Guest Author - Sanita Salter
Eenie, meenie, miney, moe…to what online school should you go? Choices for distance learning/education are countless in today’s global society. Beginning with a career counselor or advisor can be a great help. So, can talking with your employer to find out how the additional education or training may affect your opportunity to advance. In some cases, knowing your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and passions are can aid you in deciding on a particular program. Do you want to be in business for yourself after the training or at least have the opportunity to do so in the future? Well maybe sitting down to make a list of these things is a great first step.
Next goal is finding your vehicle for goal fulfillment. One avenue for this is to search online by accrediting agency. These are broken down into six regions in the US and have a list compiled of accredited schools. They are not recommendations for schools, the best school for you is something you should decide since your money, future, and time are going to be invested.
Another avenue for searching is to narrow down by career fields. Search in the distance learning sites’ archives, use the cost of attendance as comparison and elimination tactics, and consider schools options for paying for it all.
One thing I remember is having my email account flooded with information from schools, and advertisers when I requested additional information. The search for a school or training program that is your best fit can be long and cumbersome.
Finally, yet importantly, ask a friend. Word of mouth is powerful advertisement. For every one great experience, a person has, they tell on average 10 more people and I remember this from past customer service training. However, for every bad experience an individual tells everyone who will listen. Remember though that blindly going with what is popular is not always a good choice. Research it first for yourself.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Commission on International and Transregional Accreditation, the Global Accreditation standards are great places to start your informational search. Combined strengths of several agencies have resulted in an organization consisting of 30 states, 65 countries and are considered the world’s largest education community. That organization is Advancing Excellence in Education Worldwide (AdvancED).
