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How to Evaluate an Online Program

Evaluating an Online Program -- 5 Important Questions

1) How is the Course Presented?

There are many ways that an instructor can lecture: online as text, with accompanying slides, with or without student interaction, video or audio, etc. Since content is more easily understood if it's presented in a dynamic and engaging manner that involves an interaction between the students, the instructor, and the material, you should make sure that your online school utilizes multiple methods for conveying information. Also look into whether or not exams are given and how assignments are turned in; the format of the course can be just as important as the content.

2) How Do Students Interact with Each Other?

Some standard options for online student interaction include chat rooms, instant messaging, teleconferencing, and video conferencing. Finding a program that facilitates, and even requires, student interaction is an important aspect of choosing an online program. How the online community functions should be very important to both the instructor and the institution.

3) Are the Instructors Qualified?

Ask about the credentials and the degrees the instructors hold and find out the extent of their knowledge about online learning and its differences from classroom learning. Is there technical support available if you or your instructor in the event you encounter problems? Remember that both of you must be able to easily adapt to changing technology.

4) How Are Students Evaluated?

You will be required to actually do work in order to earn your degree. If students aren't evaluated appropriately and degrees are handed out with little or no verification that the students have actually learned anything, the program is not likely worthwhile and even less likely to be accepted by employers.

5) What Kind of Library Facilities Are Available?

Ensure that the school you are interested in has a good system for providing reference materials and texts-they should be accessible from anywhere. The school's online references should be up-to-date and available at any time.

Source: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/online-degree4.htm

Featured How to Evaluate an Online Program:

 

University of Phoenix Online

University of Phoenix Online is a true innovator in distance education. You can enhance your career and ensure your success whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. Business, Technology, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Education degree programs are all offered and are designed specifically for busy professionals like you. Established in 1976, University of Phoenix was designed specifically for working professionals and is the nation's largest accredited university, with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 140 campuses and Internet delivery worldwide.

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American InterContinental University Online

Explore AIU Online's history, mission, accreditation, online learning model and online degree programs. You'll get a good idea of what this online university has to offer prospective students. Whether you're looking to attend college for the first time, looking to enhance your career or start an entirely new one, AIU Online has an online degree program for you.

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Colorado Technical University Online

Colorado Technical University Online offers Master's degrees in Business and IT in just 15 months. More and more, today's employers are looking to fill top positions with candidates who have advanced their educations and acquired substantial knowledge and understanding of the current trends, methods and models applicable to their chosen professional fields. CTU Online's career-specific degree concentrations were designed to help you increase your income potential and enhance your standing in the professional community. Students can concentrate in Business Management, Information Systems Security, IT Management, or Project Management.

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Kaplan University - Online

At Kaplan University, you earn a college degree on your terms. Kaplan University gives you the control to schedule your education on your time. Kaplan University offers accredited online degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, and Paralegal Studies. Kaplan also offers Continuing Education, allowing working professionals to earn certificates in Forensic Nursing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Life Care Planning, and Financial Planning.

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Jones International University Online

JIU made history in 1999 by becoming the first online university to be fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association, an accrediting body for institutions of higher education in the United States. Shop and compare degree programs in Communications, Sales, Accounting, Business, Health Care, Leadership, Education and more.

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Ellis College - Online

Join more than 64,000 alumni around the world and earn your MBA at Ellis College, a division of New York Institute of Technology with nearly 50 years of academic excellence. Ellis College offers a regionally accredited online MBA program specifically designed for busy professionals who want to gain the advanced business skills of today's top business experts. Students learn the latest business concepts by solving real-world business issues. Choose undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Communication Arts, Management, Humanities, Computer Science, Health Care Administration, Marketing, and Leadership.

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Westwood College Online

Enjoy a curriculum that fits your lifestyle without compromising the quality of your education. Earn your BS or AAS online at Westwood College of Technology. Degree programs include Graphic Design and Multimedia, E-Business Management, Computer Network Management, Software Engineering, Visual Communications, Computer Network Engineering and more. Westwood Online provides you the flexibility of online learning with the support and student resources of a campus-based education. Get valuable real-world experience and earn your degree in just 17 months.

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Strayer University

With a 110-year tradition of educational excellence, Strayer University is one of the largest accredited adult-focused universities in America, and a leading provider of online education. We've helped thousands of students achieve their educational goals. Strayer University offers over 60 online programs in Business and Technology. Browse and compare their degree and certificate programs today.

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DeVry University Online

In as little as three years, you can earn a DeVry University degree that can put you in the hottest career fields today - biotechnology, computers, business and technology. Choose from degree programs in business, computers, healthcare technology, technical management and more. Attend courses online or at more than 70 campus locations nationwide.

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Tulane University

Now, no matter where you live or what your schedule is, you can tap into one of the nation's leading business schools ONLINE and gain valuable skill-sets and credentials – without interfering with your personal or professional obligations! Review programs such as MBA Essentials, Marketing Fundamentals, Management Fundamentals and more.

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Capella University

Earn a degree that makes an immediate impact on your career. Programs with real-world curriculum are taught by scholar/practitioners at Capella University, an accredited online university. Learn in small groups with expert faculty, study at your convenience, and meet your career goals faster. Click to learn more about bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in the Schools of Technology, Business, Education, Psychology, and Human Services.

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South University

At South University, seasoned faculty and strong curriculum can help you make the most of your potential – starting with a quality education that's backed by more than 100 years of dedication to excellence and personalized attention. South University's online programs target students like you who are serious about gaining the practical skills, knowledge and hands-on experience you'll need to enter a career in business, healthcare or information technology.

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