Online education is convenient, affordable and accessible; however there are a few things you should know before considering an online education:

1) Look for an accredited institution that also offers classes on a campus. For example, The University of Cincinnati offers an associates degree of education online. In order to retain certification from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), all of the programs in education, including the online one must be held to the same standards. If you choose the wrong institution, your degree may not be taken seriously by employers.

2) Look at the qualification of the instructors. When obtaining a college degree, your instructor should have a masters degree or higher.

3) Taking online classes is NOT necessarily easy. In fact because of the scrutiny online classes sometimes get, they are often harder and may include a great deal of reading and writing.

4) You must be able to work well independently.

5) In order to be successful in an online class, you have to be organized and be able to manage your time. Although a facilitator is available to answer questions and grade papers, much of the learning is through reading, writing papers and online discussion. If writing is not a strength, online education, may not be for you.

6) Be prepared to set aside time, just as if you were attending classes. You may have to watch video lectures, review PowerPoint slideshows and read articles and textbook chapters. This takes time. Fortunately, because you are working from home, this time can be any time you choose.

7) Students can work in their pajamas form 10:00pm - midnight after work and after the kids are in bed. It is this flexibility, which makes online education so popular.

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