Interview with Helen of eLearners.com on Urban American Networks
This interview was first aired on the radio in April of 2007. Scroll down to download the podcast!
Betty: We’re back with Surfin’ the Net, a product of American Urban Radio Networks. eLearners.com’s Helen MacDermott is back, she is schoolin’ us on online colleges and universities.
Helen: Well truthfully, the term online college is a little bit of misnomer. There’s actually only a few truly completely virtual universities that don’t have a campus. The majority of these providers are traditional brick and mortar universities that have an online presence.
Betty: See what I mean? She’s teaching us! Helen, is there really a difference between online colleges and colleges that post course material online?
Helen: It’s a little different in that they do offer free course material online. Which is great, you know anyone who is just interested in picking up something new, can go and download these materials out on their own or they can use it supplement your own formal education but you can’t actually earn an entire degree online from some of these major universities. Although, some of these Ivy Leagues are starting to get into the ring and offer extended education in terms of certificates or just piecemeal courses you can take not for credit.
Betty: With online studies, am I limited to the kind of degree I’ll have once I graduate?
Helen: The possibilities are virtually limitless. You can find accredited online degrees in associate’s level, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorates. And if you don’t need an entire degree, you can always also complete online certificate programs.
Betty: What are certificate programs?
Helen: A certificate program generally consists of a smaller subset of courses. So if you don’t need the entire credentials but just want to update your skill set or learn a new skill in general you can just take a small set of courses to fulfill that need. And often times, these certificate programs can then be transferred in toward an entire degree program if you change your mind later on.
Betty: Helen, any suggestions you want to share for a successful online educational experience.
Helen: You should have good reading and writing skills as well as a strong understanding of what it is you want to accomplish.
Betty: For more about online college courses log on to eLearners.com
*Commercial Break*
Betty: Helen, what are the numbers?
Helen: In 2005, 3.2 million students were enrolled in online courses. And that number is growing.
Betty: To assist all those in pursuit higher education, eLearners is offering a comprehensive how-to guide for online students. Helen, tell us all about it.
Helen: Basically we’ve created a comprehensive Guide to Online Education. Adults that are seeking career advancement and personal accomplishments have, rightfully have, tons of questions of online education. And we wanted to help learners understand and navigate this world of online learning.
Betty: I hate to generalize, but what common characteristics do online students share?
Helen: If you are considering online learning then chances are you are a busy, full-time working adult. And you don’t have the time to search the web and piece together all this information that we’ve already gathered for you in one place.
Betty: How do you think the Guide helps someone who’s trying to decide if going back to school online is the right move to make.
Helen: Well, the Guide features research, advice, and specific how-to’s as well as profiles of actual adult learners who are going to school online showing first hand what its like to juggle work, home life, and online courses.
Betty: For some taking a course online takes away the feeling of camaraderie attending a brick and mortar school provides. What do you think?
Helen: No, some people actually report that there’s even increased interaction.
Betty: To foster a sense of community, eLearners offers online education blogs and forums. I’m Betty Lee with Surfin’ the Net — conquering the digital divide.
Download the podcast!
http://community.elearners.com/blogs/elearnersnews/attachment/3847.ashx