If you are thinking about utilizing a distance learning program then you need to familiarize yourself with a whole new set of terms and definitions that help to make up this new way of learning. Here are a few to get you started, the ABC's of distance learning. Under A you may find the following terms: Academic Advisor. An academic advisor is a person appointed by the college or university representative who provides guidance to students in to help them select courses and an academic program that will meet the requirements to complete an online degree program. Accreditation.

This is the process by which online degree programs are monitored to ensure that they meet certain standards or requirements. There are special accrediting agencies at the national and regional level that ensure that the distance learning program meets all of the specific curricular standards in order to grant online degrees Associate Degree. An associate online degree is usually granted after completion of a two-year post secondary program.

It also is sometimes known as a transfer degree. Under B you may find: Baccalaureate. This is more commonly known as a bachelor's degree and is usually granted after four years of study at an online degree granting college or university. Baud. A baud is a technical measurement of digital transmission that is used to describe the rate at which information flows between two electronic devices such as modems. The higher the baud rate means the faster information is processed and transferred between two computers.

Under C you will find: Case Study. A case study is a common presentation style to help distance learning students see the application of a theoretical principle to a simulated or real-life situation. It helps students practice applying their analytical and presentation skills to the theories that are learning in their online classroom. College.

A college is an institution that normally offers associate and bachelor's degrees. The focus at colleges is on education rather than research. Conditional Acceptance or Admission. This is an offer to participate in a university or college online degree program to a student who meets the basic academic requirements, but might need to improve some other aspect of themselves such as passing an English proficiency exam in order to begin their distance learning program. Cooperative or Co-op Program.

These are distance learning programs that combine online classroom time with alternating work placements. Course load. Course load refers to the number of courses taken or credits earned within a period of study that may be defined as a semester, term or quarter. Credit. A credit is granted for each course completed and in order to get an online degree most academic programs require students to complete a certain number of credits or courses.

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By: Jeff Slokum