|
|
 |
Baby boomers and the generations following them face an expectation unknown to any previous generation—that they will change careers multiple times and that they will continue their education throughout their lifespan to keep up with changes in the world around them. Distance learning no longer "fringe" When I first became interested in distance learning, it was very "fringe". Academics sneered. Businesses scoffed. And only a few other people were writing about it. Of those, many were con artists trying to convince people that their worthless piece of paper was just as good as a Harvard diploma. Dr. John Bear had foresight to write about and promote the idea of distance learning long before it was popular. His work inspired me to get involved in this field. I could see that social and demographic change would converge to make distance learning almost a necessity. Today, distance learning is really blossoming and provides a significant share of higher education, particularly adult higher education. Baby boomers and the generations following them will face an expectation unknown to any previous generation—that they will continue their education throughout their lifespan to keep up with changes in the world around them. And they will have to change careers three times during their working lives. Yet, most 30 and 50 year olds are not in a position to move to a university campus to earn another degree or certification. They have family and finanncial obligations. They have to work. And businesses do not encourage skilled employees to run off to college. Distance degrees caught on because they are a solution to a problem. Mainly, how to go to school and keep your job. Today, most accredited institutions of higher education—including former sneerers — offer some distance learning and many offer entire degree programs. And more businesses—including former scoffers—are now paying tuition for employees enrolled in accredited distance degree programs. While scoffers and sneerers still exist, their number is declining as is the weight given to their opinions. But ... Diploma mills abound Beware. Because distance learning has become more known and more accepted, diploma mills abound. They prey on people who can't tell the good from the bad and people who hope to get a degree without working for it. That's why DegreeFinders exists. We have worked very hard to make this site informative — to arm our readers with the knowledge they need to avoid the scams and to make good choices. It is the result of hundreds of hours of research and fact-checking. We are happy to answer — at no charge — general questions not already covered on the website. But, If you have specific questions about specific degree programs that require staff research, you will be asked to pay for time and service. If you visit the link on testimonials, you will find that many people find the paid services well worth the fee. Consulting services We offer a personal distance degree research and consulting service. You fill out a questionnaire detailing your particular situation: including your formal education, continuing education, on-the-job training, and work experience. We ask these questions because some programs will waive formal entrance requirements for persons with considerable on-the-job-training and a history of progressively increasing responsibility. From this information, we find the right distance degree program for you. Take a look at our Degree Consulting Questionnaire. Even if you decide not to sign up for our research consulting service, the questionnaire will help you discover the many factors you will need to take into account when looking for a distance degree program on your own. There is no reason you can not do this research for yourself. The advantages to hiring DegreeFinders are: We have more experience in finding information, so we can find more of it; and we can find it faster. We have the contacts to verify it. (There is a lot of bogus information out there — planted by people who hope to make money by steering you to their worthless degrees.) Again, welcome! Ever wanted to know how distance learning could change your life? Read on. Ever wonder what distance learning is about, how it works, what distance degree programs are available? It's here. So are stories about people whose lives changed because they took advantage of distance learning. Your life can change too. Your dreams can come true. Just follow the links and learn how. |
All Content Copyright © 2004 DegreeFinders and OpenMind Creations. Webdesign By OpenMind Creations. |