Many of us are doing the best we can juggling a family, a job…a life. It’s not easy planning a college education around all of it. Still, you long for a career instead of a job. Now there are ways to earn college credits without ever stepping foot in a classroom!
Studying online can save you money because you don’t have to pay tuition or buy text books. You’ll have more time for yourself and your family instead of rushing between work, home and school. You can study at your own pace and when it’s convenient for you.You can study from home, the office, or an Internet café – anywhere you can find a connection.
Free online education has opened up a world of possibilities to people who once thought college was out of reach due to a lack of time, finances or transportation. Stay-at-home moms, retirees, homeschooled and foreign students…anybody can start building up their college credits by taking online classes. Now you can stay home with the kids this summer, take that much needed vacation, or consider that career change without putting your education on hold. An online college let’s you work towards earning a degree while living your life. When you’re ready, you can earn credit by exam! What are credits by exam?
Credit by examination is a way of receiving course credit without taking the course. Many colleges believe that what you learn is more important than how you learn it. These exam programs were designed to give everyone credit for learning, even if they never stepped foot in a college before.The CLEP…College Level Examination Program and the DSST…DANTES Subject Standardized Tests are 2 popular exam programs.The tests themselves are not free, but they are affordable and they are available to anyone, regardless of where you study. Click on each link for more information on test subjects, where their credits are accepted, and other information.
Though the amount of credit varies with each college, with 3 to 12 credits granted per exam (typically the same amount of credits as a class per semester), you could be on your way to a degree in your spare time!
How are online classes structured?
Generally it consists of reading and video tutorials. There are single class lessons and multiple class courses. There are assignments and quizzes. Some courses may meet at certain times, but most are available for you to study in your own time, when it’s convenient for you.
There is no special equiptment needed…just a computer and a connection. Most courses will also offer either online or telephone support, since there is no ‘teacher’ available. It really isn’t much different than being in school, except that you never leave home and you go to ‘school’ whenever you want!
What subjects can I learn online?
The courses offered vary from school to school. Most public universites will offer classes in your basic fields, such as Arts and humanities, Business, Lanuage, Social Sciences…etc. Some online universities offer additional classes in computing and technology. It’s another sign of the times!
When you are ready to choose a course, keep a few things in mind. You want to find a course that suits your needs and experience level. You may want to choose a course that offers a certificate of completion, or one that offers tutoring. Whatever your personal and professional needs, there is an online course for you! Below, I’ve provided a list of link to some popular online colleges to get you started on your way to furthering your education.
*Harvard Open Courses: The open learning initiative
*Education Portal
*Saylor Foundation
*Excelsior College
*Open University
*Coursera
Whether you want to finish a college education or start one, online classes can help you get there. Spend some time browsing the subject catagories above. Take that class you’ve always dreamed of. Try your hand at something totally new! Online universities and college credit exams have removed barriers such as time and money so you can start a class and be on your way to a college degree today!