What's the difference between continuing and distance education? Continuing education is an umbrella term for a lot of options, including workshops, seminars, classes -- and distance education. Continuing education classes can be credited or noncredited, with credited students earning degrees at the completion of their programs and noncredited students earning certificates or continuing education units (CEUs).

Certificates And CEUs

Certificate programs are usually significantly less expensive than credited degree programs -- even if they're taught at the same university -- and the requirements are often fewer. Certificate classes are generally taught in the evenings, and schedules are flexible. They also include courses focused on practical application, with fewer requirements than degree programs.

CEUs, which are required in fields such as accounting, medicine and law, can be obtained in a variety of ways. Colleges, universities and vocational schools, as well as professional associations, offer seminars, workshops and classes for CEUs. The trick is to be sure that the leading professional association in your field sanctions the CEUs given at the class, seminar or workshop that you plan to attend.

Tools That Enhance Distance-Ed Experience Support network of friends and family Access to adequate learning resources Access to advanced technology A quiet study area Source: Regents College

In the mid-1980s, the FBI closed down 39 "diploma mills," or distance-education providers that would basically sell diplomas for the right price, according to about.com's distance learning Web page. These diploma mills keep surfacing, like Monticello University in April 2000 and Columbia State University a couple of years ago.

And people who hold diplomas from these "universities" are also in trouble -- a Benton Harbor, Mich., principal was fired after it came to light that she held a master's "degree" that she purchased for $670 with no class work, according to about.com. Scams like these await people who don't put enough research into finding a good-quality distance-education program.

Another drawback to Internet-based education is the lack of interaction that certain programs have. Some students simply cannot succeed without consistent feedback and discussion with instructors and fellow students. And when homework is all electronic, professors have no way of knowing who did what work, and cheating can become a serious issue. Also, the motivation levels of the students contribute largely to their success: People with certain learning styles need more structure than many distance-education programs can give.

Courses that require teamwork or hands-on learning, such as chemistry or physics labs, pose problems in the Internet realm, but they're possible, says Mary Beth Almeda, director of the Center of Media and Independent Learning at the University of California Extension in Berkeley, Calif. These problems can be overcome by creative teaching and further developments in how distance education can be delivered, Almeda said.

But Despite The Problems ...

Distance education can provide educational opportunities to people who might not have access otherwise, usually because of convenience or location. Independent learning offers flexibility to retain a full-time job and study when it's convenient for you -- whether it's 5 p.m. or 5 a.m. In well-developed programs, there is often more interaction between professors and students, though it's usually via e-mail or phone instead of face-to-face. Some colleges have even set up online discussions for distance students. And, perhaps most importantly, distance education offers students a chance to grow as a person -- to take full responsibility for their learning and rely on their communication skills if they have a question or problem.

Additional Resources:

• Monticello University scam
• Columbia State University scam
• Benton Harbor principal's fake degree