| e education could be the perfect path to improving | | | | - Pick a degree or course that really interests you, |
| your job skills, finishing a degree, or changing | | | | especially if self-discipline is not your strong suit. |
| careers," says Susan Deane, Author of ONLINE | | | | - Most universities offer some credits for life/work |
| EDUCATION, Is It For You, "especially if you want to | | | | experience and of course you may be able to test |
| improve your lifestyle and income." | | | | out of some required classes. Expect that the |
| The problem is that not all online education is right for | | | | experience and skills you have need to be verifiable |
| everyone and there are important pitfalls and traps | | | | before you can apply it to a degree program. |
| to avoid. | | | | AVOID: |
| As an online education expert, Susan Deane takes | | | | - Scams that are sneaky and often copy entire |
| the mystery out of deciding how or if to pursue an | | | | websites of real colleges but delete the contact |
| online course with her simple tips and strategies | | | | information. Refer to the directory put out by the |
| based on experience as a student, teacher, and now, | | | | Council for Higher Education Accredidation to be sure |
| course developer. | | | | you have a legitimate degree program. Those few |
| If you're considering online education, first take this | | | | minutes of online search can save you a real |
| easy quiz (and be honest!) | | | | headache later. |
| Online education was meant for you if most of these | | | | - Sites that care more about your credit card than |
| statements describe you- | | | | your skill level and past education. |
| - I cannot commit to a regular schedule. | | | | - Life-experience only degrees. They may sound |
| - My family and/or work responsibilities make it | | | | easy, but are never legitimate and there are laws |
| difficult to attend regular college classes. | | | | being passed that make them illegal to use on certain |
| - I don't have specific degree prerequisites. | | | | job applications. (Really, who wants a doctor who has |
| - I'm motivated to succeed. | | | | never taken a medical class but watched a lot of |
| - I have the determination to complete a course | | | | reality tv?) Don't expect your experience to save |
| successfully. | | | | you more than a quarter to a half of your education |
| - I want to accelerate my degree completion. | | | | time and cost. |
| - I want to complete courses that are not locally | | | | Fitting your lifestyle: |
| available. | | | | - If you don't work well alone, find a study buddy. |
| - I sometimes travel for business or pleasure. | | | | Preferably a co-worker or local friend. They don't |
| - I enjoy communicating using my writing skills. | | | | have to even be working on the same thing. |
| Still not sure? You might try taking a course to find | | | | - Use your own personal computer. You'll be glad you |
| out! There's very little to lose and LOTS to gain. | | | | did. |
| When it comes time to select a full online study | | | | - Schedule class time and study/homework time. |
| program, here are some guidelines for avoiding the | | | | While flexible hours means you pick when, they still |
| pitfalls and traps that are out there: | | | | need to happen sometime. Portable MP3 players may |
| DO: | | | | give you even more flexibility with finding time to |
| - Ask around for recommendations. If you don't need | | | | listen to recorded lessons. |
| an accredited degree, a professional speaker or | | | | - Take advantage of study groups, online forums, |
| trainer might be your best online teacher. | | | | your professor's email, and local study buddies. |
| - Expect to work for your degree. Online does not | | | | Take the quiz, try these strategies out and you'll |
| mean free ride. | | | | easily and confidently enjoy earning the legitimate |
| - Be realistic with how many credits you can handle | | | | online degree you want without putting your life and |
| at a time. | | | | work on hold. |