by Laura Beth Love

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: August 28, 2008

Thanks to today's internet technology, distance learning is becoming a more widely accepted and traveled route to higher education. Distance learning in itself is by no means a new concept. For years, accredited colleges and universities have offered nontraditional away-from-school learning in the form of cumbersome VHS tapes and home-study guides. Thankfully, those VHS tapes are now a thing of the past. Now that home computers with internet access are as much a home staple as refrigerators or microwaves, multitudes of students are now taking advantage of the opportunity to further their education without setting foot in a traditional classroom.

Today, not only can you improve your education and career skills by way of online courses, you can also earn entire degrees via online technology. Some people debate the legitimacy of such degrees, and at times, the topic has become controversial. How does one know if an online degree is legitimate?
In the broadest sense, a legitimate degree can only be obtained from a genuine, rightful college or university. Legitimate schools are easily distinguished because not only are they actual brick and mortar institutions, but they have an authentic history, and the courses and degrees that they offer meet the government criteria required for them to be accredited.

By researching the legitimacy of a school, one can ascertain the expected quality of education offered by that institution. Before signing up for any program of study, it is also advisable to first visit the school in person. Because costs of online degrees are comparable with traditional degrees, you will want to do your research before making any investments. Legitimate institutions will also most likely offer financial aid programs as traditional schools do.

For those whose home lives and work schedules conflict with traditional class-time schedules, the convenience of an online degree is attractive. The lack of a commute and the ability to do the required coursework from the comfort of your own home are enticing visuals for many. The ability to study on your own schedule can be a fantastic way to earn a degree, but it is not for everyone. Those who work best in group settings and enjoy traditional classroom interaction may find themselves struggling when trying to learn in the isolation of their own home. Successful at-home students are motivated, disciplined, and of course, computer savvy.

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