Training Online For a Better Career

Want to make more money? With the growing popularity of online training and distance education, more than ever before Americans are opting to log on and begin training for choice career opportunities. Once plagued with the stigma of offering an inferior education, online training has come into its own with ground breaking training style, challenging course content and state-of-the-art technology. And employers are taking notice, some offering tuition reimbursement for employees willing to juggle full-time work, home and online training. With all these perks the question becomes, is online training right for you?

What is online training?

Online training is a form of distance education (or online education), that comes in one of two forms: continuing education and certificate- or degree-focused programs.

Continuing education offers training in a myriad of subjects aimed at fostering a specific skill set. These courses can range from basic computer skills, software training or even continuing professional training required for certification like attorneys or doctors. Most continuing education training courses are not for credit, and may not have educational prerequisites in order to participate. Here the goal is to bring the training student skill set up to date on whatever the subject may be.

Certificate or degree focused online training programs offer the student the ability to earn their GED, Associates, Bachelors, Master’s and in some cases PhD in many different subjects. Certificate or degree focused training online is for credit and usually have admissions requirements.

What is accreditation and why is it important?

Wherever there is money, there are scams. Unfortunately, the world of online training is not immune to fraudulent activity. Also known as a diploma mills or degree mills, online education scammers set up bogus online training institutions, require little or no academic study and grant degrees that are fake or absolutely worthless.

How do you protect yourself from diploma mills? Inquire about the online training programs accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary process which a legitimate online training or distance learning institution can undergo to prove their curriculum, standards and practices are in accordance with an independent, non-government entity. The two primary accreditation granters are Distance Education & Training Council (DETC) and Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS). Research if potential online training education programs are accredited at the council’s respective website.

What types of students does online training attract?

Online education attracts people of all ages, all background and all social-economic status. As long as you have a computer, internet connection and the desire to better yourself and your career, online training can offer limitless possibilities. Online training and distance education students tend to be very dedicated, self-starters and extremely motivated to pursue further training or an online degree. The format of online education classes is such that the student and teacher work very closely on the subject matter, as well as rely on other students via message boards and structured chat rooms for in-depth training.

Because many students training online have full time jobs, families or both, there is little time to waste. Online training offers two types of education formats to fit the needs of these busy students, as well as those with more flexible schedules:

Synchronous Learning – This is real-time learning where a student attends class at its scheduled time and training is taught live in a classroom or via the internet.

Asynchronous Learning – This allows the student to undergo training when their schedule permits. The student is still held to strict academic training standards as synchronous learning, but can take advantage of technology in order to do it at their convenience.

It’s no secret that online training may lead to increased opportunities on the job. Online training has opened up the doors of education to loads of individuals ranging from stay at home moms to corporate business executives. Expect to see online training and distance learning expand in the coming years as popularity and technology becomes more advanced. Now that you’re ready to sign up, check out AOL Find a Job for Online Learning opportunities that meet your needs, and perhaps advance your career.