Types of Career Training

When you begin to look at the various programs that you can enroll in, you will probably quickly note that the classes are taught using different formats.

Online classes are in a continuous state of development and so there are many different ways being tried.

The different forms of instruction allow you to take a pick and choose attitude toward whatever type of instruction you feel that you would be most comfortable with. Not all courses – even from the same university or college – provide all of their classes in the same format so keep that in mind while choosing your classes.

Here are some different types of course formats you may find:

• Correspondence Courses – You will find that many schools use this format. Basically you are given the material and you simply read it – online or offline – and then write papers and take tests. You will usually have contact through emails. This type of program allows you to take the courses at your own speed.
• Computer Based Training (CBT) – Your information comes to you through the computer – whether in the form of a CD, DVD, or the Internet.
• E-Learning – Your instruction comes through a network. It could be from a LAN, WAN, or the Internet.
• Online Education – This form of education comes through the Internet rather than other forms. There are many forms available – including SecondLife. Currently, more than 300 different colleges use SecondLife as the interactive face on their classrooms.
• Web Based Training (WBT) – This is network based training, which generally refers to training that is given within a corporation or company.

Before you sign up for any class, you will want to know what form it takes. Obviously, if you are expecting to take it at your own leisure, and then discover that you must log-in at a specific time, you may not be able to make it. Also, some classes require that you complete the course within a specific time period. This will often be at the same time that the traditional class ends – if it is being conducted at that time.

Other longer programs, such as the degree programs, may have some requirements that you need to look into in advance, too. For instance, you will need to find out if you are required to take some classes on campus.

A number of colleges do require that you have up to one full year in an on campus situation.

Something else you want to know about is what kind of access you have to the teacher. In some cases, access is almost non-existent. If you are independent and a problem-solver, this may not be a problem for you. If you believe, however, that the material or topic is such that you will have a lot of questions, then you will want a course where you can get a quick response from a teacher or a staff member.