Distance Learning
Scroll down the page to find Cook County Higher Education's favorite Distance Education links and cost calculators.
What is Distance Learning?
- Print: This is the foundation of distance education programs, the standard correspondence course, and the basis from which all other delivery systems have evolved. Print formats include the use of textbooks, study guides, workbooks, course syllabus, videos, tapes and case studies. Correspondence courses usually take three months to one year to complete, depending on time limits the institution sets, and the motivation of the student. CCHE has over 100 distance education catalogues from accredited institutions.
- Data: Computer assisted instruction, using the computer as a self contained teaching machine through information disks, or as a course on the Internet. These courses usually follow the same semester time period as campus courses, but class "attendance" is when you turn on your computer. The computer can also be used to submit courses taken via correspondence. The assignments are e-mailed or faxed, speeding up delivery, and enhancing the student - teacher relationship by opening up more forms of communication. CCHE's favorite links (scroll down the page) will connect you to some of the choices available.
- Interactive TV (ITV): Classroom instruction is televised over an interactive cable. Students at one or more sites view and interact with an instructor and other students over television. Students can see and hear the instructor, and the instructor can see and hear the students at the various sites. This medium is especially useful in lab situations, where hands on instruction is necessary. Contact CCHE to find out what courses are currently available.
- Satellite, Video, Voice: Instructors present lectures using these mediums, for instruction at various sites, or in the home. Voice instruction involves telephone use with audio conferencing and audio tape instruction.
Distance Learning Advantages:
Attending an educational institution isn't always a viable alternative. Work, family commitments, and distance from a school are reasons for exploring distance learning alternatives. You can determine your savings by utilizing the cost calculators at the bottom of this page.
All manner of degrees are available through distance learning. You can obtain an Associate of Arts degree or a Ph.D. Additionally, there are professional or certificate programs available.
In addition to individual advantages, a wide range of employers are discovering the advantages of distance programs. The classroom is brought to the work site, and workshops are developed to meet the employer's needs.
Click Here to review Cook County Higher Education's list of colleges and universities that offer certificate and degree programs. This is a great resource to review the amazing possibilities presented by distance education.
CCHE's Favorite Distance Links:
- EduChoice - Directory of colleges and courses.
- E-Learning Guide - Searchable database of accredited online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs compiled by U.S. News and World Report.
- College Resources - Distance learning courses available on the Internet.
- Free Practice Tests Test preparation previews for college entrance tests, GRE, PRAXIS, nursing -- just about everything! Great site to find out which skills you need to hone before taking your actual exam.
- Distance Education and Training Council - Degree and Training Programs. Schools accredited by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC), while recognized as quality programs, may not transfer to other institutions.
- Education Search - Education, career, scholarship, and more -- lots of information on this site!!
- Get Educated - A Directory of Online Colleges, Internet Universities, and Training Institutes.
- Globewide Network Academy - Distance courses and degree programs of all types.
- Graduate Programs - Distance degree programs for graduate students. Select "Distance Education Programs" from the drop-down menu under "Search by Graduate School."
- Lake Superior College - On-line college courses.
- Laurentian Community & Technical Colleges - On-line training courses (non credit).
- Mind Edge - A Directory of Courses, Training, and Degree Programs.
- Minnesota Online - Distance learning courses and degree programs in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Virtual University - ISEEK: Another resource for distance learning courses and degree programs in Minnesota, along with career information.
- New Horizons Computer Learning Centers - On-line training courses (non credit).
- University of Minnesota Distance Learning - Catalog of distance learning courses for college or high school.
- University of Wisconsin Distance Learning - Catalog of distance learning courses for college, high school, or continuing education.
- USDA Graduate School - Certificate courses for career development.
- Virtual University - Continuing Education courses covering a wide variety of topics.
College Planning Tools:
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| Distance Learning Calculator - Determine out how much you can save by taking distance learning courses.
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| College Costs - Use this calculator to determine how much attending college will cost.
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| College Financing - A calculator to help you determine your financial options, needs, and potential grant and loan awards.
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Cook County Higher Education - 501 W. 5th Street
P.O. Box 57 - Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-3411
email: highered@boreal.org
