Distance Learning Blog

Online Classes Show Professors How to Teach Online

How do professors learn to teach online? By taking online classes themselves.
Although several online colleges such as the University of Phoenix already offer in-depth online training for virtual instructors, one company is setting out to streamline teacher training software and make it available to online professors in schools throughout the nation. The company, Pearson, already lists some of its courses via its growing website.
Inside Higher Ed reports:

"Pearson officials say the target audience for the new courses, scheduled to be offered beginning in January, will be institutions and systems looking to outsource training of existing faculty as they grow their Web-based programs, as well as freelancers looking to bolster their résumés as they apply for adjunct gigs."

Most online students learn quickly that an effective in-pers0n professor isn't necessarily an effective online instructor. Hopefully higher quality training programs will help both online teachers and online students have positive virtual classroom experiences.
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Where Can I Find a List of Unaccredited Online Colleges?

Hundreds of diploma mill "schools" offer fake degrees in exchange for cash payments. Others offer a substandard education with a minimal work load. Before enrolling in any online program, make sure that it is properly accredited. This article will show you how to make sure an online college is legitimate.
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Legitimate Online Colleges That Let (Almost) Anyone In

Want to skip the application essays, recommendation letters, and grade evaluations required by most online degree programs? Choose a school with an open admissions policy. The online degree programs in this list offer open enrollment to all students with English language proficiency and a high school diploma or GED.
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First Aid for Finals: 5 Resources to Help You Ace Your Last Few Weeks

The last few weeks of online classes are often overwhelming. So, to help you make it through finals season, take a look at the five-part finals week first aid kit. Don't wait for an end-of-semester emergency. Use as needed.
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National Accreditation from the DETC

The Distance Education Training Council (DETC) has been accrediting correspondence schools since 1955. Today, hundreds of distance learning colleges and high schools have been granted accreditation from the DETC. Many graduates from DETC accredited schools have used their degrees to gain promotions or to continue in their studies. But, others have been disappointed to find that their degrees do not hold the same weight as diplomas from regionally accredited schools. If you're considering enrolling in a school with DETC accreditation, make sure you get the facts first.
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The World of Warcraft Classroom

Is the World of Warcraft an appropriate setting for a Language Arts of classroom? At least a few teachers and administrators seem to think so. Some middle schoolers are now logging in to WoWin School rather than sitting through traditional lectures. They join guilds and compete for experience points rather than focusing on grades. Curriculum designers have worked to integrate the class content into the game and are even offering the material to other programs as opencourseware.
Is this video-game-learning strategy actually effective? Take a look at the video below to see what students have to say.////////////////////////////////////

Student Veterans Debate Housing Allowance for Online Learners

Over the last few weeks, there has been quite a bit of debate over housing allowances for student veterans. The GI Bill that went into effect last summer gave traditional veteran students housing allowances but denied the same privilege to online learners. Now, many students are beginning to experience the effects of the legislation.
Here are a few stand-out comments from our ongoing discussion:

"I believe it is foul not to provide the housing stipend for on-line/distance learning. I have not had the luxury of homesteading at one assignment for years and many other service members have not been so lucky either." - Joshua

"As a veteran, online student, and current recipient of the GI Bill, I think it makes sense not to give online students a housing stipend. When you go to school online, you can live literally anywhere and go to the online school of your choice. However, if you go to a brick and mortar school, you inevitably will have to choose a place to live that is within driving distance (even though that driving distance will vary) of your chosen school." - Wendy

"Many veterans are too physically disabled to actually travel to-from a local college or university. Also, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries often make brick-and-mortar education exceedingly difficult to handle for veterans who deal with these issues." - Dylan

Want to see more veteran viewpoints? Take a look at the full discussion on veteran housing allowances.