Students Go the Distance Learning Route

Sept. 1 -- Some students are heading back to school this fall without ever having to set foot on campus.

Jim Unice, 40, of Uniondale, Pa., a rural community outside of Pittsburgh, wanted to return to school to advance his career in social work. But working on a master’s degree while working part time posed some logistical challenges. Community colleges near him didn’t offer the degree, and the Pennsylvania schools that did proved too far away to be feasible.

But then he found Canyon College in Caldwell, Idaho, which offers a full degree program online. “A friend of mine got her master’s degree online,” says Unice, “and is now working on her Ph.D. online.” Unice decided to follow suit.

Digital Degrees Multiplying

Universities across the country are embracing the digital age and courting students like Unice through virtual learning programs. According to Ecollege.com, an online education Web portal, colleges are offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and even Ph.D. programs online.

While online courses differ in the details, there are some fairly standard basics. Students work largely at their own pace, usually from a course syllabus posted on the school’s Web site; they e-mail homework to professors by certain dates and receive grades. Tests are administered through the Web site and usually incorporate technology that tracks how long it takes students to complete them. And students and professors form virtual discussion groups and tutorials through chat and e-mail sessions.

For Unice, the setup is perfect: Instead of spending time commuting, he can dedicate his school time to studying.

Proponents of distance learning cite timesaving examples and point to students like Unice who might not otherwise be able to go back to school.

“This is a great way for working women to get their degree in teaching or in nursing,” says Patricia Potter, vice president of marketing at San Diego-based National University, which offers a variety of degree programs, including nursing, teaching credential and business administration.