Online education: What to consider?

Online education: What to consider?

The face of education in the United States has changed radically from the one-room schoolhouse days. Learning is no longer restricted to a physical space at given times. Widespread access to computers and internet has made brick-and-mortar institutes obsolete in a large sense. Students have better and more numerous ways to personalize their education according to their own needs. Education can be obtained remotely from pre-kindergarten to graduate and post-graduate levels, and students are finding great opportunities to take advantage of education that were not available in the not so distant past. All these opportunities make the smart learners ask what to consider in regards to online education.

Most of the questions you will ask of traditional brick-and-mortar schools are appropriate to ask of online schools. However, there are some questions that those considering only online education need to ask, because the online experience will differ from the on-campus experience in some significant ways. Keep the following concepts in mind as you look around at www.iccsonlinebiblecollege.com.

Online policies and expectations
Check to be sure if you can take the whole program online, or if you’ll be required to come to campus for a certain number of classes, or a weekend seminar or for graduation. Make sure of the time limits for individual courses as well as for the whole degree program. What proof of performance or progress is required to maintain your enrollment?

Online learning helps
Does the school offer orientation for online students, such as how to navigate the interface to access coursework and the community boards? What access do you have to your instructor and what should you do if you have problems with communication? What sorts of forums or discussions are available with your classmates? Is it all by email and chat, or are there scheduled “live” discussions?

Information access
Will you have access to any library assistance as an online student? How are reference materials made available?

Administrative support
How easy will it be to contact someone for help? Can you complete the actual application, registration, changing courses and payment online? How is your personal information kept private as an online student?

Technical considerations
What will you need as far as computer hardware, software or other equipment? Do you have sufficient internet access? What prior skills should you have before you get started, like word-processing, spreadsheets, etc.? How readily is technical assistance available if you have problem?

Student services
Be sure to ask what student services are available to online students. Will you be eligible for financial aid? Are career planning and job placement available to online students who are not on campus?

Online education track record
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, check into how long this school has had an online program and how well it’s been going. Is it brand new? Is the institution likely to maintain that degree offering long enough for you to complete it? And is the school or program accredited by a recognized accrediting body?

Now that you have a better idea of what to consider about an online education program, go to www.iccsonlinebiblecollege.com, and ask those questions of us. We’d love to help you see if we’re the school for you.