| Distance Learning |
|
|
|
Distance Learning for IT Training: Is it right for me?By S. Jeanne O'Neill, former Director of Continuing Education for Southern Vermont CollegeDistance learning can be an ideal solution for highly motivated adult learners. If you receive all the social stimulation and challenges you need daily at your job, then you won't feel cheated by the isolation of taking certification or degree programs at home, alone, on your computer. However, if you're the type of person who needs the connection of relationships with fellow students and professors and the give and take of the traditional classroom setting, consider finding a local certification or degree program to best suit your career goals and your learning style. Here are some pro's and con's to consider when contemplating distance learning to reach your IT educational goals: The Pro's of Online IT TrainingCost: The tuition fees for distance learning are typically lower than traditional schools and colleges because of the reduced overhead for the institution. Too, expensive text books may be required less frequently since most material needed for courses is available online. This can mean a savings of over $150 per semester.Convenience: Finding traditional classes at times that don't conflict with your job and/or family commitments can be difficult, even though more and more schools offer evening and weekend classes. Most distance learning programs have greater flexibility in when students must come together online and when and how assignments are delivered. Even if you can find a traditional course or certification program at a time that is convenient, you still have to add in commuting time. Online training removes these obstacles to acquiring the skills you need in today's job market. Scope of Offerings: Today, online offerings such as those of the University of Phoenix, DeVry Institute, and ITT Technical Institute are extensive in scope. With institutions such as these, you'll have the widest range of IT-related choices, from one-time intense instruction in a particular programming code to a series of Microsoft certifications that can also earn credits toward a bachelor's degree. Most traditional schools cannot provide as many options for IT training because they must also focus on the needs of traditional students. The Con's of Online IT TrainingOne is the Loneliest Number: While you are not truly laboring on your own, the bulk of your studying will be done at home by yourself and your interactions with fellow students and instructors will most likely be limited to e-mail and live chat at prescribed times.Timely Assistance and Responses: Some students who have done online training have felt frustrated by the inability to raise one's hands, as it were, to get an immediate answer from a professor in the classroom. Instead, many times an instructor expects you to collect your questions and shoot them off to him or her in one concise e-mail. This can slow you down in your studies. Your Learning Style: If you are the type of learner who benefits from multi-modal teaching, then you are better served in a traditional classroom, where you can have both visual and auditory stimuli, plus the experiential learning that comes from close interaction with colleagues and instructors. Software/Hardware Limitations: If your home office set-up is limited in either software or hardware resources, you may wish to reconsider taking online training. Buying, downloading, and upgrading every piece of software needed for each particular course can be counterproductive, whereas the traditional school or certification center is managed and maintained by professionals for your convenience. Lack of Prestige/Acceptance of Online Degrees/Certifications: While this has been a problem in the past, it is becoming less so. This is because many of the traditional schools and colleges have entered into the distance learning space, lending their credibility to this important educational option. If you are currently employed, try to get some feedback from your employer on how much the company may value a particular degree or certification from a specific school or college. It is quickly becoming a non-issue today, when programs such as those of the University of Phoenix are showing up on resumes throughout the business world. |
 |
  Technology degrees online and at campuses across the US. More Info... 
Earn your degree from the largest private university in North America. More Info...  The ITT Technical Institutes offer technology-oriented programs at over 90 campuses in over 34 states. Online programs are also available. More Info... |
 |
 |