Complete Guide to Distance Education

The traditional university experience isn't your only option for earning your MBA. In fact, it's become quite a popular option to earn your MBA partially or even entirely online. It's the flexibility of distance education that many working professionals find hard to pass up. By the time you've completed your undergraduate degree and have some business experience under your belt, chances are you've got work and family obligations that you can't turn your back on just because you'd like to further your education. That's where distance education comes in. Online MBA students can access their graduate-level courses at a time of day that works best for them, allowing them to more easily juggle their busy lifestyle. Distance education students enjoy the convenience of online coursework without missing out on the rigor of a traditional MBA program.

This is a guide by Online MBA.

Distance education is becoming a popular choice among students of all ages and cultures. Distance learning allows students to gain their education at home, coffee shops and libraries. Essentially, anywhere there is an Internet connection. It also enables teachers to instruct students from all over the world. Students they normally would not be able to interact with. This convenience alone is a big draw for busy moms, the handicapped, full time employees and many other people trying to fit academia into their busy lives. Learning the basics on distance education is the first step to becoming involved.

Resources for Educators

• TEAMS- Distance learning resources for K-6 teachers.
• A Teacher Guide to Distance Learning- Comprehensive site covering topics including connectivity issues and a variety of application for K-12 students.
• The Distance and Education Training Counsel- Resources for educators of online curriculum.
• Teaching Topics: Distance Learning - Collection of tips and articles for teachers engaging in distance learning courses.
• Center for Distance Education Teaching Tips - A guide to distance learning from the University of Alaska.
• Teaching a Distance Learning Course - Step-by-step guide for educators.
• Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium - List of tips for teachers, including what students will expect from their instructors.
• Teaching Online - Fantastic group of articles on being a successful online educator.

Resources for Students

• United States Distance Learning Association- Resources for students interested in all facets of distance education.
• Tips for Success in Distance Learning- Several tips for success and study time ideas.
• Distance Learning Tips- Ways to succeed in distance learning courses.
• Study Tips for Distance Learning Courses - List of tips for students in online courses.
• Tips for Online & Telecourse Students - Good pieces of advice on how to excel in an online course.
• Is Online Learning For You? - Contains pertinent questions and a quiz for students considering distance education.
• Online Learning Cost Savings Calculator - Useful tool that allows students to determine how much money can by saved by online classes.
• Tips for Being a Successful Online Learner - Huge list of tips for students on online learning.
• Distance Learning Resources and Links - Big list of links for students.
• Distance Learning Resources - Strategies and tutorials for students enrolled in online learning classes.

Journals and Publications

• JOLT- A journal for online educators.
• NCOLR- Journal of Interactive Learning. Discusses issues of online learning.
• Education Next- Journal for educators focusing on online classes.
• OJDLA- Online journal of distance learning administration, contains resources, articles, and information for the distance learning administrator.
• Distance Education at a Glance- Series of publications on the basics of distance learning.
• International Technology and Distance Learning Journal- Covers topics in the fields of technology related to distance learning.
• Issues in Distance Learning- Publication detailing the basics of distance learning
• American Journal of Distance Education- Journal dealing with the issues and developments in distance learning including research and scholarships.
• European Journal of Open and Distance Learning – European site dedicated to open discussion of distance learning and its progression throughout the world.

Technology in K12 Classrooms

• Educause- Information and resources on the best use of technology in the classroom.
• Effects of Technology on Classroom and Students- Detailed publication on the subject of classroom technology uses.
• Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education- Comprehensive site including issues in technology in the classroom.
• The Journal- Using technology in the classroom.
• Using the Technology of Today in the Classroom- PDF document from MIT discussing technology in the classroom.
• The Wired Classroom- A website dedicated to the use of technology in the classroom with tips, ideas, projects.
• How to Incorporate Technology in the Classroom- Ideas on how to seamlessly bring in technology to the classroom to reinforce instruction.