“How to Choose a Distance Learning Program” provides certain tips that prospective student will find handy in choosing a distance learning program. The article discusses some crucial parameters which should be considered while choosing a distance learning program.

1. How to Choose a Distance Learning Program
According to the 2010 report on the state of online learning in the country published by Sloan
Consortium, 63% of the institutions surveyed said that online learning formed a critical part of
their long term strategy.(sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/pdf/class_differences.pdf) Clearly, online and distance
learning programs have become the present and future of education in the U.S.
With so many students jumping on the online education bandwagon, is it time for you to start
thinking seriously about distance learning courses? If your answer is yes, then here are certain
tips you might find handy in choosing a distance learning program.
Accreditation
The importance of accreditation cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to choosing a
distance learning program. Accreditation is the certification or recognition of an educational
institution’s adherence to quality standards established by an accrediting body.
The institution offering distance learning programs must be accredited by a nationally or
regionally recognized accrediting agency. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education has a list of
accrediting agencies that it recognizes as “reliable authorities” concerning the quality of education
disbursed by institutions of higher learning.
Remember, you may be able to transfer credits from an online course to another institution only if
your college is fully accredited by a recognized agency. Also, your prospective employers will be
favorably disposed to distance learning courses that are completed from an accredited institution.
Flexibility
The biggest benefit of distance education is the flexibility it provides to students. When choosing
a distance learning program, you should select one that best suits your current lifestyle.
There are different types of learning styles when it comes to online programs. Some are self-
paced that pretty much leave you free to set your own schedule as far as covering your
coursework and class assignments are concerned, while other distance learning programs may
require you to attend online lectures, group discussions, etc. at specified times.
A lot of distance learning courses are actually hybrid programs, which means they include
elements of both on-campus and online training.
Instruction Methods
Gone are the days when distance education meant poorly printed learning material being
delivered to your postal address. Modern day distance learning courses make use of
sophisticated technology to impart education.
Online education these days means live lectures via web-cam, coursework available on high
quality CD-ROMs, Internet forums, emails and chat sessions to facilitate student-instructor and
student-student interaction, and other such high-tech means of studying.
Make sure you are comfortable with the instruction method used at your institution. The more
advanced technology they use, the better will be your overall education experience.
Support Services
One of the most important factors you need to keep in mind when choosing distance learning
programs at a college or university is the type of support services it offers.

2. Just because you’re not physically attending school doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to support in
the form of student advisors, tutors or study partners to help you if you’re having trouble with the
coursework.
Your college or university should also be able to help you secure externships or clinical sites if
your coursework includes practical training. Other support services you might want to check for
are financial planning and employment assistance.
Cost
One of the main reasons for choosing distance learning programs for many individuals is their
affordability.
Most online or distance learning courses cost less than their classroom-based counterparts. In
addition to the low tuition and fee, students can also save on fuel, books, accommodation etc., if
they enroll in a distance learning program.
Make sure the degree you enroll for fits your budget and the school of your choice participates in
financial aid programs to help you fund your education if you qualify. Many credible online
schools also offer in-house performance-related scholarships and tuition grants to help deserving
students.