The Western Association Of Schools and Colleges accrediting
association
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