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How much do distance education programs cost? |
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Tuition and fees for distance education programs can vary widely,
depending on the school, program, degree, and your state of residence.
Online programs typically base tuition costs on the number of classes
(or credits) you take at any point in time, rather than charging you
for a full semester of classes up front. There are distinct cost
savings associated with taking coursework at a distance, as there is no
need to relocate or commute to attend your classes. There are, however,
several things to keep in mind when determining how much your education
will cost. A sample list of costs for a distance education student may
include:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and/or class materials
- Potential decreased pay while in school (due to a decreased work schedule)
- Computer
- Internet service provider or DSL
- Software (word-processing, spreadsheet, anti-virus)
- Hardware and computer peripherals (printer, webcam, CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, scanner)
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What type of technology will I need to take a distance education course? |
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While technology requirements vary by school, most distance classes use the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies to
deliver course content and promote student-teacher interaction. For
these programs, the minimum requirement would be access to the Internet
and a computer with the necessary software (word-processing,
spreadsheet, anti-virus protection) to complete your course work. |
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How do I know if distance education is right for me? |
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When considering whether to take classes online, keep the following in mind:
- Do you learn better independently or interactively?
- How do you feel about learning through different media, such as the Internet?
- What level of student-teacher interaction do you prefer?
- Would you rather study/learn at home or in a classroom?
- How much flexibility do you need in your schedule?
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What are the benefits of distance education? |
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Taking classes online can expand your opportunities for professional
advancement and a higher salary, enable you to enter a new career field
altogether, or make it possible for you to start your own business.
Many busy adults are discovering that taking classes online is not as
difficult as it once seemed. Distance education makes it possible for
you to study at an educational institution that may not otherwise be
accessible to you due to regional, physical, or time constraints. These
programs offer the convenience and flexibility of taking classes
remotely, without visiting a campus. Distance programs most often use
the Internet, email, and online discussion technologies to deliver
course content and promote student-teacher interaction. |
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