Seeking Online College

Online education is actually how I was able to get my bachelor's last August. When we moved here from Idaho, and I got pregnant I was attending Montgomery College. However, I ended up getting really sick with my pregnancy and missing lots of my classes. So, I looked into University of Maryland University College. They have lots of options for certificates or bachelors whatever you are looking for. I loved having the flexibility with the online classes and yet still having deadlines. So, I am all for online education. I hope this helps.

Hi,

I have been taking online classes for the last two years. I think they are absolutely wonderful. Online degrees have become more and more popular and are just as good as physically going to a campus. It really depends on the degree your interested in, if you can take the entire thing online. In my experience some classes are better left to the classroom, but you can definitly do them at home as well. Classes like college algebra is one of the big ones. It just always seems to me its easier to have a professor on hand to explain things and to ask questions.

Hope that helps!!

B.

hey C., first of all, you should be VERY proud of yourself for going back to school!! second, what is it youre looking to do?? i take online classes through jsargeant reynolds and love love love it! i still had to go to 2 class meetings for one class, and the other class you just have your orientation meeting and thats it, every teacher does it differently. let me know if you want more info, and congrats on going back to school! i have two young children, and it really wasnt as tough as i thought it was going to be to go back to school. again, let me know if you want more info! ~R.

I'm a single mother of 4 children. I started my degree when I was 19 and pregnant with my first. I went back when I was 29 and my third was in preschool. I've just finished my Associate's now at 33. The last two years, I've worked online. I've done this through Germanna Community College. Most local colleges and even universities have distance education programs. Since Fall of 2006, I've been a student at Old Dominion University through their distance education program. I went to Germanna to take a class in the Fall and in the Spring I sat for my lectures here at the computer. It's handy because I can still enjoy the lecture without having to leave home.
Now, that's my background. What I've found is that the typical "online colleges" are way over priced. Check what's local and you might find just what you're looking for, for a reasonable price, with a fantastic reputation to go with it.

Hi! Congrats on going back to school!!

As far as attending an online only college I can't help you there, sorry. But I do know that most regular universities and community colleges have full online courses... My husband is currently enrolled at the local university, but has only been up there to take test and trade in some books he ordered wrong... So don't forget to take your 'regular' school choices into account!!

C.,
I work full-time, commute 45 minutes each way, and have three beautiful children (ages 6, 3, and 1) to enjoy... so an online university was my only option to finish my degree. I started at Ashford University last fall. I chose Ashford because it is accredited, cheaper than some of the other colleges, and I felt comfortable with the counselor assigned to me. There are many options out there, so you'll have to do your research. Some schools require you are online at a certain time each week which was impossible for me... yet, for others, it adds a layer of discipline that one might need. My courses last 5 weeks each (for 3 credits). I usually have to write two papers for each class, take weekly assessments, and participate in online discussions. This works well for me because I can complete my work 24/7. I have managed to complete 7 classes and have a 4.0 GPA! It is a lot of work, but if you're ready and willing to commit the time, you will be surprised at how easy it can feel!
Good luck!
K.

My advice is to find a reputable college and take their online courses. That way you have the peace of mind knowing that you are getting a good education yet have the convenience of learning at home. I'm the TA for several online paralegal courses at the community college near me, and I know how it is useful for the students. My warning to you is that online courses are not self-paced from reputable colleges. You need to be a very self-disciplined person. If you learn best by reading, this is for you, but if you are an auditory learner, better to wait until you can attend lectures. I see so many students who don't keep up in the online format because no one is on their backs reminding them. They fail more because of their lack of self-motivation rather than not understanding the material.

First off good for you for taking the challenge to go back to school, I am doing the same thing. I would recommend University of Maryland University College. If you decide to pursue further degrees you will not have any problems with accredidation. It is a regionally accredited school, and some online colleges are not. They offer a variety of majors and I am actually returning to school here this summer myself. Good Luck.

Hi C.,

First Kuddos for deciding to pursue your education. That is a big step. As for online colleges, look for one that is accredited, there are some out there that aren't. As stated many of the local Colleges and Universities offer online courses now. They are starting to realize that people are just to busy to attend the traditional classroom setting.

I have been doing online courses now for the last 4 years off and on and am now 3 classes away from receiving my Bachelors degree. I have been attending Strayer Univeristy and have been able to obtain student loans to help pay for it. They have 2 types of online classes. Asynchronous and Synchronous. I have taken them both. All of their tests are done online also. No more going to the school for test.

I wish the best in your pursuit for higher education.

I was going to say the same thing Lakisha said; online classes are great you just want to make sure to pick a regionally accredited school. I currently am taking classes online from anthem college, aka high tech institute. online classes are very convenient. It does take a lot of self discipline because the way my courses work, each course is foru weeks in length and you have one week to complete each unit; after sunday evening if it's not done you get a zero. I thought i was going to have a problem with keeping it up, but the fear of failure and looking at my crappy paycheck is what keeps me going. Good luck to you.