How to Choose a Distance Learning School

So you want to do distance learning? It is important to interview the distance learning school prior to registering. You want to obtain a match that works best. Knowing what to ask about the schools will enable you to find one that offers the best courses for you.

Distance Learning Schools Question #1: Courses

It might seem a little obvious, but you need to find out what courses are available at the schools. If they don't offer courses that you need the rest of the interview process is futile.

Distance Learning Schools Question #2: Accreditation

It is best to go to schools that have accreditation. If your employer wants you to attend the school without accreditation that is something to keep in mind as well. Ask when the next accreditation review will be held for the school.

Distance Learning Schools Question #3: Teachers

What are the certifications of the teachers for the courses? You do not want to be involved with schools that have no requirements of their teachers.

How available are the teachers for additional help? Does the school require that teachers have virtual office hours? Is the teacher available by email or message forums? Like traditional classes, students can run into situations that they need to talk to the teachers. Having a teacher that is not available can cause difficulties later in the class.

How many students are assigned to teachers? How many courses is the teacher teaching at one time? Teachers that are burdened with too many students or too many classes will not have time to offer as much assistance to students.

Distance Learning Schools Question #4: Class Pace

Are you allowed to go at a different pace from the rest of the class? Some students have more time and can breeze through work. Other students have busy schedules and might need extensions for work assignments. How flexible is the teacher with class pace?

If the teacher requires one pace for the class, will this work for you? You will need to decide how important class pace is to your learning and your education goals.

Distance Learning Schools Question #5: Degrees