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(ARA) - When it comes to furthering your personal and professional goals by finishing that degree you once started or beginning a new course of study, wouldn’t it be nice to just log onto your home computer and learn?

For a growing number of adults, online learning has provided an opportunity to advance their careers with education. Current statistics show that more than 3.1 million students are now learning online, proving that it is possible to advance your career with education, minus all the time and location barriers that often prevent attendance at a traditional brick-and-mortar school.

“Understanding both the advantages and requirements for successful online learning will be key to fulfilling your advancement goals,” says Tony Digiovanni, president of ClassesUSA, an online higher education portal.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if online study is right for you and what online institution to “attend.”

School anytime and anywhere.

The majority of online programs offer class work that can be completed at a time convenient for you so long as you meet deadlines. Students can log on and learn when it is convenient for them.

“No longer are you tied into a set time or place to learn,” says Digiovanni. “Accredited online learning programs afford you flexibility while maintaining high academic quality.”

Just because a school’s accreditation sounds official, doesn’t mean it is.

As Digiovanni points out, one of the most important factors to consider when exploring online degree programs is the school’s accreditation. Accreditation is a status granted to an education institution or program that meets or exceeds predetermined criteria of education quality. In order for your degree to be widely recognized, the college or university must have this “academic seal of approval.”

Can you work independently?

Keep in mind that there are distinct motivational differences between an online classroom and a traditional one. Not only does online learning demand you stay on top of your assignments and keep yourself stimulated, you’ll need to communicate your concerns as they arise, and not rely on your classmate next to you to do so. Online and traditional classes can be researched ClassesUSA.

Are you comfortable with technology?

You’ll need to be. Although many colleges and universities make the transition from class to computer virtually seamless, the nature of online learning is technologically driven. You’ll need to be familiar and comfortable with the Internet, downloading software (when necessary), and simulating all classroom activities (discussions, question-and-answer, quizzes and tests, etc.) online.

Are you comfortable expressing your opinion and communicating your ideas?

If you have no problem elaborating on your viewpoints and expressing yourself in written form, you have the potential to do quite well in an online course. Much of your grade depends upon the feedback and insight you provide via online discussions.

Then again, those who tend to be hesitant to speak out can also have an advantage. Online degree and certificate programs give those who are otherwise reserved and need time to formulate their thoughts the ability to shine. Since most courses follow a similar format — one in which students are typically asked to read or review a lesson plan and then post their responses to discussion questions — there is a great opportunity to flesh out ideas and thoughts.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

ALSO SEE: Online College Rankings 2007