Online Schools Survey

Technical Skills:	No Skills	Some Skills	Very Skilled
Figuring your way through a computer and it's applications.
Using an Internet Explorer.
Troubleshooting and fixing computer problems.
Able to use word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
Using different computers if your personal computer is not working.
Using e-mail.
Using the internet to research certain topics.
Copying ad pasting text.
Downloading files and applications from websites.
Attach and sending files through e-mail.
Personal Attitudes:	Never	Sometimes	Always
I am self-motivated and do my schoolwork and homework without being told twice.
I stay on task when doing schoolwork.
I schedule my time well at school.
I schedule my time well outside of school.
I stay on task while doing work on the Internet.
I follow through on requests from my teachers.
I answer e-mail in a timely manner.
I turn in my assignments on time.
I ask teachers for help when I need it.
I am willing to put in extra time for a challenging class.

Next, you will need to learn as much as you can about your chosen path of online schooling. Some questions you should ask while researching include:

• What are my goals? What degree or certificate will you pursue, and in what field or major? Different schools online have different specialties, with some offering courses in a wide variety of technology fields and others focusing more on the humanities.
• What is the tech level of this program? Will you need constant access to you own computer? What about your general computer and technology skills? You may need to take a refresher course, or purchase a new computer.
• How much time and dedication will I need to devote to my studies? While an online university will offer greater flexibility than traditional university programs, it will by no means be easy. Online schooling can require as many as 4 hours per week of independent research, writing, and/or study time, and some have on-campus components that must be attended.
• What is the financial commitment? Online classes can cost $400-800 per credit, and while, if you graduate, the investment ultimately pays off with higher wages and greater job opportunities, it is vital to know how much your program costs, and how to get financial aid, if you need it.
• What are the requirements for admission? Depending on your degree plan and school of choice, you may need to have completed an appropriate level of study with a specific GPA.

How Online Schools Work

For the most part, online classes involve independent work on assignments given out by the instructor. After enrolling, handling your financial obligations, and registering for classes you will have access to a website or portal for your class. There you can see assignments, required readings, due dates, grades given, and other pertinent information. This online syllabus will often allow you to work at your own pace to complete required assignments.

Assignments can range from essays and research papers to discussions to online quizzes and tests that use special websites or software. Some classes require students to practice what they've learned in the field, and submit presentations or written accounts of their findings to the teacher. Others ask students to participate in online chats or discussion groups.

Academic counselors and advisors keep in touch via regular emails and/or phone calls, scheduled in advance to meet all your needs, while respecting your schedule. Professors and other support staff are available by phone, email, and sometimes even IM, if you have questions or need help.

Most online degree programs can be completed in three to four years. Many of the top online schools hold centralized or regional commencement ceremonies where all students have the option to march and celebrate.

Degrees, Programs, and Certificates

An online college will offer many of the same degrees available at a traditional school, from Associate's through Doctoral degrees, and many offer certificates for continuing study in your field. Online students get their degrees in healthcare, education, business, arts and humanities, communication, law, engineering, and the natural and social sciences. Within each of these categories, you can delve into a wide range of specialties, including French, finance, geology, video-game design, and elementary education. Check the catalog of your school of choice for more details.

Finding the Best Online College

Finding the right online school is critical to your success. Even after answering the basic questions posed in "Getting Started", there are still other things to consider when actually choosing a school. For example:

• Location. If most of the staff and faculty are in another time zone, it may be difficult to get in touch when you need to, or to get assignments in on time. Also, an online college with a nearby campus affords you the option of in-person meetings and the chance to network, meet other up-and-coming professionals, and establish bonds with future clients, colleagues, and resources, and recommendation-writers.
• Accreditation. Only institutions accredited by US Department of Education (DOE)-recognized agencies have been found to have curriculum, teaching and operating standards, and faculty up to par with the educational needs of today's students. Check to make sure any potential colleges are accredited--and then make sure that the agencies that accredited them are legitimate, by looking for them on the DOE website.
• Scams. Unfortunately, several institutions posing as online universities are fraudulent. These "diploma mills" take students' money without giving them any educational value in return. Hallmarks of such scams include insisting on up-front payment; granting diplomas in short time periods, even months; taking life or work experience for credits; and having no physical address, only a P.O. Box. Beware of these.

We have specially prepared reports on some of the most popular online schools in the US to help you in your search for the best online school for you. Take some time to browse through them below.