Posting here on eLearners.com has paid off.  I finally got my first piece of “fan mail”.  I am always eager to help people out, so I thought I would post the interaction here for everyone to enjoy.

I am about to enroll in Kaplan University to study law (Associates of Applied Science -- Paralegal).  I have read some of your posts on a web-based learning site and am wondering whether you would be willing to discuss your Kaplan experience with me. Example: quality education vs. diploma mill, instructor/student communication, materials, availability of help either with the program or with specific classes...  Whatever comes to mind would be helpful.  My hope is to get my Associates, then my Bachelors, then go on to Concord Law School (Kaplan).
 
Is there any value to a diploma from Kaplan?  More so than other on-line colleges?  Less?  
 
I have no idea what to ask, but I've been out of the whole school thing since before there were PCs.  It's a different world now.  I just don't want to get sucked into something that will have little or no value when I am finished, and I don't know how to judge whether any particular on-line program is legit and saleable.  
 
Not college quality writing here... just a bunch of questions from an old woman at a late hour.  Would you consider sharing your experience?

Hello, Helen.

I would be happy to talk to you about this.

First of all, congrats on going to school.  I think you have made a great decision.  Even more congrats in contacting me (and others) to get information before you make some serious decisions.  

First of all, Kaplan is NOT a diploma mill.   No matter what school you apply to, if they are accredited by one of the regional agencies, then the chances of them being a diploma mill is almost zero.  Just make sure they are accredited.  That is my golden rule.  Click here to see a list of the agencies I am talking about.  If you see one of these agencies, then your OK.

Kaplan is just as good as any of the other online schools (from what I've heard).  I tried a couple of them before I started at Kaplan, and I didn't like it as much as Kaplan.  Kaplan was enticing and seemed to touch on subjects I like.  That in itself makes learning more fun.  But compared to other schools, I can't comment on since I have spent almost all of my time at Kaplan.  Overall, I think they are a very good school.

Diplomas from online schools carry just as much weight as other schools most of the time, and more and more every day.  It all depends on who you are talking to.  Unless you are applying for a job that mandates that your degree is not achieved online, then you are OK.  But you should not run into that kind of situation.  If the school is accredited, then there should be no worries.

As with any school, the instructor/student communication levels are different with each class.  I have been exposed to some instructors that are really on the ball, and I've had others who are a little more laid back (but still do a good job).  In 37 classes, I've had one complaint against an instructor.  It was a bad experience, but is not reflective of the school or the education you will get.  You will use message boards and e-mail to communicate, and will have one online live seminar per week where everyone gets together.

The school will provide all the materials (at least they have for me in my Management degree).  The books are sent to you 1-2 weeks before class starts.  They have never been late, and I have never received the wrong book.  They are very good at logistics.

In the 40 classes in my degree programs, I have only had one class that didn't get offered after I signed up for it.  It was an elective, and I just picked another elective.  They offer several electives when the time comes.  I would not worry about that.  I think they can see in plenty of time if there is not enough students in a class or the class is not otherwise offered.  

For help, the instructors are usually a good help.  Furthermore, the other people in the class are usually able to help out.  One thing about distance education is that you need to have some level of independence.  Online learning is not for those who have to constantly rely on others for help.  With that said, there is help available.  Use your instructor.  They usually have "office hours" where they are available via instant message or phone.

I think there is value to my Kaplan degrees.  You have to have a plan BEFORE you start this journey.  If you have a long term plan, and the only way to accomplish that plan is to get an education, then it will be worth it.  If you are taking classes just to take them when you don't have a goal in mind, it may not be worth it in the long run.  Education should be part of a plan.

As far as getting a law degree online, I would not do that.  That's just a personal opinion.  I know some lawyers.  They have told me that it would not be wise to do that.  Being on-campus is so much more important with that type of degree.  You get so much more by being on-campus.   Concord is almost $9,000 a term.  That is a LOT of money, and even more money if you don't have a plan in place where you can use the skills gained in that program.

They are accredited by the DETC, and the Juris Doctor program meets the legal education requirements of the State Bar of California.  If you are not practicing law in California, this might be a problem.  You will need to do more research.

I have a theory (right, wrong, or indifferent) that getting the Associates and Bachelors degree is "getting your ticket punched".  This is why I like online education.  I can get it done when I want, it's flexible, and I made a good choice with Kaplan.  Grad school is a different animal, and if some of the brick and mortar schools didn't offer online programs, I would be going to a traditional school for that.  I value the experience.  But again, that's just my opinion.

The bottom line is (again) to have a plan, know what you want to do, make sure your educational goals are in line with that plan.  Also, be ready to put a lot of time into this.  Just because online education offers flexibility doesn't mean it's easy.  You must be vigilant.  It's a long haul.  

Let me know if you have anymore questions.