What Constitutes A True Distance Learning Degree???

Several posts recently have addressed the issue of qualifies as a DL degree. Perceptions included:

1. Degree earned 100% via DL from a DL school (non-brick/mortar) only.

2. Degree earned 100% via DL from a traditional school.

3. Degree earned via research (eg, research doctorate/British model) at a non-US school.

There seems to be a broad range of opinion as to definition, which I think complicates an already, often misunderstood, methodology.
For example:

1. While the British model research doctorate is not viewed as a DL degree (by those within that model), it would probably be perceived as such in the US.

2. Many traditional degree programs can be earned by taking a substantial portion of the courses via DL. For example, at RA/ATS schools, up to 1/3 of the program can be completed via DL.

3. Numerous degree programs are now offered at the undergrad level, many of them 100% DL. But, as in my case, I earned a RA BA by transferring in 68 residential hours, and completed 62 hours via DL. Over half the program was residential. Was this a DL degree?

4. I was able to complete about 10 hours of my masters, and 6 hours of my doctorate via DL. However, both were residential programs. So while each degree had a DL component, the bulk was residential.

My question regards at what point does a degree becomes a DL degree?

1. 51% residential, 49% DL=traditional degree?
2. 51% DL, 49% residential=DL degree?
3. Must the degree be termed a DL degree by the school?
4. Is a research degree a DL degree?

What think YE?

Russell

 

Hmmmm?

I transfered in 87 semester credits from traditional schools, I received 55 semseter credits for prior learning from Northwestern University and 6 semester credits DL(liberal arts) from Charter Oak State College.

So is it a DL bachelors degree?

Dan
Finishing a BS degree in only 23 YEARS!

 

Hello, Russell!

Interesting question, indeed!

My personal position is as follow: For most institutions, when you transfer to another university to finish a degree, you are required to take at least 30 credits at the new university, the GPA is calculated only taking into account the new classes at the new university, and the degree is conferred by the new universiy. Conclusively, if you transfer 60 credits earned via distance learning to the new university, all 60 are credited, and you earn the remaining 30 credits residentially at your new institution, the degree, since it is conferred by the new university, should be considered a residential degree.

Sincerely yours,


Karlos Alberto Lacaye
[email protected]

 

More scenarios:

1) BA in 4 weeks: no classes, research, or thesis. All credits are earned by examination by third parties. It is a purely administrative procedure for the degree-granting institution. DL? (I think not; it is something else perhaps with no name.)

2) A remote campus one thousand miles from the main campus with 100% hinder-in-a-seat, classroom instruction, plus thesis. (That's how I did my MS.) DL?

3) Send $20. to ULC; get degree. DL? (No, has the D but no L.)

4) Hack into university records from afar and award yourself a residential degree. DL?

 

Come now, Bill. Perhaps the ULC awards the degree based on life experience, i.e.,

1. Writing the check.
2. Licking the envelope.
3. Walking to the mailbox.
4. Opening the diploma.
5. Hanging the diploma in a conspicuous place.

Would this not constitute a solid educational experience?

Russell

 

I think that a more appropriate term is "non-traditional learning". Although I did my Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's through brick & mortar schools, I incorporated a lot of non-traditional elements into all of them.

With the undergrad degrees, I used CLEP, DANTES, and portfolio credit extensively, cutting down dramatically the time I had to plant my butt in a classroom. In my Master's program, I exclusively attended off-campus classes far from the actual school, and I only visited the real campus once to file my DD-214 for Veteran's benefits (which had to be done in person).

As a result, I don't really consider any of my degrees true DL, even though my strategies and inspiration came from the various Bear books and the sage advice of Steve Levicoff.


Bruce

 

The terms "nontraditional" and "alternative" were the ones in use when this field got hot in the early 1970's. "Distance learning" came about when computers got involved. Also, "nontraditional" encompassed not only distance learning, but just about anything that involved learning methods differing from the full-time, daytime, classroom-based curriculum. Bear's guide used to be populated with night and weekend programs, but not now. These are hardly "nontraditional" any more.

The title of BG 6, published by Grosset and Dunlap in 1980: The Alternative Guide to College Degrees and Non-Traditional Higher Education."

Rich Douglas, doing a Ph.D. with a specialization in Nontraditional Higher Education. ("Where'd that hyphen go?")