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Distance learning was a 19th Century innovation in higher education. Students in rural areas and small communities enrolled in correspondence courses to receive technical training and take college classes. The U.S. Postal Service would deliver a packet of study materials and assignments to the student, who would then return completed assignments in the mail. A local librarian, schoolteacher or other official administered exams. The process was slow, since there was no direct contact between student and instructor, and the student might not get a course grade for weeks after completing the material.
Distance learning is one of the strongest trends in 21st century higher education. Today students enrolled in online college programs receive academic instruction and job training from accredited colleges—without ever visiting a campus. Communication is speedy, as students and instructors use instant messaging and e-mail to discuss course material and work through problems. Students take exams and quizzes online, receiving immediate feedback on their performance.
Correspondence courses – a favorite with busy adults
Not surprisingly, working parents, servicemembers on military deployment and others with complex lives now turn to the Internet to complete their college degrees. Distance learning continues to fulfill the mission of 19th century reformers who saw in correspondence courses a way to provide every person with access to a college degree program.
Accelerating college programs through distance learning
If it is your goal to complete a four-year degree program in three, or to condense a two-year program to 18 months, Internet-based instruction may provide the edge you need to succeed. Contact us to discuss flexible options and appropriate course and program selections. Utah Career College offers the following online degree programs:
- Business Administration Online (bachelor's and associate degree programs)
- Information Technology Online (bachelor's and associate degree programs)
- Accounting Online (Associate in Accounting and Taxation)
21st Century technology fulfilling a 19th century promise
Before offering online degree programs, we carefully evaluated the unique challenges faced by students and instructors in a distance-learning environment. UCC has addressed those issues, making use of instructional methods and technology designed specifically for online education. Today, as a member of Globe Education Network, we provide distance-learners with flexible options and the support they need to succeed. As a result, non-traditional students have access to the college classroom and vocational training.
Distance learning – the history
Correspondence courses were not originally recognized by traditional institutions of higher education. By the end of the 19th century, mainstream universities were experimenting with distance learning. In the 20th century, major public universities began offering extension courses, sometimes adding lantern slides and motion pictures to correspondence instruction. A number of colleges offered radio courses. By the second half of the 20th century, educational television was being used to deliver course content.
Today, the primary vehicle of distance learning is the Internet. Instructors deliver lectures via text and video in many different program areas, students communicate with instructors and fellow classmates on blogs and with instant messaging, and online study and testing tools provide instant feedback. Nearly every major institution of higher education offers courses online.
Our commitment: Quality in education, practical job training
At Utah Career College, we provide students with high-quality, efficient career training. We carefully evaluate each degree program and college course when deciding whether to offer it online, as a hybrid or in the classroom. It is our goal to provide maximum flexibility without compromising the depth of content.
Call the online division at 877-609-8889 or contact a representative from any of our campuses, West Jordan (a Salt Lake City suburb), Orem or Layton to find out whether distance/online learning will be the key that makes it possible for you to earn a college degree.