Spurred by fierce competition for students, colleges and universities across America are expanding into the rapidly evolving world of online education, a world that barely existed five years ago.

In recent years, technologically adventurous professors worked the Internet into their course, posting the syllabus or responding to student queries. Some of the more skilled put courses online. But only recently have universities begun to offer whole programs and degrees online, where a student can sign up for an associate degree, bachelor's degree or an MBA.

Online study is a big step up from the correspondence schools of another era. Internet bulletin boards function as a virtual classroom for students and teachers who can participate at any time, from anywhere, using a computer and a modem. Faculty post lectures and assignments; students turn in papers and tests, and discuss their work with classmates and professors during online conferences.

The students for most online courses are adults studying part-time in continuing education programs or full-time degree seekers who take the majority of their work in traditional classrooms. But the trend at American schools is to make it possible to earn a degree online rather than just take a few individual classes. And now, with continuing education becoming a necessity for professionals, online education is a practical way to continue learning new skills.

Is Distance Education right for you?

Continuing education, always a career-booster, is now a requirement for most workers. The 1990s are a time when workers are flexible, job descriptions are elastic and technology is always changing. Entrepreneurs and professionals, with demanding schedules, may find online courses the most effective means for keeping pace with economic changers in their hometowns and in the global marketplace. Parents, caregivers, working adults-and anyone who needs flexibility may also find online learning to be the best way to combine studies and life. While everyone can benefit from life-long learning, not everyone has the discipline to study solely online.

If you are new to online education there are a few questions you should ask yourself first.

• Are you comfortable in a less social environment? Online students need to be comfortable outside of a traditional classroom setting.
• Are you self-disciplined? If you need an external motivator, online education may not be for you.
• When will you have the time? Can you participate in a class every day or can you only log on once a week? How much time can you devote to coursework? It's best ti know your own needs and abilities before you ask about the school's requirements.

What to ask potential schools

If you think you have the inner motivation for online study, then how do you go about choosing the right school? The number of questions you should consider asking before making an informed decision can quickly escalate. Should the school be the most prestigious? The most expensive or the least expensive? There are, however, a few questions you must get the answers from every school you're considering:

Ask for the names of people who have taken the course in the past. You should also talk with potential instructors before you enrol to find out what their requirements and expectations are. Make sure they can respond to your questions and concerns.

Since many people searching for online study opportunities will be using the World Wide Web, a note of caution: The Internet and World Wide Web are especially adept at giving questionably organizations a patina or credibility, especially when it is an institution you may not be familiar with. If you questions an institution's credentials, make sure the school is regionally accredited. Contact the Department of Education in the state where the school is located or the United States Department of Education, Accreditation and State Liaison Division. And remember, listen to your own common sense. If a school's web site is full of outlandish promised, keep searching.

Author

Donna Trivison, Ph.D
Dean of Academic Information Services
David N. Myers College
Cleveland, Ohio