Distance learning degrees and online degree programs have become popular since the internet became a household name. This has opened doors to a great opportunity for those wishing to pursue further education. But just as it is with everything new, the internet has also presented challenges and created room for sale of unscrupulous degrees and diplomas. The figures released by USA Today indicate that in 2003, over 400 diploma mills were in operation and the number was on the increase. Surprisingly, this dubious operation of degree mills seems to be thriving in an industry currently estimated at $500 million per year.

Nevertheless, many colleges and universities are now offering legitimate degrees and diplomas. Unlike the mills, institutions of higher learning are doing everything possible to provide the same quality of education offered to students in the traditional learning environment. With access to video lectures, online courses, innovative online testing methods, and virtual library facilities, those seeking distance learning degrees can rest assured their diplomas have been justly earned. Unfortunately, many employers’ views have been tainted because of the influx of fake degrees.

In an effort to change the negative perception, the U.S. National Education Board has established 6 accreditation agencies to evaluate and provide accreditation to the higher learning institutions meeting the minimum criteria for a quality education, thus differentiating between the bogus degree programs. For example, the Distance education and training council provides accreditation for those institutes solely dedicated to online degree programs. The agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

In addition, specific programs in specialized areas can obtain accreditation through the agencies associated with the subject matter. For example, the American Health Information Management Association provides accreditation for qualifying health programs; accounting programs are assessed by the International Association for Management Education. However, it only counts if the agencies are endorsed by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

So, to verify the educational quality of any institution, students, parents, and potential employers should be concerned about accreditation status. If any college or university has that coveted seal of approval, it means distance learning degrees have met the same basic standards of excellence with the support and facilities necessary to adequately offer online degree programs. Conversely, specialized accreditation concentrates on evaluating the course curriculum based upon the established standards of the university or college.

Distance learning degrees from accredited institutions assure graduates, parents and prospective employers any degree earned is well deserved. The work completed has met the standards of adequately preparing people in their major area of study. Conversely, it also means colleges and universities not granted accreditation do not meet the standards of excellence required. Nevertheless, for the student who is only taking classes necessary to an area of specialization, only the courses need that all important stamp of approval.

In the end, it is totally up to potential employers to decide whether to hire an individual with a distance learning degree. With skepticism influenced by all the bogus diploma mills, no wonder they are being more cautious. Therefore, if the accreditation is supplied by a trusted and recognized source, the application for a job is less likely to be set aside. Instead, it has a better chance to be found in the stack for a second interview or final selection for a job position.

The author is a web contributor for accredited distance learning colleges and distance learning degrees for everything you need on online education degree and distance learning.

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When is the GMAT?

There is no specific date (like there is for the SAT) that you must take the GMAT. So you have the liberty of scheduling a date and time for your testing at the nearest testing administration site.

Great. So when should I take the GMAT then?

Since your test taking skills are best during school, you should take your GMAT exam ideally near the graduation date of college. You can be extra aggressive and take it the summer before your junior and senior year or the summer after graduation. Of course once you start your job, you probably want to focus on your job for the first 6 months. So if you’ve already started your job, you should wait until at least 6 months before preparing for the GMAT. The GMAT is valid for 5 years so you should take the GMAT sometime in your mid 20s–certainly before your early 30s–in order to position yourself well for the MBA application season once you are 2-5 years out of college.

I’m several years out of college. Is it too late to take the GMAT?

Don’t worry. You didn’t miss the boat! Thousands of people are in your shoes. You might not be used to the pressures of test taking so will need to pay extra attention to doing several practice exams mimicking exam-like conditions.

Mimicking exam-like conditions?

I mean rather than just running through questions on a practice exam bit by bit, you should schedule an entire morning or afternoon to take the exam with a timer. Especially with the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format of the exam, you should take these practice exams AS IF it were the real thing, at least several days before your real exam and preferably earlier.

What else should I take into account?

Since you have a busy life with work, extracurriculars, and socializing you want to get the GMAT out of the way ASAP before you start applying to business school. Why? Because later on you’re going to be even more busy. You’ll need to spend time on your job, but also any community groups you are a part of. Member of an organization that holds ambitious yearly events? Put in the effort and participate on the board in a leadership position. Trying to get a salary raise so you can mention it on your Bschool application? Do what you need to do to get there. And of course when you apply, you’re going to need to budget time to research each school you apply to and get a sense of which ones are right for you. The list of things to do will get really hectic once you start applying, so take my advice. Take the GMAT now and get it out of the way before you start your business school applications.

Which one should I do first? Study for the exam? Or schedule for the exam?

This is a personal preference. I would recommend you to schedule the exam a few months in advance when you plan to take it. Pay the $250 (yes, not cheap) it costs to take the exam so that you are invested into the exam-forcing you to study. Otherwise, if you casually study for the exam, you may never progress anywhere.

This article was authored by GMAT tutor and expert, Zeke Lee. Zeke is the inventor of The GMAT Pill Study Method and has aided numerous students ace the GMAT exam in as little time as possible. Although his secret techniques were limited to wealthy students who could afford $200/hour a few years ago, Zeke has now opened the door to his special strategies to the average student. Online GMAT Prep

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Piano lessons for beginners used to require a teacher to come to your home, or you to theirs. But technology is changing all of that and the internet has made it possible to learn from home almost completely on your own. This article will look at the top 3 reasons to give piano lessons online a try.

1. Less Expenses: When you take traditional lessons, you will spend a lot of money over time. Monthly expenses for the lessons and even gas money if you have to travel to them could easily cost you more than $700 per year, with a typical lesson costing upwards of $15 for a half hour. Piano lessons online not only cost you less on both accounts, but they are a great way to get the same quality instruction.

2. Study at Your Own Pace: Choosing to learn online piano lessons via software allows you to study at your own pace. You can skip ahead to future lessons or slow everything down if you wish. A piano teacher won’t be able to control you and decide whether or not you are ready for a certain piece of music.

3. Pick Your Interests: Usually, when you take traditional piano lessons, you’re forced to learn whatever the teacher wants you to learn. Classical music is almost always a must and although it is great for enhancing technical skills and mastering theory, it can often be a bit boring for some. However, if you take lessons online, you’ll have the freedom to pick your interests and learn just about any song you like.

This article discussed 3 reasons to try piano lessons online. Choosing this way to study the piano is less expensive, allows you to study at your own pace and pick the kinds of pieces you really want to play.

Since this is a kind of a new concept of learning an old instrument, it may be a little questionable to you at first. The same principles apply however for online piano instruction as they do for traditional lessons. Don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Whether the lessons are for you or a loved one, online piano lessons for beginners is a pretty new concept…

Want to learn more?

Lily Adams, a mother of two and web entrepreneur has created a helpful meeting place for parents. Her website, ParentMeltingPot.com, has more information regarding a piano lesson for beginners as well as solutions for other parental problems.

Tags : education, entertainment, family, hobbies, Internet, kids and teens, learning, music, music lessons, online piano lessons, parenting, piano lessons, piano lessons for beginners, self improvement, Software