Online Learning: Guidelines in Choosing an Online School

I was already working for two years in an advertising and marketing company when I decided to take up a Master of Business Administration degree because I believe that having a master's degree would offer me opportunities for job growth, career advancement and a possibility of a higher salary. But I could not give up my full-time job in the company where I worked because it was my only source of income in supporting my plan to get a master's degree. Then, some of my co-workers told me about the electronic learning or online learning programs offered by online schools.

I learned that electronic learning or also known as e-learning is the learning and teaching that uses electronic forms for delivering the education to the students. Electronic learning could be carried out either inside a school-based classroom that uses electronic methods for educating the students, or the teaching and learning for students who are not physically present in a classroom. Since I wanted to retain my full-time job and still pursue my master's degree, I decided that using the online learning approach of distance learning in which I do not have to attend a traditional classroom and  not quit my current job because I would be able to take online classes and examinations.

But before I selected a specific online university or college, I read materials from the Internet on how to choose a reliable online school. From my readings, I learned that you should choose an online learning program that fits your goals or objectives for the course you want and if it would contribute to your future career plans. Moreover, the online course should also accommodate your current work schedule and other regular professional or personal activities.

Another important guideline I learned is that the online school you would choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency or organization. There are various regional accreditation agencies that accredit schools, universities and colleges in particular regions in the country, or national accrediting bodies that accredit schools nationwide, or professional organizations that accredit specific academic programs. Accreditation of an online course is regarded by employers as a sign that you obtained quality education.