With the help of distance education consulting, students and educators can sift through online course offerings. Virtual education has extended the opportunity for students to receive a top-notch education when they otherwise might have been too busy with work or family. However, with all the online programs out there, it can be difficult to know the difference between the legitimate and the bogus.

With a little bit of study and talking to the right distance learning consultant, you can take advantage of online educational opportunities. If you are an educational institution, look at resources to help you get your courses online. Consider these options to help get you started:

1. Start building an online course program for your educational institution.

2. Look at what the most successful online programs are doing.

3. Make it through the maze of online offerings with the help of a distance education consultant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get e learning consulting to start building online course offerings

Online courses and degree programs are very popular. When a busy student can take courses from the comfort of their office or living room, it saves time, energy and gas. Schools that want to keep a competitive edge will want to consider putting courses online.

I recommend: WIDS designs software for schools and educators to use in setting up online courses. Jones Knowledge has created a robust course management program for teachers and educators to put classes online. It offers templates and simple integration. This company helped the first virtual institution in the United States receive regional accreditation. They will help you build online degree programs that best help meet your students’ needs.

Look at the most successful online programs of distance learning experts

The online universities and schools that have the greatest success show you the way to success. These schools offer complete online degree programs.

I recommend: The University of Atlanta offers online classes and degree programs at affordable prices even if you are out-of-state. The Distance Education and Training Council accredit them with programs in business, computer science, social science and health administration. They don't represent their courses as transferable to other colleges nor do they accept GI bills. Go to The University of Phoenix website and fill out the online form to receive more information about their online offerings.

Talk to a distance learning specialist about the ins and outs of online education

Sometimes there are too many choices and a person does not know which way to turn for a consultant. Distance learning education counselors can help at such times. Fill out questionnaires, talk to experts and sift through online school information with the help of an e learning consultant.

I recommend: Fill out a form at TheEducationEdge.com. They will help you find an online school that offers your desired course of study according to your age, location and background. The IECA is an independent organization that specializes in helping people meet their special educational needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The quality of the education and accreditation process is important to consider when looking at online courses. Mixed in the potpourri of online schools are the legitimate university, college and technical school courses along with diploma mills. Use quality distance learning consultants to tell the difference.