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Distance
Learning in the USA
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning, also known as correspondence study or independent
study, is any non-traditional educational process which exists outside
a classroom setting. Courses are taken by students in their own
homes using a variety of means, from traditional pen and paper correspondence,
to lectures delivered by videos or by computer.
In the past, education was largely confined to the
classroom. As technology has changed over time, so has the process
of learning. No longer do students and professors have to be in
the same place at the same time. In some rare cases, the instructor
has been replaced altogether by that of a computer programme. Many
individuals, who in the past were excluded from education, have
another opportunity or option to pursue education.
The demographics
of individuals who use distance learning are changing. In the past,
this education process was used by individuals who were immobile
or had a disability. Currently, this form of education has expanded
to include individuals of all backgrounds. However, the typical
distance learning student is older in comparison to students of
the same education level and often has additional commitments to
a job or family.
What Types
Of Qualifications Are Offered?
Individual courses can take from as little as a few hours to one
traditional 12-15 week semester to complete. Courses may be taken
on a credit basis, which can be applied towards degree programmes,
or on a non-credit basis for personal satisfaction.
Undergraduate
degrees:
Associate degree programmes require students to complete approximately
60 credits-worth of courses and traditionally take two years of
full-time study to complete. Community Colleges and Vocational and
Technical Schools traditionally offer Associate degree programmes.
Bachelor degree
programmes require students to complete approximately 120 credits
worth of courses and are normally offered at four-year colleges
and universities. Bachelor degrees are traditionally completed in
four years of full-time study but may take approximately six years
of part-time study by the distance learning method.
Postgraduate
degrees:
Master’s degree programmes require students to complete 30-35
credits worth of postgraduate level courses and are normally completed
in 18 months to two years of full-time study or two - three years
by part time distance learning. PhD programmes usually take between
four to eight years of study.
Certificate
programmes:
These are usually vocational or professional courses that can last
from a few days to one year of study depending on programme and
topic.
Which Universities
Offer The Programme I Want?
Nearly 2,000 US universities and other institutions offer some form
of distance learning programme. The Educational Advisory Service
(EAS) is not able to compile a comprehensive list and only limited
information can be sent out through the mail. However the EAS reference
library holds directories on distance education which visitors are
very welcome to consult. You can also find a wealth of information
on the World Wide Web, especially as more and more universities
are going on-line.
What Factors
Should I Consider When Choosing a Distance Learning Programme?
Many universities and colleges are still in the trial phases with
this new form of education. When researching, make sure you will
be able to take all the necessary classes for a qualification through
distance learning. Some universities may not have the capability
to offer all required courses for distance learning. This is changing
as more universities are competing against each other but there
are still some limitations. Some universities may limit the distance
from which you can study to a predetermined region or area. Depending
on the requirement of each class, you might be required to travel
to the institution on some occasions for labs, lectures, etc. Likewise,
time zones have a large effect on those classes which require video/audio-conferencing.
These demands may not be realistic for students outside the United
States.
Other factors to consider when choosing a distance learning programme
include: the accreditation of the institution, the method of instruction,
the faculty’s qualifications and experience and the student
population - ask to be put in touch with students currently enrolled
on the programmes you are considering; the number of students per
faculty member (the lower the better); the library and resources
available to a distance learning student - the Web is one source
of information but beware of programmes that overly rely on one
source; the student support and academic advising services available
to a distance learning student; any requirements for distance learning
students to spend time on the US campus; the completion rate and
success rate of graduates; and finally the costs involved in the
programme. For a fuller explanation of the above points please consult
Virtual College by Pam Dixon, (Peterson’s, 1996), which is
held in the EAS reference library via our website on www.fulbright.co.uk.
What Different
Media Are Available For Distance Learning?
As technology changes, so will the media in which distance learning
is taught. Currently, there are four different ways one can use
distance learning:
- Voice - Information
is exchanged via the telephone or by audio cassette.
- Video -The
use of video-conferencing, video cassettes or any other visual
aid. These instruments may be used to convey one or two-way communication.
Lectures are typically given through this medium. International
students considering programmes which rely heavily on the use
of video are advised to check the compatibility between the US
NTSC video system and that of their own country.
- Computers
-The use of e-mail, faxes, and World Wide Web is most common.
Computer applications may be used as the proctors of lessons,
for monitoring work, or administering tests.
- Print - In
addition to the above mediums, there will be a component of printed
material which might include textbooks, guides, course syllabi
and/or case studies.
Distance learning
typically uses a combined medium approach. For example, a majority
of the education might be from printed materials with some e-mail
contact with the professor. The administration of tests and grades
could be completed by e-mail or by fax but will vary depending on
the course instructor and testing procedures of the university.
Which Medium
Is Best?
Depending on the educational programme which you study, the medium
of the distance learning will change. It is important to look at
the academics of the programme as well as other aspects which you
find important. The medium will then depend on all factors involved
and may be adjusted for individual requirements.
Is Accreditation
Important And Why?
Yes! In order to gain recognition of your hard work, the institution
will need to be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting
bodies in the United States.When students contemplate study through
a non-regionally accredited American institution, they are advised
to check with academic institutions in their home country as to
the recognition of such a degree. The process of accreditation is
a voluntary one that provides for a minimum of standards and includes
an intensive self-study by the institution and an inspection by
external examiners. The US government plays no role in this process.
Please note
that some distance learning institutions are offered by private
for-profit organisations rather than the traditional non-profit
institutions. Most private non-profit schools, as well as other
accrediting bodies, may not recognise those courses which are offered
by a for-profit organisation.
What Challenges
Can I Expect?
Previous studies comparing distance learning with traditional on-campus
learning have indicated similar, if not higher, success rates. The
distance learning student, however, will have to compete with other
distractions such as family and work unlike the “traditional”
student. Make sure your schedule will enable you to successfully
complete requirements for each class.
Keep in mind
that some course work will strictly adhere to pre-established timelines
while other programmes are flexible and self-adjusting to the rate
of study. All educational institutions have policies concerning
refunds, renewals periods, transfers, and withdrawals from course
work.
Financial
Aid?
Unfortunately there is very little funding for distance learning
at the present time. Since a majority of individuals who use distance
learning are not full-time students, the home institution might
not provide as much funding as for campus-based students. Keep your
options open and talk to your employer, union you belong to, or
any other organisation which supports continuing education about
possible funding.
Each university
is different in how they charge for distance learning. While some
institutions have set prices per credit hour or per semester, others
might have a base fee plus special handling fees. These handling
fees may include rental charges, course transfers, etc. The institution’s
catalogue will usually list all the fees involved in a distance
learning course. State universities usually list two costs; one
for residents of the state in which the university is located and
one for “out-of-state” residents which is usually higher
than the “in-state” resident fee. International distance
learning students will usually pay the higher fee. As stated earlier,
the costs will vary so keep this in mind when looking into programmes.
How Do I
Apply?
Each university in the US establishes its own admission requirements
and procedures. There is no central application clearing house like
UCAS in the UK and international students will need to deal directly
with the US institution they wish to attend. In general most two-year
colleges, vocational and technical schools, and short courses have
simple admissions procedures. You should write to the Office for
Distance Learning at the institutions you are considering to request
information and an application form. Applicants will need to complete
the application form and some may ask for a transcript of previous
academic work. A transcript lists courses you have attended at a
previous institution and the grades you achieved.
The procedure
for applying to distance learning degree programmes is similar to
traditional degree programmes. You should contact the admissions
office at the institutions you are considering and request information
about admission requirements for distance learning degree programmes.
The application package will usually consist of: a lengthy application
form; a transcript; possibly a score from one of the standardised
admission tests e.g. the Scholastic Assessment Test for undergraduate
degree programmes or the Graduate Record Exam for postgraduate programmes;
plus one or two essays. Prospective distance learning degree students
should read our Beginner’s Guide to Undergraduate Study and
Beginner’s Guide to Postgraduate Study respectively for further
information about the application procedures for traditional degree
programmes.
Searching
For More Information
The following distance learning guides may be found in the EAS reference
library at The Fulbright Commsion Library or via our website on
www.fulbright.co.uk or contact the Education Advisory Service direct
at The Fulbright Commission on: +44 (0) 207 404 6994 62 Doughty
Street, London. WC1N 2JZ.
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