Distance Learning
Distance learning is a great option when you have no time to attend classes in a traditional classroom. You can work towards a degree, gain certification for professional development, take non-credit courses to learn a new skill, or download tutorials for your own personal enrichment. Prices range from free to $1000 per credit hour. Some classes are completely virtual while others are a blend of online and on-campus classes. Here, we offer a few links to get you started.
* MIT’s Open Courseware (OCW)
http://ocw.mit.edu
You will find all the courses taught at MIT, available to anyone with an internet connection, for free. Course syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, exams, audio and video lectures are all online. There is no instructor, and you don’t get credit for taking the courses, but you don’t have to apply for admission, either.
A list of free courses from more institutes of higher learning can be found here:
http://oedb.org/library/beginning-online-learning/200-free-online-classes-to-learn-anything
For more free courses, simply do an internet search for “free online learning”.
* eLearners.com
http://www.elearners.com
A search portal for online education. The site links you to thousands of colleges and courses. Be sure to check for accreditation where applicable.
* Harvard Extension School
http://extension.harvard.edu/2008-2009/DistanceEd/
They offer online courses (not degrees), ranging from $800 to $2000 per course. You have to go on campus to sit for exams.
* Northeastern University Online
http://www.northeastern.edu/online
They have programs where you can get your undergraduate or graduate degree or professional certification entirely online.
* University of Massachusetts Online(UMassOnline)
http://www.umassonline.net
They charge residents and non-residents the same tuition fees. Prices start at $165 for non-credit courses and go up to $2010 for graduate-level courses.
* Bunker Hill Community College
http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/section/5
They charge more affordable tuition rates at $116 per credit hour (08/09 year) for Massachusetts residents but only associate level degrees (diplomas) are offered online.
* ed2go
http://www.ed2go.com
They offer short-term online courses in many fields. They range from basic computing to professional nursing certifications to business management courses. Classes are led by instructors and are quite affordable.
Last Updated: March, 2009
