What are Online Accrediting Agencies?

Similar to a principal’s job of overseeing the quality of their school’s educational standards, an accrediting agency is responsible for overseeing the quality of education available to the public. Traditional institutions, such as community colleges, vocational schools, 4-year universities and colleges, and graduate schools, usually have at least one accrediting agency that approves the quality of education they offer. Online schools and programs are no different. Specialized accrediting agencies exist to ensure that students are spending their hard earned money on schools that will be advantageous to their future careers.
In the United States, accrediting agencies can be known as national accreditors or regional accreditors. Regional accreditors are more highly respected, and they focus on a single section of the United States. National accreditors are also well respected, but their standards are more general; they oversee schools throughout the United States and in other countries. Below are a series of national accrediting agencies that help to monitor the different types of online schools available to students.

What are the Different Types of Distance Learning?

There are many different forms of distance learning, and many institutions use a combination of methods in order to teach their students. However, there are four common distance learning techniques: open schedule, blended learning, computer based learning and fixed time e-learning.
Open Schedule
An open schedule can be taken anywhere and gives students the most freedom possible. In this plan, students are given a set of deadlines that they must meet within a certain amount of time, but they can work anytime and anywhere to meet the course requirements. This program is ideal for independent workers and people who don’t struggle with procrastination.
Blended Learning
The second most common strategy used in distance learning is one that offers an open schedule, but requires students to communicate in an established location. This could mean that students are able to complete assignments on their own time, but they are required to meet in a classroom or computer chat room to touch base.
Computer Based Learning
Computer Based Learning is the strictest version of distance learning, requiring students to participate at designated times and places. This means that students must touch base at a designated computer lab, or even meet in an actual classroom at a pre-determined time.
Fixed Time E-Learning
The most common form of distance learning is a program that sets a pre-determined schedule that can be kept from any location. This could mean that students are able to work from home, school, or the office, as long as they log onto the online learning site at a designated time. These programs often include a live online forum.

What are the Pros & Cons of Online Schools?

There are many distinct differences between online education and traditional learning. For certain students, distance learning is a fitting option; for others, a campus-based school program is much more beneficial. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning you can decide if an online or campus program would be more helpful in achieving your goals.
Online Education Advantages:
Convenience - Students can take online courses whenever; students are not limited by a school’s annual/semester/quarter system.
Flexibility - Class times are not set, and the pacing of assignments and readings occurs at your own discretion. You can proceed through your degree program at your own rate.
Availability - Accredited, reputable, and educationally vigorous distance learning programs have increased in recent years.
Cost - Pricing for online degree programs is usually cheaper than traditional school programs.
Self-Direction - Students are able to control their learning environment, moving through courses at their own pace.
Classroom Time - Some distance learning programs have a classroom component, however most do not require attending a physical school. You can learn, study, and graduate from the comfort of any computer location.
Accessibility - Attending class can occur from any computer with network/Internet access.
Learning System - Distance learners tend to be people who learn visually and experientially, and also students who require more time to study, have language-issues, or are introverted.
Zero Travel Expenses - With online degree programs, there is no need to commute to school, all learning can take place from home.
No Interruptions - Since distance learning programs are based on the Internet, and accessed at the user’s discretion, learning takes place whenever you want it to; no need to take a leave of absence, stop working, etc.
Online Education Disadvantages:
Instructor Face-Time - Distance learners typically don’t have the face-to-face interaction that is important to some students.
Reputation & Perception - As distance learning becomes more widespread, more businesses and organizations are starting to recognize the value of an online degree or distance degree. However, there is still a social stigma attached to non-physical educational institutions.
Technology Requirements - Distance learning program requirements are usually modest: computer and an Internet connection. However, students must have some proficiency in using computers.
Social Interaction - Though online learning environments often have chat rooms and message boards they lack physical classroom interactions.
Limited Support - Students are required to take their own initiative in completing assignments, reports, and exams.
Campus Atmosphere - Distance education programs lack the physical value and attractiveness of attending a campus location.

Who Benefits from Online Schools?

Online schools are especially designed to meet the needs of people with lifestyles that just wouldn’t be able to manage attending class according to a traditional school schedule. That means that professionals with full time jobs, parents with the responsibility to take care of a family, and aspiring students who can’t afford to make the move to attend college classes are all able to earn a degree from the freedom of their own home. Online schools all offer different combinations of classes, and the programs all work in a slightly different fashion.
What differentiates online schools from traditional schools is the fact that the responsibility to learn is given almost completely to the student. Though some courses and programs may require students to attend classes on a minimal basis, most online classes are offered exclusively over the Internet. This gives much convenience, but it also requires students to take the initiative to study and achieve on their own.

Setting Up Home for Distance Learning

Explore the space—Partition a quiet space in your home to be used exclusively for school. If you only use this space for studying, it will help you maintain an academic mindset, and it will allow everyone else to understand that you are busy with school when you are occupying that space.
Keep it quiet—It’s easy to ignore background noise in daily life, but everything is amplified when you are trying to focus in a quiet study environment. Everything is considerably more noticeable when you need quiet; a bathroom fan, a washing machine, a faucet dripping, clocks ticking, and cupboards closing can be a major distraction.
Comfortable and attentive—You need to be comfortable enough to spend a significant portion of time studying, but not so comfortable that you feel drowsy or lethargic. An ergonomic desk chair, bright display, and well-lit desk are all standards, but if you can stay productive in a more eclectic environment, do it; just make sure you can stay productive.
Do Not Disturb—Create signs or some sort of signal to let significant others, children, or neighbors know that you should not be interrupted. If possible, establish a consistent study time so that the people you live with will adapt to a schedule.
Organize—Everyone has a different study method, but some form of organization is usually required in order to optimize learning. Messes and scattered material take time to sift through and are a distraction. You should keep all study material and learning aids in your designated study area and keep it organized for optimal efficiency and quick access.

Are there others ways to qualify for financial aid without FAFSA?

If a student wants to qualify for need-based financial aid in the United States, you almost certainly need to fill out a Free Assessment for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The Federal Government uses FAFSA to estimate how much a student’s family (or him-or-herself) should be expected to contribute to his or her college education. Pell Grants, and subsidized Stafford and Perkins loans are awarded to students whose FAFSA shows that they are deserving enough.
Universities and colleges around the country also rely on FAFSA for information about how much students and their families can be expected to pay for college, though they may also require current and future students to fill out additional paperwork. Most schools offer their own financial assistance to needy students, and FAFSA helps them determine who is the most deserving.
However, there are many types of non-need based financial aid available whether or not your FAFSA is filled out. Many Schools award merit-based scholarships without taking into account a student’s FAFSA. Other schools will offer scholarships to qualified students who agree to major in a specific subject such as biology. Some schools also offer scholarships to students who excel at sports and want the students to play for their teams.

How to Make Friends in Online Classes

One of the most common misconceptions about online education is that classes are less social than they would be on campus. However, many online classes demand a great deal of interaction from students. After all, if you are already on Facebook or MySpace, or if you have a blog that a lot of people read, then you know that the online world can be just as social as the offline one.
In contrast, many on-campus university classes are large, anonymous lecture classes with three hundred students. It is about as interactive as watching TV.
Here are six tips for making sure that your online classes are as social as you want them to be.
1. Choose Wisely
If you are considering a class that requires participation as a major component of the course, you are in luck. Nothing helps you get to know your fellow students better than lively online dialogue via chat, forums, or group blogs. Try to select classes for their interactive potential, and you will have better luck getting to know your peers—and probably a more valuable educational experience as well, depending on the course.
2. Take the Lead
Your classmates might be shy so you should always initiate conversations. Ask questions, make jokes, and above all, share ideas. Start conversations. Be interested in your fellow students and in what they have to say. If you are the one to start the conversation, your classmates will look to you as a leader and want to get to know you better as well.
3. Pay Attention
Of course you will pay attention to the course material but pay attention to your peers as well. Remember what their interests are, remember what they have to say and repeat it back to them with additional commentary. They will feel valued because you remembered what they said.
4. Imagine
If your course is set up so that your classmates have avatars, it can be easier to remember who is who. If not, you will have to improvise. Make up a mental picture of your peers—it can be easier to relate to someone who has a face in your mind. Later, if you ever meet in real life, you can laugh about how off base you were.
5. Go the Extra Mile
Try your best to be helpful to your fellow students. Answer questions, post related links, or draw the professor’s attention to areas of confusion. Your classmates will thank you.
6. Look to the Future
Be a professional in all of your dealings with classmates; they are part of the network of your future career. It goes without saying, but at all times be courteous, no matter how much you may disagree with someone.
With any educational pursuit, you get out what you put in; the same can be said of the social aspect of online courses. With the right choices, your online class can be dynamic, challenging and socially interactive. It is up to you.