Below are several articles and links to useful sites with great information on the plethora of online learning opportunities available:
Articles at AdultStudent.com
- "How to find time for distance learning while working full time" courtesy of Paul Smith.
Online Distance Learning Resources:
- Distance Education.org — Founded by Benjamin Pfeiffer to help students sort out the cost and differences among distance education programs.
- Distance Education Frequently Asked Question Archive — Oldie but some goodies.
- National Council for Private School Accreditation Distance Education Resources — Several online resources related to distance education.
- Peterson’s Online Schools — Distance Learning page.
- Open Education Consortium — "This initiative strives to provide information on all aspects of open education in one place."
- Distance Learning Resources for Continuing Your Education — from Quintessential / Live Careers from Dr. Randall S. Hansen.
- Old version of the WCET.info (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Cooperative for Educational Technologies) companion website to the Distance Learner’s Guide
Sample colleges with online presence:
- Marylhurst University
- Portland Community College
- University of Hawaii — distance learning resources.
Miscellaneous Distance Learning / Life Learning
While many of the above links are focused on full-level coursework affiliated with accredited colleges and universities, the internet is full of many general (and technical) subject free tutorials. Below are a few links that have useful and fun tutorials on everything from computer usage to growing flowers.
Free Online Courses and Tutorials
- Free and Affordable Distance Education ~ hundreds of links to tutorial sites
- iTunes U ~ free courses offered via Apple’s iTunes.
- Several prestigious universities have free online "Open" courses! Check out:
- Also, check out this article we found at LifeHack.org on free online education. Of course, you don’t earn credits for these courses, but they’re great if you need to brush up on a topic, or learn something just for yourself.