The Official alt.education.distance FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) v. 8.0

*** The alt.education.distance FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) ***
FAQ Maintainers: Neil Hynd, penhill@emirates.net.ae, Al Lepine, lepine1@banet.net,
Editor/Originator: Rita Laws, rlaws@homes4kids.org
The end of this FAQ contains a list of people who have provided input and encouragement. If your name is not here and should be, please e-mail the maintainers. If your name is here, check the spelling. Thanks again to everyone who has sent supportive email and ideas. Please keep them coming. Useful FAQs are always in the process of being revised.
Respectfully submitted, Rita Laws, Neil Hynd, Al Lepine. Return to FAQ Link List
** Version 8.0 News ** Version 8 has been re-written to condense some of the background Distance Education information, and to try to present a variety of reference sources. Special contributions have also been prepared on new subjects such as the growth of online/self taught certifications and online education.

The 4-part structure has been retained to simplify loading and updating, and the web-based version continues to be maintained at:- http://personalpages.tds.net/~rlaws/dlfaq.html

** Caveat Emptor - Let the Buyer Beware - Diploma Mill Warning ** Beware of bogus college or so-called university degree programs that offer degrees requiring only money and no significant amount of coursework, testing, transfer credits, and when appropriate, life or work experience credits. Legitimate degrees are always earned, never bought. Diploma mills offer frivolous qualifications for money and little or no work.

The alt.education.distance newsgroup FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) v. 8.0
CONTENTS
1. What is distance education or distance learning and who needs it ?
2. What is the history of DL and how do I determine the quality of a school ?
3. What do the different forms of accreditation mean and how can I choose an appropriate educational quality assurance measure ?
4. How do I find the DL program that's best for me and where can I find "online universities" and DL resources on the Net ?
5. What about financial aid and how can I stay motivated to complete my degree ?
6. After I've graduated, what next ?
7. What are Research Degrees ?
8. What can you tell me about Certifications that can be earned by Distance Learning ?
9. What are the implications of On-Line Education in Distance Learning ?
10. What's happening at the AED Newsgroup ?
11. What information and reference sources can I use ?
12. Acknowledgments, Thanks and Legalities

1. What is distance education or distance learning and who needs it ?

Definition of DL/DE
Distance Education (DE), also known as Distance Learning (DL), is simply learning from a distance, usually from home, or from a conveniently located off-campus site. DL allows adults to earn college credits, even entire degrees, without ever leaving home. DL makes use of the Internet, software, modems, TV stations, 2-way television using fiber optics, microwave, digital phone lines, satellites, radio, ham radio, video cassette and audio tape, and normal mail to deliver instruction.

DL also refers to on-campus classes where the professor is not physically present, but communicating with students at several sites simultaneously via television, modem, or some other electronic means. DL is part of all degree types, from the A.A. to the Ph.D., and is an option in most majors, and at hundreds of universities worldwide.

A broader definition of DL includes non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, and career credits like CEUs (continuing education credits). DL is for people who want to learn a new skill, or just pick up a few new ideas for the fun of learning. Additionally, DL is an exciting and growing part of public and private schools from elementary level through high school in many areas such as math, science, and languages. Shared courses offered via satellite, fiber optic cable and videocassette connect schools in the same town, or great distances apart.

Courses can be one-way or two-way. Finally, pre-university distance education, commonly known as home-schooling, is a type of DL. Typically, a home-schooled child is taught by his or her parents, however, sometimes, the child is tutored at home in part or completely via modem or TV course.

College Credits
The definitions of terms like college credit and degree vary around the world. In the US, college credits are proportional to semester hours, and how quickly they are earned is usually determined by the number of hours spent in class, i.e., three hours spent in a course each week for one semester equals 3 college credits.

Some courses will be worth 1 credit hour, and some, 6, 9, or even 12 credit hours. Three credit hours per course is most common. Even though DL degrees do not follow a traditional course of study in classrooms, they are awarded based on the DL equivalent of college credits earned.

Levels of Degrees and Course Structures
There are four degree levels in the USA and in some other parts of the World.

* The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two year degree, traditionally, requiring 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.

* The Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Science (BS) degree is traditionally a 4 year degree of 120 semester hours of credit.

* The Master of Arts (MA), or Science (MS) degree is the first level of graduate study beyond a bachelor degree. It requires 30 semester hours of credit beyond the bachelors. It is more focused in a subject area than the bachelors and may require a capstone project such as a thesis or dissertation.

* The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a post-graduate degree encompassing 90 semester hours beyond the bachelors program. The doctorate goes by other names, too, such as Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). The Ph.D. and its equivalents is the highest academic degree that can be earned.

Other structures found around the world encompass a 3-year bachelor degree program, with direct entry into a 3-year doctoral research program, sometimes by means of a Master of Philosophy research scheme that is later converted into a PhD. Where credits can be earned from prior learning or experience, the times can be proportionately shorter. Master's and doctoral degrees can also be earned by a combination of coursework, testing and dissertation.

The Workings of DL
For most students, DL remains primarily a books and paper proposition, as well as an independent study effort, but is made more convenient with the delivery of information via the Internet, the web, online services, telephone, TV, satellite courses, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, records, radio, ham radio, and CD-ROM. Many DL programs are correspondence courses where books, materials, and coursework are exchanged through the mail.

However, there are courses which are completely electronic, such as interactive multimedia courses, and group learning in virtual classrooms. These options are growing in number and scope. Some DL programs have residency requirements ranging from a single week-end to short campus periods.

DL also involves finding alternative ways to earn college credits, such as through challenge examinations. Mature students are particularly adept at testing out of courses by demonstrating subject mastery through a single examination. Earning college credit for life and work experience through the creation of a student portfolio is another option common to DL programs. Many people complete long unfinished Bachelor's degrees through the use of portfolios.

Who needs DL ?
The people who need DL are usually adults, for whom the convenience and appeal of earning college credits on all degree levels with minimal domestic disturbance is a great attraction. Parents, caregivers, working adults, and all busy people find DL to be an excellent way to combine studies and living.

Most DL students are over the age of 25, often referred to as "mature students. Some DL programs cater exclusively to people over age 30. Others have no age limits, and will admit otherwise qualified teens and gifted children. Many DL programs specialise in "degree completion programs" for working adults.

People who prefer to study solo can do so with DL, whilst those who enjoy group learning can find DL classes online. People who live in remote areas or where weather can be extreme, those who have disabilities that make commuting difficult and many others just for the fun of it turn to DL as the only practical way to earn college credits.

There is scheduling flexibility in DL. Many courses start when the student is ready, not just in September and January. Students can learn at any time of the day or night and there is no waiting for when a certain course will be offered at the traditional school. DL students can take any course anytime, and, sometimes, even help design the course they want to take.

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2. What is the history of DL and how do I determine the quality of a school ?

Timeline
The history of DL goes back more than 100 years in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The first London University External Degree programs for overseas students started in 1858. The innovative Open University, started in 1971 in the UK, and has been copied around the world. Today, the largest DL student body in the world is part of UNISA, the University of South Africa, with more than 200,000 people enrolled worldwide.

In Australia, the University of Queensland offered an external degree in the 1890's due to sparse populations and large open expanses. Today, Australia's higher education system incorporates DL in many programs, and is considered a model for other nations.

American Approaches
In the USA, some schools offered courses through DL in the late 19th century. Columbia University offered DL options in the 1920's, and other schools offered courses by radio in the 30's and courses via television in the 60's. However, DL remained a little-known means of earning a college degree throughout most of the 20th century.

Universities that are exclusively DL began appearing in the US, on both coasts, at about the same time, in the early 1970's. Among the pioneers were Union Institute and the New York state "Regents External Degree Program," now called Regents College, an accredited school. The state of California produced California Western University, now called California Coast University, a state-approved institution.

Quality Assurance - Origins of Awarding Authority
Because DL is still not a well-understood concept with many people, there can be prejudice against these types of degrees with some believing that DL is an inferior education. DL degrees can be better accepted in some occupations than in others, and prejudice is lessening as the facts of DL become known, and as the number of people holding such degrees increases.

Examples of graduates from listed institutes include: Rita Mae Brown and Clarissa Pinkola Estes (Union Institute), Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu (UNISA).

DL acceptability raise issues of quality assurance and how potential students can judge between different DL offerings. Various approaches have been made to this subject, involving accreditation, consumer protection, licensing or other measures.

British universities attained their ability to offer degrees from Papal Charter in earlier times, followed by Royal Charter after the Reformation in 1534. American universities exist through compliance with individual state requirements since each state government is the competent education authority and not the US federal government.

In Canada, there is no federal degree granting authority. Degrees are granted by virtue of each province's legislature having empowered an institution with the authority to grant degrees. In Australia, although self accrediting, universities are authorized by a separate Act of Parliament in each case. Qualifications however are issued in accordance with a set framework that encompasses all education through to PhD.

To determine the quality of a school and how its qualifications suit your purpose, you need to assess the legitimacy and the effectiveness of the degree against your own objectives.

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3. What do the different forms of accreditation mean and how can I choose an appropriate educational quality assurance measure ?

Quality Assurance Measurement
The quality measures differ between each country and approach to legalizing universities. The most widely-found approach is that universities are granted the right to issue degrees, and that procedures are put in place for quality measures acceptable to the body that issues the degree-granting right in the first place.

These can vary from universities being self-accrediting through to agencies such as the British Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (www.qaa.ac.uk) publishing assessment results for comparative purposes. In Canada, each of the provinces takes its own approach, with one having a Private Colleges Accreditation Board consisting of a chair, four academic staff members from universities, four academic staff members of private colleges affiliated with universities or given approval to offer degree programs, and four members of the public.

Accreditation in the USA
The American approach to higher educational quality assurance causes some confusion in the DL world and is explained briefly here, since "accreditation" has a particular meaning. You are encouraged to follow some of the resources links later in the FAQs to further understand the meaning of accreditation in the USA, and also the other approaches that are used around the world.

As mentioned above, American universities are authorized at state level, however universities holding what is known as "Regional Accreditation" are given exemption from meeting the requirements of each state that they operate in. The US federal government Department of Education (DoEd) also recognizes those universities holding Regional Accreditation as being eligible for federal student financial assistance, as also are courses that meet listed professional accrediting bodies and those holding accreditation of the Distance Education Training Council (DETC).

Institutes that do not have such accreditation can exist legally by meeting the state requirements, and are known as "state licensed" or "state approved" universities. States also exempt institutes with a religious charter and offering theological degree programs as a constitutional right.

American universities holding Regional Accreditation (RA) will normally only accept students or faculty from similarly accredited universities, or holding qualifications from US DoEd-recognized accrediting bodies. DETC-accredited qualifications can also be acceptable to RA universities, but you are advised to check program by program. Many, if not most, professional bodies and states will only allow licenses to practice a profession for those holding qualifications from such recognized accrediting bodies.

This is due to the existence of un-recognized (by the US DoEd) accrediting bodies, which can in some cases give rise to misleading statements or even fraudulent activities - hence the "Buyer Beware" statement at the beginning of these FAQs.

In the American environment, your choice could then be between (i) an institute or course with accreditation recognized by the US DoEd; (ii) a state-licensed or state-approved (as in California) university meeting state requirements but not holding recognized accreditation; or (iii) a university with a religious exemption from state licensing.

Selection of an American program must be made carefully by the prospective DL student, depending on the use to which the earned qualification will be put. In general terms, a degree from a university or course with recognized accreditation will be the wisest choice in terms of acceptability and transferability.

American State-Licensed Universities
As an alternative, many DL students find that US state-licensed/approved programs can meet their objectives since costs are low in comparison, programs are highly accessible (usually with no residency requirements) and courses tend to be vocationally-biased towards "degree completion" for adults including credits for work experience. Indeed, the web site of a US commission on higher education shows that the chairman holds a postgraduate qualification from one of that state's licensed universities.

Diploma Mills
A diploma mill (or degree mill) is often defined as an illegal institution that grants bogus degrees in exchange for money, and without requiring the student to show proof of course mastery, or to do any substantive coursework or testing.

Diploma mills should be reported to the appropriate authorities (such as a local government education agency or the FBI in the USA), and shut down promptly whenever they arise. They not only do great harm to the "graduates" and to society in general, but also give legitimate alternative and non-traditional education a bad name. With the advent of the Internet, diploma mills have been appearing more frequently and you are advised to post questions to the Newsgroup, or to otherwise check the validity of courses that are being offered in this way.

An inferior school operating just inside the law can also be a poor choice for a DL student since although the institute may not be a diploma mill according to the above definition, the degree awarded may not be held in high regard.

American Univerity Reference Source
American universities that are authorized to award degrees can also be found listed by the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Directory of Post Secondary Institutions, Degree-granting Institutions.

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4. How do I find the DL program that's best for me and where can I find "online universities" and DL resources on the Net ?

Self Assessment
A simple self-assessment is a good place to start. Ask yourself about your personal, career, and academic needs, what you want to do, and how you learn best.

There are many ways to study in DL, and to learn. Choose your method or methods and act accordingly. For example, don't rush to buy a high speed modem if your classes are going to be mainly through written correspondence. Don't sign up for classes on cassette tape if you don't enjoy audio-learning. If you hated lab classes when you were younger, make sure you don't feel that way now before signing up for DL lab classes. (Yes, there is such a thing as DL lab classes within several disciplines.)

Some people consult professional guidance and career counselors, and others use an educational consulting service where a fee is paid to a DL expert who then compiles a list of possible schools custom-tailored to the client's needs and learning style.

Reference Sources
DL do-it-yourselfers often start with a good book or two. The DISTANCE LEARNING BOOKLIST, a free Internet reference, is designed for people who are "Getting Started" in DL, and is updated once per month. It can be found at several online services, at the web page http://personalpages.tds.net/~rlaws/

A recent version included information about these titles:-

- Bears' Guide To Earning Degrees Non-Traditionally
- Brochures From The Distance Education & Training Council
- Campus-Free College Degrees
- Careers Without College Series (Peterson)
- College Admissions
- College Degrees You Can Earn From Home
- Colleges With Programs For Students With Learning Disabilities
- Distance Degrees
- Distance Education, A Systems View
- Distance Learning Funding Sourcebook
- Earn An Accredited College Degree In 4 Separate Months
- Earn College Credit For What You Know
- Education On The Internet
- Finding Money For College
- Oryx Guide To Distance Learning
- Paying Less For College
- The Electronic University
- The Foundations Of American Distance Education
- The Independent Study Catalog
- The Internet University- College Courses By Computer
- The Satellite Scholar
- United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Magazine
- USA Today Financial Aid For College

Newsgroups
The Usenet Newsgroup called alt.education.distance is a good place to start learning about DL programs and resources. Be sure to search the archive using www.deja.com or scan Discussion Groups via search engines such as www.altavista.com

Web sites, including university home pages on several continents, scholarship sites, research and support pages, and DL innovation pages number in the hundreds. Some examples are listed later in these FAQs, but you are encouraged to search for more. Using standard search engines, type in key or search words such as: DISTANCE LEARNING, DISTANCE EDUCATION, UNIVERSITIES, and NONTRADITIONAL EDUCATION.

You can then print out or save the list of sites presented to you and browse them at your leisure, or save the sites themselves using your browser "Save As" feature. There are currently several excellent web sites that act as clearing houses and link to dozens of other DL-related web pages. Such clearing houses are useful additions to a web browser favorites or bookmark list.

Online Services
Online services or portals such as AOL, Altavista, CompuServe, MSN, Prodigy, Yahoo and others provide areas like forums, chat rooms, virtual classrooms and file libraries which will help you to find DL resources.

Since the AED FAQs started, there has been growth in "on-line" resources. While universities that conduct all classes and business online may or may not exist in significant numbers in the future, they are few in number today. Many traditional and DL schools have a home page on the Web and e-mail capabilities, but this does not make them "online schools". Rather, online classes are one option among various means of learning offered by the institution.

People searching for exclusively online degrees may miss the many excellent offerings of degree programs that are partially online, but that also conduct learning through other means, i.e. correspondence courses, taped courses, etc.

You should investigate all DL options, including hybrid DL programs that combine different means of learning, and then choose the one best for your needs. And remember, more schools are offering DL options - every day. If there is a certain university you are interested in attending, ask about DL programs that are currently under consideration or that are being developed.

Several sources for on-line educational programs are given later in this FAQ.

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5. What about financial aid and how can I stay motivated to complete my degree ?

Different Approaches
Many Australian programs are "free" to citizens, although a program called HECS calls for students to pay for their education following graduation, but only if they earn more than $25,000 per year. Some programs are fee-based, such as MBAs, and call for payments. Foreign students will always pay a fee, which can be as high as $12,000 per year.

In Britain, local authority grants are available for higher education, but you will need to check the rules and intended courses since most are aimed at full-time campus-based programs. Part of the grant may be in the form of a loan, to be re-paid within a certain period after graduation.

In the US, most non-loan financial aid is targeted at young adults in traditional, regionally accredited, residential programs with a set calendar of class dates. DL students, most of whom are mature adults in non-traditional programs with no set start-up dates, can have a difficult time finding scholarships. It helps to search for web sites and books that cater for DL students seeking money for school.

DL experts John and Mariah Bear, for example, have written a book about Financial Aid with a special emphasis on assisting DL students. Called "Finding Money for College", it is updated annually. Also, try using a search engine to find financial aid web pages.

One sure way to save money (especially at post-graduate level) is to consider an American state-licensed/approved (but without US DoEd recognized accreditation) university. If such a school can meet your personal, academic and career goals, you will probably save a great deal of money on the total cost of your degree. Some of the state-licensed/approved schools offer interest-free monthly payments after an initial down payment.

However, bearing in mind earlier comments on this subject, similar cost-range DL bachelor degrees with recognized accreditation can be earned from several institutes, and would be a wiser choice for future acceptability and transferability at this level of qualification especially in the USA. The AED Newsgroup can advise you on the ever-changing bachelor-level programs available.

Starting the Program
Then, having made your choice and financial arrangements, the next step is to begin the program. You understand what DL is all about, you know your own needs, you've been admitted, the books have arrived, you've got your log-on ID and it's now time to get started.

Do you feel like procrastinating ? Well, you are not alone ! Happily, mature adults are the most self-directed of all students. They are highly motivated- usually by the need to get a job, keep a job, or earn a promotion or raise. However, even highly self-disciplined adults can find it difficult to stay motivated, especially in the Summer when warm weather activities beckon, and most "everyone else" is out of school.

This is where the need to find and keep a support system comes in. A little encouragement, understanding and socializing is just the medicine most people need to keep on track for their degrees. People with computers and modems are fortunate because the same newsgroups, forums, and web sites that helped them learn about DL, their needs, and the available schools, are often the same places they can turn to for support. These electronic gatherings are also the place to pass on what you have learned - to the "newbies" just coming along asking "So how do I get started ?"

If you are returning to your studies after a long hiatus, remember that you are not alone. More than half of all people who begin a dissertation, for example, never finish it. Try your local library for books written to help the ABD (All But Dissertation) student, and for people finishing all types of degrees.

Be Systematic
One trick that some people find to be useful is to commit to achieving one DL goal per day, every day, rain or shine. The goal may be as quick and simple as ordering the next text book, downloading the newest posts from a DL newsgroup, or writing one paragraph on a term paper, or as involved as a marathon study, research, or writing session. Others set aside certain times or days to devote exclusively to their studies. Just as one might invest a set sum of money each month to build a financial future, so does investing a set amount of time each month create a brighter future with a completed degree in it.

The key is to get into a daily habit. Little by little, the DL degree moves closer to completion.

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6. After I've graduated, what next ?

Recognition
The work is finished and the diploma has arrived. What now ? Although tradition varies from country to country, it may not be time yet to bask in the warmth of your accomplishment.

In the USA, there are at least three things left that you can choose to do, especially if you are a graduate/post-graduate alumnus, to maximize the effectiveness of your DL degree: announce it, present it, and publish it.

Announcing your degree via your local newspaper or company bulletin, while optional, is an easy way to show your pride and achievement. The more pride you show in your degree, the more respect others will accord you for it. You don't need a fancy press release. Simply type up the facts: your name, city, degree, university, and date of graduation. Your local newspaper editor will do the rest. For an even better announcement, ask your faculty advisor to check it over before you send it out to be published.

The second thing to do is to present your work. If you wrote a thesis or a dissertation, you may wish to share the research results with the professional community through local, state, regional, national, and international conferences.

Publishing
For many people, publishing their work is more practical than presenting it. This is the third and most time-consuming addendum to earning your degree. You can do both or either. Publishing your work takes three basic forms: as is, as an article, and as a book.

Publishing your thesis or dissertation as is means paying a fee and filling out an application for a library abstract service to make your work available to the public. The purpose is to share the results, and to receive feedback and recognition from others in your field. Otherwise, what good will your work do after the degree ?

Getting published in scholarly journals is never easy, and is rarely compensated monetarily. Again, this avenue is pursued in order to share research with other academicians, and to help establish oneself in a given field of research. Always send for the writer's guidelines first, or your submission will be returned to you unread. Follow all directions exactly, and be prepared for several re-writes. Acceptance is rarely unconditional on the first attempt.

Publishing your thesis or dissertation in book form requires three basic steps. First, write a detailed outline of the book you want to write, based on your work. Second, submit your outline to publishers until it is accepted. Third, re-write your work to the publisher's specifications. The sooner you do this after completing your degree, the easier it may be to do, because your work will still be fresh in your mind.

More Work ?
Finally, if you caught the research bug during your thesis or dissertation preparation, you may wish to continue, expand, or modify your original research, or begin a new project. There are several good books about obtaining grant money to do this. One US published work is a Peterson's title called "Grants for Graduate & Postdoctoral Study: Details on 1,400 Fellowships, Scholarships, Grants, Awards, and Prizes" (Fourth Edition).

You may also find research money on the Internet. People have even picked up support for their research goals by posting on Usenet Newsgroup discussions that dealt with their field of interest !

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7. What are Research Degrees ?

The Research Route
Research degrees can offer the opportunity to earn advanced degrees with little or no residency, and often at a very economical cost. The subject and choices have been studied in detail by Dr. John Bear in his book on non-traditional education, details of which can be found on the AED DL booklist. Dr. Bear has also frequently answered questions on the subject via the AED newsgroup.

Australia, Britain and South Africa are leading sources of research-only degrees. However in keeping with the relative independence of universities in some of these countries, the approach can differ from one to the next and may strongly depend on a relationship with the university or a faculty member.

In Britain, a frequent approach is to register for an M.Phil. degree which can either be completed, or on the strength of progress can be developed into a PhD. Those already holding a master's degree would be able to begin at the doctoral level, on the basis of an accepted research proposal.

Requirements
Research Degree candidates should normally hold a first-class or second-class honors degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a subject relevant to their proposed field of research. Applicants without such qualifications may be accepted in special circumstances but they will have to demonstrate their suitability by taking examinations or by other appropriate means, both before and during their studies.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language level is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. Candidates will normally be expected to have obtained either the British Council IELTS with a score of 5.5 or paper based TOEFL with a score of 530 or computer based TOEFL with a score of 200 (with an essay rating of 4.0). Some departments may require an English Language qualification above the stipulated minimum.

Being research-based there would be no coursework involved, or any credits earned by any necessary work would not count towards the advanced degree itself.

An effective approach would be to identify a university that is active in the field concerned, and then to make contact at faculty or department administrator level to pursue the exact arrangements one-to-one as far as possible.

Of course, it would be necessary to show that you have access to all of the required resources needed to carry out the research, and to keep in close contact with the appointed supervisor.

Contact with faculty can be helped by the increased tendency of some universities to run various in-country courses around the world, in which case supervisors may be able to visit you rather than vice-versa. This is particularly true if the research project has employer support, and employer facilities are involved in the research work itself.

Increasing use can also be made of web-based conferencing and use of standard tools such as Microsoft NetMeeting.

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8. What can you tell me about Certifications that can be earned by Distance Learning ?

Certifications by DL
As mentioned earlier, DL can take many forms. One type of qualification that has developed rapidly by DL is the "certification". The best-known are probably those offered in the computing field based on knowledge of proprietary systems such as Cisco (Networking), IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, Novell (Networking), Oracle and Sybase (Databases and System Development).

Another group are so-called "generic" certifications demonstrating an identifiable set of skills that register with organisations seeking those skills in new or existing employees. A good example are those from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA at www.comptia.org) with A+ Hardware and Software, iNet+, Network+ and CDIA technician-level certifications.

Another source of generic "independent" certifications can be found at Tekmetrics (www.tekmetrics.com) e-certification in more than 40 categories covering computer, English communication and project management skills.

Competence-based
None of these certifications have "accreditation" in the sense described in these FAQs, but they are never-the-less becoming a "gold standard" for competencies in the respective areas. Indeed, some college degrees now include the gaining of such certifications as part of their learning objectives.

The way these certifications work is generally to obtain the study text either from the originators themselves or third party publishers such as Osborne McGraw Hill. Such books also usually come with CD instruction materials, including practice tests. Courses are also provided at local centres, but these cost a lot more than self-study texts.

To achieve the formal certification, the student must register for and pass an on-line test under controlled conditions managed by a local agent using services offered by organisations such as Sylvan Prometric (www.sylvanprometric.com) and Virtual University Enterprises (www.vue.com). The testing is rigorous and often uses adaptive-type tests weighing the questions based on relative difficulty. Questions are multi-choice (with one or more correct selections), frequently based on scenarios likely to be met in practice.

You can try sample tests at sites such as www.testfree.com or www.measureup.com, and join their exam preparation services at low cost either as downloads or monthly subscriptions.

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9. What are the implications of On-Line Education in Distance Learning ?

On-line education is becoming a reality which no-one interested in Distance Learning can ignore. The technology exists, as do low-cost web campus facilities such as those from WebCT or even over the internet from blackboard.com and others.

"Guest Contribution"
As a contribution to this subject, we welcome "guest" input from Terrence R. Redding, Ph.D. considering the question: "Will All Educational Institutions will make the transition to the Information Age and Distance Education ?"

Do you know the difference between information and knowledge ? Educational institutions world-wide are entering the Information Age. Most educational institutions - sadly - are not yet in transition. Indeed, most nations have not made the transition to the information age. It is my contention that many educational institutions who could, will not make the transition to the information age and distance education, at least not in our lifetime. Those that don't will be stuck in the Industrial Age (Toffler, 1980), or before. Possibly trapped in the Agricultural Age, or before.

The Information Age, while an identifiable point in time (wave, as in a moving point, in a continuum) will give birth to the Knowledge Age and a rebirth of Taylorism (the elitist notion that the educated will make decisions for the uneducated - directing the industrial might of the Industrial Age nations and enterprizes). The Knowledge Age (which will constitute a fourth wave) will make a clear distinction between those who understand the power of knowledge and those who think power lies in the transmission and holding of information.

There are educational institutions (or at least their administrative components) who seem to fail to make this distinction, and thus think of themselves oddly as keepers (gate) of knowledge and repositories for information. Somehow they have misunderstood the Internet and believe it is supposed to be used to connect and protect their ability to store knowledge - and that it is being subverted when it is used to transmit/impart knowledge.

Without being able to say why - they feel threatened because this thing called the Internet is leaking. At least the knowledge they feel charged to protect and store - appears to be leaking - leaking everywhere - and they can't stop it. They see open access to education as something that must be controlled - by those who are empowered to mechanisms like accreditation. They see organizations which offer non-accredited education as rogues who refuse to play by the rules. The fact that no one seems able to enforce the "rules" is scary to them.

Third wave educators are embracing the information age and using it to foster access to learning. Those trapped in the industrial age, those worried about making education to easy - will argue against the use of technology and confuse the two terms - information and knowledge. (An example is thinking that answers to test questions represent knowledge, and not just information).

Fourth wave educators - like Bensusan, Boston and Mazzucelli are busy using the Internet to disseminate knowledge. They actively seek ways to open access to the widest number of participants with minimum barriers to learning.

Copyright (c) 1999 Terrence R. Redding, Ph.D.

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10. What's happening at the AED Newsgroup ?

Newsgroup
Newsgroup alt.education.distance is a forum to discuss distance education issues, ideas, and concerns. It is not a commercial forum for people who sell educational software and other products and services. Commercial messages are not welcome. Universities often use the newsgroup to describe new programs, and this is certainly appropriate.

Telling people where to email or write for additional details such as tuition schedules, is the best way to keep an informational post from becoming a commercial one. Similarly, DL educational consultants are encouraged to identify themselves as such, especially in their signature lines, but interested potential customers should "take it to email."

There is another newsgroup, alt.binaries.education.distance where HTML files, and other graphic files relevant to distance education can be posted. When you post here, please alert the readers at alt.education.distance of the existence of your offering.

The two newsgroups are designed to complement one another, but remember that some news servers do not keep binary newsgroup content live for very long.

Netiquette
Netiquette (good online manners) includes these suggestions:

* Write with brevity and on-topic

* Warn of extra long posts in the subject line so that those with slow modems may choose to avoid them

* Don't "shout" in capital letters, please. *Asterisks* are the preferred means of emphasizing words. Some people use underline _ marks _ to show emphasis.

* Flaming, or insulting and rude posting is very disruptive. So is flaming flamers. Kindness and professionalism is appreciated by all.

* Do not post any material not written by you without express permission of the original author. When in doubt assume the existence of a copyright. Of course, posting an excerpt from a post you are replying to is not only legal, it is an efficient way to communicate. Repeat only those parts of the post that are relevant, however, so as not to waste everyone's time.

* Please remember that electronic communication does not benefit from clarifiers such as body language or voice tones, etc., so be cautious with the use of sarcasm and humor to avoid being misunderstood.

Themes
At the time of preparing AED FAQ V8.0, questions from those visiting the FAQs remain very much to do with the source and availability of DL programs in a variety of subjects.

Greenwich University, founded as a US "state licensed (no recognized accreditation)" university with Dr. John Bear as president at one time, has been in the news a lot since its move to Norfolk Island, Australia. This is because with a proper legal footing in Australia, Greenwich University would become an internationally recognized (and therefore accredited) university whereas it was not in Hawaii under the regime of US accreditation.

Berne University, another school without recognized US accreditation has also been in the news, due to its location in St. Kitts and Nevis, a country independent since 1983 located in the Caribbean and part of the British Commonwealth. Apparently in a recent decision, Berne University has been accepted as a foreign school by the US DoEd.

E-mailing
Readers of the Newsgroup may wish to e-mail the FAQ maintainers listed here, and are invited to do so if they want their questions or comments to be considered privately.

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11. What information and reference sources can I use ?

Reference Sources
There is one DL resource that has helped hundreds of DL students for years, and needs to be listed here. Dr. E's Eclectic Compendium of Electronic Resources in Adult and Distance Education by Dr. Jill H. Ellsworth, a university professor, lists e-journals, listservs, mailing lists, and more, and can be found at http://www.oak-ridge.com/topeoip1.html

** Web Site URLs **
Here are a few Web URLs (listed by classifications) for universities and colleges worldwide with DL programs, and to online resources such as virtual libraries.

No one makes any assurance of quality. It is up to YOU to determine the value, if any, of each site for your own needs. If you have an addition for this list to be included in the FAQ's next update, please send it to one of the FAQ maintainers. It would be helpful if you put the words "FAQ URL ADDITION" in the "subject" line. To print out this list with or without the HTML coding, visit the DL FAQ and DL Booklist homepage at http://personalpages.tds.net/~rlaws/

(11.1) Books and Resources

DL Books Resource Another DL Books Resource WizPeople Educ. Resources Print Media Dependent Care Educ. Referral Service CUHK Independent Learning Centre Welcome to CyberEd
Also: books on British-style Research Degrees:-
(a) "The Research Student's Guide to Success", Pat Cryer, Open University Press, 1996
(b) "How To Get a PhD", EM Phillips and DS Pugh, Open Univeristy Press, 1994

(11.2) K12

K12 Heritage OnLine
(11.3) Student Support

Back To College Bears' Guide College At Home Distance Learning Network Jewish University in Cyberspace PCS Edventures Tutor2000 UK Nat. Assoc. for Managers of Student Services, U.K. Colleges Women's U. Community
(11.4) Community College / DL Schools

Cerro Coso Community College Mercy College Miami Dade Community College New Hampshire College The Virtual Art School
(11.5) USA Universities with Recognized Accreditation (Regional or DETC)

American Institute for Computer Sciences Antioch California College for Health Sciences Capella University (was The Graduate School of America) California National University Charles Sturt University Charter Oak State College City University Home Page Concord University School of Law Fielding Institute Indiana University - Distance Learning ISIM University Jones International University New School for Social Research/Distance Learning Norwich University Nova Southeastern University Regent University Space Studies Home Page Thomas Edison College (TESC) Touro University International Union Institute University of Colorado Online University of Idaho Engineering Outreach Program University of New Mexico University of Phoenix Univ. Wisconsin-Whitewater, Online MBA Utah/USHE Technology/DE Initiative Walden University Western Governors University William Howard Taft University
(11.6) Universities - USA State Licensed (Without Recognized Accreditation)

American Coastline University, Louisiana California Coast University California Pacific University Century University, New Mexico Columbia Southern University, Louisiana Fairfax University, Louisiana Greenleaf University, Missouri Kennedy Western University, Wyoming Miami Christian University, Florida Newport University, California Preston University, Wyoming Southern California University for Professional Studies Summit University, Louisiana Trinity College and Theological Seminary, Florida
(11.7) Certifications and Vocational DL Education

College of Security Technology and Management Computer Technology Industry Association Marek Webb Communications (DL) Measure Up Certification Resources New York Institute of Photography Sylvan Prometric Online Testing Tekmetrics Transcender Certification Resources VUE Online Testing
(11.8) Non-USA/Overseas Universities with DE/DL

Berne University (St. Kitts/Nevis) De Montford University (UK) Greenwich University (Australia) Heriot Watt University (UK) Leicester University (UK) Open University (UK) Sheffield University (UK) Southern Cross University Home Page Teleuniversite de l'Universite du Quebec University of Dundee (UK) UNISA (South Africa)
(11.9) Educational Reference Sources

British Council California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education (USA) Council for Higher Education Accreditation (USA) Distance Education and Training Council (USA) New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (USA) Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (UK) Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (UK) Wyoming State Higher Education License (USA) US Department of Education
(11.10) DL/DE Compendia

Academic Planning Services Campus Index (World Wide) Distance Educator Distance Learning Distance Learning Directory Distance Learning Funding Sourcebook Distance Learning Help ED-X Distance Learning Channel InfoYouth (UK) Jonathan Liu's DL Web Site National Association for Managers of Student Services in Colleges (UK)
(11.11) DL/Educational Reference Resources

Adult Distance Ed Internet Surf Shack AED FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions AED FAQ DL Booklist AED NET American Universities Association for Support of Graduate Students BBC Education CAL Campus Home Page CARL CASO: Cape Software College News Distance Learning on the Net by Glenn Hoyle EASI: Access to Information for Persons With Disabilities ERIC Pages Global Electronic Library (GEL) Global Network Navigator Home Page ICDL Facts Integral Link Home Page IUC TEXT Library of Congress World Wide Web NUDC Home Page One Touch Systems, Inc. Peterson's Education Center Search.com USDLA Home Page The Globewide Network Academy Welcome - My Virtual Reference Desk UMI - Bell & Howell Learning WWW Virtual Library: Education
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12. Acknowledgments, Thanks and Legalities

** Acknowledgments and Thanks:
People who offered ideas, information, resource leads, encouragement or constructive criticism in the writing of this FAQ include, in alphabetical order:

Dr. Sreerama Raju Alluri, Brett Armstrong, Gerard Ashton, L. Anne Babb, Ph.D., Linda Barnhart, Steven R. Barnhart, Ph.D., John B. Bear, Ph.D., Betsy Currier Beacom, Ken Brownson, Ph.D., Carlo Bucci, Adilson Cabral, Shara Campbell, Raymond Chasse, Ph.D., Susan Christopher, Kerry Conole, Nora Cooper, Kay Crowley, Michael J. Dargan, Roe Darnell, Phil Derksen, Angie Dixon, Steven Dowd, Ed.D., Matthew Duda, Robert Duniway, Ph.D., Jill Ellsworth, Ph.D., J.B. Evans, Roz Finnegan, Suzanne Foster, Harwood R. Fox, Peter J. French, PhD, Graham Goldman, Harvey Greenberg, William Greene, Ian Greig, Brett Hanson, R.W. Hannu, Flick Harris, Gray Harriman, Richard M. Hartman, Bruce Hempel, Lia Hutton, Kristin Evenson Hirst, David H. Hunter, Malcolm Hutchinson, Ed Isenberg, Leonardo Jackson, Quinn Tyler Jackson, Roy Johnson, Ted Johnson, Jim Klieforth, Joseph H. Kovacic, Ph.D., David S. Kovaka, Arlene Krebs, Ph.D., Louis Lanzillotti, Dominique Lebot, Al Lepine, C. Leibovitz, Jim LeMay, Meri McPherson-Cox, Larry McQueary, Allen Majorovic, Karel Marek, Cesar Marques, Dr. David Morley, Jon Mowery, Yan Naroditsky, Bill Newell, Stacey Osibov, William Overington, Peter Parfitt, Roland E. Pittman, D. Rickerd, Tom Riendeau, Sheryl Lynn Robert, Gail Sands, Ph.D., Lawrence M. Sanger, Alan Schroeder, Howard Sherr, Alden Sison, Nancy Slator, Vicky Squires, Waylon G. Steep, Brian C. Stevens, Ph.D., Denny Treat, David Wade, Chuck Waite, MSc, Darby Walker, John Wetsch, Ph.D., Alex Wiggins, Andrew Wilson, Carrie Wingate, Ph.D., Don Wurth, and Yoonjin Yoon.

** Legalities:

FAQ Maintainers: Neil Hynd penhill@emirates.net.ae, Al Lepine lepine1@banet.net
Editor/Originator: Dr. Rita Laws rlaws@homes4kids.org

This FAQ may be re-produced for non-profit uses, and as long as it is copied in its entirety and without modification. It may be duplicated at other education-related newsgroups. For any other use, including commercial, or the use of excerpts, permission must first be obtained in writing from the author, Rita Laws, Ph.D., at email: rlaws@homes4kids.org

Copyright (c) 1999, 2000 by Rita Laws.

The details of URL links, classifications and related matter are presented for information only, and the authors cannot be held responsible for errors of omission or commission.

** Guest Contributor on On-Line Education (Chapter 9) Terrence R. Redding **
- Terrence R. Redding is the President/CEO of OnLine Training, Inc., specializing in adult basic education and continuing professional education courses delivered via the Internet.
- A retired US Army officer and past W. K. Kellogg Fellow, Terry has conducted both quantitative and qualitative research concerning the development of Self-Directed Learning Readiness. He has written numerous articles on self-directed learning, adult motivation theory, organizational development, training development and distance education.
- Most recently he was mission commander for Global Learn Day III, sponsored by the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Global Education. Terry specializes in cost effective delivery of highly effective distance education over the Internet.
- He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (1978), Master Degree in the Psychology of Education (1987), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Adult and Higher Education (1998).

** FAQ Maintainers: Brief details are given here of the FAQ maintainers, with information in chronological order of involvement. Details of awarding institutions are not included to avoid any suggestion of implied recommendation:-

* Rita Laws - AED FAQ Originator *
- Location: Oklahoma, USA.
- Occupation: Free-lance writer.
- Involvement with AED: since 1993
- Qualifications: Creator of DL Booklist, AED DL FAQ Initial Author, Former DL Student, Author or Co-author of three journal articles about DL in Journal of Computing in Higher Education, Computers in the Social Studies: CSS Journal Online, and the Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and Currently developing a DL Adoption Preparation Course for people adopting children with special needs.
- Education:-
-- 1976, B.A. Secondary Education with teaching specialties in Psychology and History (traditional accredited US university);
-- post Bachelor's study at two other local residential accredited universities;
-- 1995, concurrent M.S. and Ph.D. Psychology from DL program state-approved US university, dissertation subsequently published by UMI 1995
-- Dissertation: Special needs adoption support and periodicals: A study of parent-written and adoption professional-written articles, Research Abstracts, Volume 20, Number 5, 1995, available from UMI, Ann Arbor, MI 800-343-5299, Research Abstracts International, Vol. 20, 05, LD-03161, and as part of an adoption research compilation book called "Clinical and Practice Issues in Adoption: Bridging the Gap Between Adoptees Placed as Infants and as Older Children", edited by Groza and Rosenberg, published 1998 by Praeger, Westport, CT., Chapter 5: "The History, Elements, and Ongoing Need for Adoption Support" by R. Laws, Ph.D. (pp.81-103).

* Neil Hynd - Joint AED FAQ Maintainer (since 1996) *
- British. Chartered Engineer (Electrical Engineering - Manufacturing Division) and Chartered Engineer (Information Systems). Certified Further Education Teacher (Registered with British Govt. Department of Education).
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In Middle East since 1991.
- UK: Bachelor of Science (1969) Metallurgical Engineering and Management Science; Diploma in Industrial Studies. 4-year thin sandwich course.
- UK: Master of Engineering (1970) Control Systems. Traditional Full Time, by examination and dissertation.
- UK: Certificate in Education (1981) by In-Service study while a full-time UK Further Education College Lecturer (1979 to 1984).
- UK: Professional Engineering Institution Regional Chairman and Board Member 1981 to 1991.
- UK: FE College Governor 1988-91.
- USA: PhD Computer Science (1997) by non-resident DL while located in Middle East 1992 to 1997. American state-licensed non-regionally accredited university.
- Occupation: Information Systems and Education/Training Specialist. Complete IT application and vocational training course design and delivery. Development of Intranet-based education and training resources.
- Arabian Gulf Hub Volunteer Coordinator Global LEARN Day 1997, 1998, 1999. Webmaster 1999.

* Al Lepine - Joint AED FAQ Maintainer (from V8.0 1999) *
- Retired US Army Sergeant, 1991.
- Location: Maine, USA.
- BS, Business administration, 1994 (traditional)
- MBA, 1996 (traditional)
- Master in Business Education, 1997 (traditional)
- Graduate certificate Human Resource Management, 1999 (traditional)
- Accepted in Ph.D. program Business Administration, "Why Distance Education will soon become the norm instead of an alternative form of education". US state-approved not regionally accredited university.
- Adjunct teacher Business Administration Distance Learning Program 1998 - 1999,
- Maintainer of several Distance Learning and Higher Education web sites since 1994 (Over 120,000 visits)
- Industrial education consultant, 1994 - 1999,
- Conference Manager Global Learn Day 1, 1997 (world-wide live internet conference)
- Published Syllabus Magazine June 98 and Computer Perspectives Spring 98.

-- End of Document --

The Official alt.education.distance FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) v. 8.0

The Official alt.education.distance FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) v. 8.0