Online courses just as good
While there is cause to be wary of online scams, remember that there are legitimate online and distance learning programmes that are being run by accredited universities.
In America, if a university is accredited by one of the regional bodies, then its distance learning and online programmes are also accredited.
There are also universities that are fully run online, such as the University of Phoenix, the first online university to be accredited by one of the regional bodies.
Online learning is also becoming an increasingly viable new medium of education. Marlene Zeffreys from MACEE noted that “more universities are now recognising that the quality of online work is the same as work done in classrooms.” Students must, however, be completely sure that both the course and the university to which the online course is affiliated are properly accredited.
A Malaysian student, who prefers not to be named, is currently taking a two-year distance learning MBA programme with the University of Leicester, United Kingdom.
He says although they do not have to attend lectures, they still have to submit assignments every three months, write a 10,000- word thesis and take exams.
University lecturers come into Malaysia every quarter to see students and discuss any problems with them. Online forums are also regularly held for the distance- learning students to log on and ask questions about their assignments.
A management centre here in KL acts as an intermediary between the students and the university but students can also contact lecturers directly.
“I chose to do an online course because of the flexibility. I didn't want to be tied down by lectures as I'm also working and I wanted to be able to study and work on assignments when I have the time to,” he adds.
He also points out the financial advantages of doing a distance learning programme: “You cut down on the costs of living in a foreign country and your fees includes reading materials, notes complied by the university and textbooks which are all sent to you.”
News Poll
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Girl and stepmum held over bid to kill first wife
- Biggest karaoke session a blast
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Teoh's second autopsy completed 3.15pm
- Victim’s dad nabs kidnapper
- Teoh’s body exhumed for second autopsy today
- Foreigner falls to her death from condominium
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- No licence to try offenders
- Big impact in ‘small’ man’s win
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Stop blanket approval for outsourcing, says union
- Weapons drawn for new battle
- Johor set to be a medical hub
- Joy for 2,500 housebuyers as SPNB takes over project
RSS
