Sunday, January 11, 2015

By Enid Hinton


Students whether just starting college, or having been enrolled from quite some time whether at a school like the Australia Institute of Commerce and Technology virtual campus, or others often like to take at least one or two long distance courses. These courses, also known as distance learning allow students to complete work along with other responsibilities and schedules. The Australian Institute of Commerce and Technology virtual campus is just one school offering such opportunities.

Most often any college or university which offers the opportunity for virtual work, is going to offer a number of options when it comes to completing this type course. For example, students often have the opportunity to take a class for credit-non-credit, pass or fail. There are also programs in which students can take virtual classes to obtain an honor code, or verified certificate.

One such organization offering these certificate oriented classes is edX which offers courses from different universities, each often having different guidelines for receiving a certificate. Other schools and organizations which offer similar opportunities include the Universal Life Church (ULC, ) and the Kaballah Center, two religious organizations which offer classes similar to those found at universities and online. Both organizations offer a variety of classes, with some potential for a degree, most often in the area of divinity.

For most long distance courses, a student must successfully complete 75% or more of the work to pass the course. Completing any and all coursework along with any tests presented during the term is essential in obtaining a certificate. Most other websites which offer courses whether for credit, or a certificate generally follow this same rule.

While individuals can obtain certificates through these alternative forms of education, it should be noted that most are on a non-credit, pass fail basis. Classes offered through edX and other similar sites often do not. An individual may find an institution which offers online classes for both credit and noncredit though whether or not classes will transfer often depend on a number of factors. As such, before taking any long distance learning class towards a degree, it is important to discuss doing so with a counselor.

One of the best things about auditing classes, whether through a traditional school, or organization, is that one can complete the work at one's own pace. Once a course is complete on edX, new students can still Audit by working through the material, while past students often use the website for reference materials. Unfortunately, no certificates can be acquired by completing an archived course.

While there are a number of colleges and universities offering classes, there are only a few which have full online campuses. One being the one in Australia, and others overseas are the few exception to the rule. As most do not charge fees for those taking long distance courses, the sky is often the limit when it comes to choosing courses from virtual campuses like those offered by edX and others.

While traditional degrees and diplomas are often offered through universities, the edX program offers students the ability to receive these different certificates as proof of successfully completing a course. Obtaining a certificate is easy, as long as one can participate in online discussions, complete the assignments, videos and pass the tests for each section of a class.

Whether taking classes through traditional channels, or attending through an online organization, it is important to understand which classes provide transferable credits, and those which do not. Only then, can students assure one is taking classes which will work as credit towards a degree.




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