Online Distance Education Programs

Online distance education, also called online distance learning, has grown by leaps and bounds as the Internet and bandwidth become more accessible. This leaves the online learner with more options for flexibility.

Many accredited colleges and schools in the United States offer programs in a variety of areas, whether it is bachelors and undergraduate, and graduate (masters, doctoral/PhD, professional degrees Distance Learning and e-Learning Technology Degrees Online are offered by leading accredited universities. To learn more about program offerings in many areas of study in the United States, request additional information from any of the colleges below. Distance learning is not a new experience although online distance education is a more recent and evolving phenomena. Distance learning has been a method of teaching and learning for many individuals for at least one hundred years, starting with correspondence learning via postal mail (Moore & Kearsley, 1996). Online degree courses and e-learning utilizes multiple resources and multimedia components for learners anywhere at anytime.

Selected Instructional Technology Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training
• Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-Computer Education
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Educational Technology

Walden University

• B. S. in Instructional Design and Technology - - General Program
  • Instructional Design and Technology - Business and Organizational Change
  • Instructional Design and Technology - Human Factors and Interface Design
• M. S. in Instructional Design and Technology - General
• M. S. in Instructional Design and Technology - Training and Performance Improvement
• M. S. in Instructional Design and Technology - Online Learning
• Instructional Design Certificate
• Master of Science in Education - Adolescent Literacy and Technology
• Master of Science in Education - Integrating Technology in the Classroom: Grades K-12
• Online Teaching (Post-Doc. Certificate)
• Education Specialist - Educational Technology
• Ph.D. in Education - Educational Technology

Capella University - Online

• MS - Instructional Design for Online Learning
• PhD - Information Technology Education
• PhD - Instructional Design for Online Learning

Kaplan University

• MS in Education - Instructional Technology (K-12)
• MS in Education in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning - Higher Education
• MS in Education in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning - Organizations
• Graduate Certificate in Teaching with Technology

Northcentral University - Graduate

• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Education - Education Technology and E-Learning
• Master of Education (MEd) - Education Technology and E-Learning
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - Education Technology and E-Learning
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) - Education Technology and E-Learning

Post University

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Instructional Design & Technology

Jones International University

• M. Ed. in K - 12 Instructional Technology
• M. Ed. in K - 12 Instructional Technology

• M. Ed. - Learning and Technology

Strayer University

• M.ED.: Instructional Technology

American InterContinental University

• Master's of Education (M. Ed.) in Instructional Technology

Devry University

• Master's - Educational Technology (Online Only)
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Management

Nova Southeastern University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Computing Technology in Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) - K-12 Technology Integration
• Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

Boise State University

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Technology
• Master of Educational Technology (M.ET.)

Search for Universities with Online Degrees and Programs

Request Information from Colleges and Universities in your area

An Overview of Online Distance Education

The advent of information and communication technology (ICT) and e-learning have blurred the boundaries of distance education and traditional education (Garrison & Shale, 1987). Distance education has evolved in accordance with the trends and changes in conventional education for online degree classes. Technological innovations like cable, satellite, computers, and fiber optics have increased the scope of distance education. As the radio was added to the conventional lecture approach, distance education integrated audiovisual components as well. Online and e-learning degrees are available in a variety of areas:

• Online Business Administration and MBA Degree Programs
• Online Education Degree Programs
• Nursing Degrees
• Computers and Information Technology Degrees
• Health & Medicine Degrees

Presently, distance learning uses emerging technologies such as e-learning to enhance traditional education. For example satellite links, computers, telephone and Internet conferencing, two-way interactive video and the Internet. As a result, the distance learner can now have almost the same instructional contact and interaction as the student on campus. The introduction of live two-way audio and video communications means that face-to-face interaction and interpersonal communication can be combined at the same time when teaching at a distance.

The terms "distance learning" and "distance education" have been applied by many different researchers interchangeably to a great variety of programs, providers, audience, and media. Programs are available at all levels including:

• Associate Degrees
• Bachelor Degrees
• Masters Degrees
• Doctorate Degrees

References

Garrison, D.R., & Shale, D. (1987). Mapping the boundaries of distance education: Problems in defining the field. The American Journal of Distance Education, 1(1), 7-17.

Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance education: A systems view. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Before proceeding with online distance education e-learning degree programs, it is important to examine some important points, such as: 1) The advantages and disadvantages of online distance education; 2) The types of learners who are successful in online distance education programs; and 3) Locating credible and accredited programs. This will help you avoid diploma mills.