Online learning is gaining credibility

Two schools -- the University of Phoenix and Bryant & Stratton College -- handed out degrees to more than 400 students this month at the Richmond Convention Center.

A third school -- South University -- will open in Henrico County on Oct. 5 behind the Whole Foods Market on West Broad Street. It is now enrolling students for its local campus and online classes.

The three schools offer classes at a traditional campus as well as online-only.

Online learning is gaining credibility and gaining ground in the higher-education field.

About 12.2 million consumers enrolled in roughly 11,200 college-level distance-education programs during the 2006-07 academic year, the latest figures available, according to the U.S. Department of Education. That's up from the 3 million consumers enrolled in 2,320 distance-learning programs in 2000-01.

Most traditional colleges and universities now offer online courses as part of their regular degree programs, as well. Some, such as the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, offer a few specialized degree programs entirely online.

Are you thinking of earning an online degree? If so, here are some things you need to know:

• You need the right stuff in order to succeed. "Because there's no structured class schedule, it takes a lot of self-discipline," said James Campbell, director of marketing at the University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies.

Students who fail at online learning do so for the same reasons as those in a normal class setting, said Walter Green, chairman of the Emergency Services Management degree program in UR's School of Continuing Studies.

"They just don't do the work."

Those diligently engaged in their coursework who regularly interact with other students and the instructor usually succeed, he said.

• Be certain that the school is certified and accredited.

It should be certified by the State Council of Higher Education in Richmond and accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

"Institutions that are approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be of high quality," said Terry Hartle, an official at the American Council on Education, a trade organization.

The North Central Association of Colleges & Schools is the recognized accreditation board in the region that includes Virginia.

• Be sure the school offers financial aid. Title IV funding from the federal government -- including student loans and grants -- should be available, said Susan S. Whisenhunt, director of academic affairs at the University of Phoenix in Richmond.

• Tuition varies. Expect to pay $365 per credit hour for an online undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond and $361 per credit hour online at South University. The average annual tuition and fees at the University of Phoenix is about $12,000.

• Don't assume that online learning is a piece of cake. Course loads are normally just as rigorous as classroom learning.

• You'll find it convenient. Some of the students enrolled in UR's online Emergency Services Management or Disaster Science programs are shift workers -- firefighters, EMS technicians, even emergency-room physicians. They log in when they can grab the time, maybe even at 3 a.m., UR Program Coordinator Bo Harris said.

"You can study anywhere and anytime," Hartle said.

• You will communicate electronically with your instructors. But you may not meet them face to face until graduation.

• You won't feel isolated from classmates. "The students typically are very connected to their colleagues" through online forums and a chat room, Whisenhunt said.

"I see great friendships developing." It's like social networking, she said.

Contact Iris Taylor at (804) 649-6349 or .