Distance learning has been a growing trend in the last several years. With the popularity of the Internet, along with people living more fast-paced lives and valuing their time, distance learning has been a good way for many people to better their lives while still maintaining a schedule they are happy with.

If you have a busy or unpredictable schedule or limited transportation options or you simply don?t live near a school that offers a program you?re interested in, an online education can be a great solution! But before you take that step, make sure you do your research and consider the following questions:

Is the program you?re interested in available online?

Some schools offer a mixture of online and face-to-face classes. Some schools even offer the bulk of classes online, but might require one or two weeks in person or want you to take tests at an official testing center. Make sure the program you?re interested in fits your schedule!

Do you have all of the equipment you?ll need?

When taking an online class, it?s important to make sure that your computer and Internet access meet the minimum requirements! Find out if you?ll need to run any special programs or software, and if they suggest a broadband connection to the Internet or if dial-up is sufficient. If you?re planning on doing your coursework from a library or other public space, make sure that you?ll have both sufficient access and the time that you?ll need and that you allow enough time.

Do you have a clear idea of how classes and discussions will be conducted?

Every online program has its own methods of dealing with the issue of how to present material in a non-traditional setting. Whether it?s through streaming video, downloadable lectures, written material or real-time chats, each method has its own strengths and works well for different people. Find out how material is presented and in what ways you?ll be expected to interact with your classmates ? and use that information to find a program that?s most comfortable for you and your learning style.

Achieving an education online is not only possible ? it?s probably easier than you think! The important thing is to make sure that the education and program you choose is one that?s right for you!

Distance learning is a viable option for anyone considering going back to school. Online education is quickly becoming a legitimate way to earn a degree to start a new career. However, online education isn?t necessarily for everyone. Before enrolling in an online education program, ask yourself the 10 questions we have listed below.

Will I be able to balance my family, work and school life?
This is an important question. Will you be able to take on all of this responsibility while still giving yourself a great chance at being successful? This question relates to all forms of school, not just online learning. But it relates to online learning in a very specific way, as many online courses allow you to work at your own pace. Will you fall behind and hurt your chances of college success by juggling school, family and work? If so, perhaps taking an on-campus class would help you stay on schedule.

Is there a rigid schedule, or can I take courses at my own pace?
This is a serious question that must be asked. Many institutions will allow you to take the courses at your own pace as long as you finish the class within a pre-specified amount of time. However, some institutions require you to take exams and turn in coursework on specific dates. If you are considering taking online courses because of the convenience with your schedule, you will want to know which policy the university of your choice has in place.

Your teachers ? are they qualified, and how many students do they work with?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with inquiring about the qualifications of your online course instructors. You are taking these classes to better yourself and help your chances in the job market. You have a right to know what kind of education you will be receiving, and you have a right to know how much individual attention you can expect.

What if I need extra help? How do I get in touch with my instructors/school?
Not all online schools offer extra assistance; you will want to know if yours does. Many schools offer certain hours you can get in touch with your instructors and ask questions, either via telephone or e-mail. Also, most institutions will offer you a phone number to get in touch with them if you have any additional questions or concerns.

How much is tuition ? how much will attending this school cost me?
Compare the cost of tuition of this university to other universities, online and otherwise. Make sure you are not being overcharged. Also, don?t forget to include the price of textbooks (if any are required) when adding up the overall cost.

Is this institution accredited, and by whom?
The credibility of your education can hinge on whether or not the university you attend is accredited by a well-known accrediting agency. Make sure that your education will mean something to potential employers and won?t be a waste of your time and money in your pursuit of a new career.

What hardware/software is required?
This sounds like a no-brainer, but you don?t want to end up enrolled in a course that you literally will not be able to take due to technological limitations. Make sure your computer and system are compatible with the required technology of the institution so you can get the full educational experience.

How many students are currently enrolled, and how many have graduated?
Avoid the instability of a new school. Make sure that the college you are considering has graduated many students so you know that others have had success on the path you are considering taking.

How will this school lead to a new career? Do they offer career services?
Many institutions offer career services that can help students find that first job out of college. Also, it may be a good idea to check with professionals in your field of interest to see if the classes you are interested in taking will help you begin a career in that field.

When do classes start?
Some schools offer start dates, while some allow you to begin at your leisure. Don?t end up having to wait for months beyond your desired start date because you didn?t find out which policy your school follows.

Online education may not be for everyone, but it has helped many people and changed many lives. Keep an open mind and thoroughly check out all of your options before deciding which plan of action is right for you.

For more information about Distance Learning, you might want to check out Peterson’s Guide to Distance Learning Programs 2005 and Bears Guide To Earning Degrees By Distance Learning.

America is known as the land of opportunities. Increasingly, those possibilities are limited to those with higher education. Higher education is the key to realizing your life and career goals.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people with a Bachelor’s degree made an average of $51,206 annually in 2004, while those with high school diplomas made $27,915. Those without even a high school diploma made $18,734.

It goes without saying, then, that a college education can put you in a better financial place than simply earning a high school diploma, or failing to graduate from high school at all. Those struggling to complete high school might find higher education out of reach. But, if traditional education is not your speed, you should consider the many career colleges, technical schools and online degree programs available to help you earn a degree.

Career colleges and technical schools offer practical training that allows you to learn the skills you need to enter the workforce immediately. There is little need to take unnecessary classes that make earning a degree a four-year process at traditional colleges and universities. Earning a degree from a career college or technical school can lead to Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in top fields like Business, Healthcare, Computers or Criminal Justice in less time than four-year schools. In addition to saving time, students at career colleges and technical schools save money because they enter the workforce sooner.

Online degree programs work in a similar way by saving students time and money. Because students can attend school without quitting their jobs, they continue to generate income. The flexibility of distance learning also affords students the opportunity to study when and where it’s convenient for them.

No matter how you choose to pursue a degree, having a degree opens the door to greater career opportunities and financial security. It is one of the best investments you will ever make in your future.