The availability of adult education today covers everything from post graduate degrees to arts and crafts. But adult education is not free and it doesn't guarantee a new job or career.

One of the current issues concerning adult education is the quality of the teaching. For universities and colleges, distance learning has become their cash cow.

Their student intake is increased without the need for physical space to accommodate them. Many colleges don't employ more staff to cater for the extra student workload.

Adult distance students are often disappointed as their left to fend for themselves in the preparation of assignments and essay writing. For many, this is the first time they've participated in any formal study since high school. So there is a need for more contact with tutors.

Course selection should be researched and questions asked about how accessible are the teaching staff and what support networks are in place for adult students.

In promoting their courses many distance learning colleges promote how easy it is to achieve their degree. In order to lure you to them they'll state you can achieve a degree in as little as 7 hours a week, or an hour a day. Being realistic, the reading for any subject would require more than time than that.

Another issue of adult education is whether the diploma or degree will be recognized. If you are looking to move into a new career, check whether a degree from that education body is recognized by that industry. There are many disreputable courses that will rubber stamp you a degree that won't be recognized when you go to apply for a job.

With the array of adult learning available the only way to understand what you may be getting yourself into is to research it before you put your money down. It's the only way to avoid disappointment.

Learn more about this author, Belinda Youlten.
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