Posted by Jeff Davis on January 13th, 2009
Typically, the enrollment process for an online college program includes online registration, transcript processing, placement testing, program placement, and advisement. However, this can vary depending on which school is chosen. In my case, the enrollment process was a simpler process than this. There was really nothing difficult about it at all. Any questions that I had at that time were answered by the school Enrollment Counselor via telephone. In fact, this counselor actually walked me through the whole process as I did it online. So, I hope this demonstrates the difficulty level of one of the enrollment processes to others who are considering enrolling online. Quite simple indeed!
Once you have decided on the degree that you would like to earn, you should start by requesting information from online universities that offer that particular type of degree. Most online university websites have an application that allows you to request detailed information on enrolling in the college and on the requirements for the degree that you are seeking.
Most online universities will also assign you to an Enrollment Counselor, who will guide you through the process of enrolling in the college, filling out the necessary forms, and paying tuition. This counselor will also help to transfer in any credits from previous college courses that might apply to your degree. It might also be necessary to speak to a Financial Aid Counselor who can also help in finding scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for tuition.
Based on my experience, I believe that a prospective online student should begin their search for the right program at least a month or two before they are ready to start the program. This should provide ample time to complete the entire enrollment process. In some cases, the school may have an open admission policy in which case no ACT or SAT tests will be necessary for admittance and many schools will also waive the standard application fees. I know that with the University of Phoenix Online, the program allowed me plenty of flexibility in order to balance work, my family, and an education.
Posted by Jeff Davis on January 8th, 2009
Trying to choose the best online school for you? Since geographic location is not really taken into consideration, you literally have thousands of programs and online universities to choose from. It is evident that online degree options and schools vary in what they offer and how they deliver education and while there many good programs available, choosing the right one and completing the application process can seem overwhelming.
When choosing an online college, there are many factors which you should take into consideration. Among the most important of these is the availability of financial aid. Is financial aid available? Typically this type of question and others pertaining to the application process can be better addressed on the school’s website or by contacting one of their qualified personnel.
We all know that earning a college degree can require a substantial investment of money. Fortunately, there are many financing options available and the application process is relatively simple. Based on my personal experience, help was easily accessible and readily available by the university that I chose and was able to walk me through the complete application process in a very short period of time. My advice for future students is to take the necessary time to carefully research the online programs and schools that they are interested in and gather tuition estimates before you apply. Then, see which ones offer financial aid and if you qualify for these loans. If you have questions, be sure to contact the school directly. As for the university’s enrollment application, that was a simple process as well which literally took just minutes in filling out an online form on the school website.
Overall, pursuing a degree online can be a rewarding and memorable experience. Choosing an online degree program is really just knowing what you are looking for and finding the best option that will help you reach your goals. I think that all potential students need to evaluate the various programs in order to maximize the potential for getting a quality education.
Posted by Phyllis Stith on July 27th, 2008
The asynchronous learning environment is static in nature and such, instant communication does not occur because information is posted on message boards. Most of the communication that occurs in this type of format is done through threaded discussions which consist of general questions or topics that have been posted by the professor. In turn, students are expected to respond in writing for all class members to see. In addition, students may pose questions and concerns in the online learning environment although email is the preferred method for issues that may require one on one interaction. It is also important to note that professors may also post audio and video files that students can view during weekly assignments.
The students are also able to upload files for storage in the online learning environment which may include research papers and projects. In turn, the professor grades these assignments and discussions and posts the corresponding grades in a grade book that is located on the online course web page.
Thus, it is imperative that both professor and student use critical thinking skills that will serve to ensure that all discussions have a logical structure. Moreover, effective writing skills must also be utilized because all posts are highly visible. Most importantly, effective writing skills are required in all institutions of higher learning and proofreading and editing skills are imperative.
Posted by jstoppi on July 25th, 2008
One of the many fringe benefits of obtaining an online education is the opportunity to enhance one’s computing and internet skills. In today’s information/knowledge based economy, the enhancement of such skills is critical to becoming competitive in the workforce.
Online education will require the student to upload/download files via FTP websites, create electronic submittals of assignments and exams, use email to communicate with students and professors, use web-based message boards to discuss technical subjects, use java chat applets to communicate in real-time with students and professors, etc.
These electronic skills will benefit the student down the road in his/her job. Learning these skills in the online education arena is especially crucial to baby boomers or others who are more likely to not have previously been exposed to this technology.
When I was an online student at the University of Maryland, I enhanced my electronic/internet skills in the following ways:
- I learned how to use the drawing function within MS Word to create complex illustrations to illustrate design approaches.
- I learned how to use MS Equation Editor to illustrate the solution to equations.
- I learned how to embed spreadsheets within MS Word documents to allow a reviewer to manipulate and view solutions.
- I enhanced my online search abilities in the quest to complete specific assignments.
After I graduated, I continually impress my superiors with my enhanced electronic skills.
