US Service Life Sept Oct 2013 | Page 8

EDUCATION & CAREERS Is Online Distance Learning for You? by: John Scott Many individuals these days are ditching the classroom for online distance learning courses. Kids, work, schedules, and life sometimes leave little room for school. Online distance learning courses are mainly aimed towards working professionals who do not have the time to attend regular courses because of their schedules. Online distance learning programs offers a variety of open courses that are conducted around the globe. So how do you figure out what online distance learning program works for you? Conducting your own research, visiting university campuses, attending annual fairs can help guide you to a program that works best for you. First, you may want to conduct some general research online regarding online distance learning programs that interest you. Most courses are conducted via the e-learning mode, with the help of emails, teleconference, video, and audio. It’s important to identify what each program entails. Look and filter through various university websites to see what programs are offered and could possibly work with your schedule. Once you have a few online distance learning programs under consideration, its important to research qualifications for admission at each university. Some general criteria for online distance learning MBA admissions include having a good previous academic background, two or more years of work experience in the field of your choice, and two or more letters of recommendations. Many universities conduct information sessions where you are allowed to view and tour the university premises. You may also perform a background check on the university by contacting staff and current or former students. Most universities have alumni associations that organize activities where you can connect with former students who have taken online distance learning courses. At these events, you can approach alumni for information regarding the school and which programs they participated in. Since they were part of the university prior, they will ???????????????????????????)???????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????????????)?????????????????????????????????????????????)??????A??????????????????????????????????)???????????????????????????????????((?((0