Spiritual Action

For those students who cannot afford the time or money to take full-time courses on campus, an online education degree has removed many roadblocks. In fact, there are several advantages over traditional degrees. Nevertheless, because the methods of instruction and learning are quite different, students need to consider the adjustments and changes necessary to receiving a quality education degree online.

1. Choosing the right accredited online college or university - The first step is to select the right institution to provide for your online education degree. Do your homework before starting school, and make sure the school has been accredited by the appropriate accrediting agencies. Unfortunately, without that educational stamp of approval, the degree will not be worth the paper on which it is printed. In fact, "diploma mills" offer substandard, or no education with the promise of a quick (but worthless) degree.

2. Check the cost vs. benefit - Many students don't check the cost-benefit factor before enrolling into an online education degree college. We are all aware that acquiring an education requires huge amounts of money. But a smart move is to first compare with what the future earning potential of your profession will be once you earn the degree. Once you figure this out, only then would you determine if it makes sense to acquire an online education degree.

3. Provide degree verification to potential employers - Faced with the prevalence of bogus and worthless degrees, it is no wonder that prospective employers are a little wary to hire employees who have acquired a diploma through distance learning. Therefore, anticipate potential skepticism and bring along proof of accreditation from the college or university. By underscoring the recognition of the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA, it will immediately alleviate any degree misgivings.

4. Discipline, determination, and time - First time distance learning students are often surprised by the amount of discipline necessary to stay on task and complete the online assignment. It takes unfaltering determination to achieve an online education. In addition, without regularly scheduled classes, it is essential to exercise good time management skills. To keep focused, without the physical presence of educator and peers, it is important to establish communication with other students to have another push toward success in your education degree online

5. Utilize all the facilities provided by your college - Many education degree online courses provide online lectures and email access to facilitate communication among students, lecturers and administration staff. It's important to take full advantage of these services as they keep you "connected" with your accredited online college. It helps further your motivation in your studies when you make use of these facilities to stay in touch.

6. Transfer credits - Students seeking an online education degree often have some credits from courses taken at other institutions of higher learning. Generally, online universities will accept some or all of the previous credits, so the courses do not have to be retaken. Therefore, it is incumbent on the student to obtain official transcripts, in order to receive credit transfers from their prospective accredited online college.

7. Take advantage of technology to complete your class work - Another factor for online education degree success is the opportunity to take advantage of all the conveniences that technology provides. Many accredited online colleges provide students with online digital libraries, databases and resources that a student can use to complete their course work and assignments. In most instances the cost of these facilities is already included in the tuition fees. Thus it makes good sense to make full use of these resources to your advantage.