Do you dream of studying in one of the most developed countries in the world, but do not have enough money or any ability to leave your home? Then online learning is the best option for you!
Such a common form of full-time learning is constantly being improved, and today, in order to obtain a sufficient level of knowledge, you do not need to spend your time searching for an audience, wandering the city from corps to corps, or waiting for the teacher to find free time for individual counseling. Almost every educational institution abroad offers more and more online courses in individual subjects or entire programs. This gives the student more time for other work, travel and leisure. What is the nicest - is the price, which is much lower and sometimes is absent at all. In addition, you do not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to live and stay in the US.
Initially, the online education system in the United States was designed for young people who were forced to work immediately after graduation, as well as for people with disabilities. In the 1980s, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) was created. The modern target audience to get an online education is mostly successful professionals who want to deepen their knowledge. Online programs for both school and higher education have become available to international students.
The educational project K12 International Academy in the USA is a virtual school that allows students from all over the world to join the educational process to receive a US-based school certification that is recognized by the leading universities. The main forms of education in a virtual school are participation in video lectures, conferences, seminars. For each student there is a teacher-supervisor, at the time of teaching to each student an individual approach is applied. At the end of study at school, students take traditional final exams, according to the results of which the school leaving certificate is issued.
Online education in the United States is undergoing to rapid development. According to the research by Babson Survey Research Group, nearly 6.7 million American students have chosen at least one online course already in 2012. Nowadays, online education can offer both the opportunity to receive Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees, and certificates after the study of individual short courses in specific subjects or some issues.
All online programs can be subdivided into several subtypes, depending on the features of the schools where such programs are offered:
1. Online programs that are available at traditional universities. The cost for online programs in this case does not differ from the cost of full-time programs offered where the personal presence in classes needed.
One of the first traditional universities to offer online programs is the National University. The peculiarity of teaching process at the National University lies in that each student works with three teachers. Two of the teachers are constantly in contact with the student and provide him with the necessary study material. The third teacher is virtual. He records lectures in audio and video format, which can be studied at any time. To be enrolled you need to take an exam (tests in mathematics, psychology and English).
2. The phenomenon of online universities has recently become more active, where anyone can find an interesting program at a reasonable cost, or free of charge. Such online universities are supported financially by educational societies and business unions.
One of the best examples of online universities is the University of the People. This is a private educational institution that offers online training exclusively. The university was founded by an American businessman in 2009 with headquarters in Pasadin, California. The school is accredited by the US Department of Education and has over 20,000 students worldwide. Thanks to the support of sponsors and foundations (Microsoft, Western Union and Intel), e-learning at University of the People is absolutely free, with the exception of the registration fee ($ 10 to $ 50), the fee for exams to get a diploma ($ 100 for each test). For students who cannot finance their studies, financial support programs have been developed at the university.
3. Educational platforms that collaborate with universities around the world and teach online courses for free.
Vivid examples of such platforms are Coursera and edX. Partner institutions of educational platforms include universities such as Princeton, Brown, Yale and others. Students can study in not only English, but also many other languages, all depends on the program and the university in which country you choose. Training is 100% online. Educational materials can be used by anyone, and registration is absolutely free. You can take any course you choose and you can take the exams to get a certificate or diploma (to get a certificate or a diploma paid service fee needed).
Despite the enormous popularity of online education, its essential advantages and the huge selection of possible programs, be careful not to get cheated and get a certificate that costs nothing. When choosing a program, be always aware to consider whether the program is accredited or has the necessary licenses and certificates. Pay attention to the domains of schools' websites: the best schools, colleges and universities have an EDU domain. In addition, give preference to hearing-impaired programs that have mailing addresses, campuses, and real teachers.
We are convinced that online learning is a great opportunity for today's young people who want to gain new knowledge and at the same time have more free time for personal development and self-realization.
If you are interested in learning in such a format, we will be happy to assist you in choosing a program and provide you with more information about this.
