February 26, 2010, Newsletter Issue #197: Online Master's degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction

Tip of the Week

Spending a little time on researching online degree programs can help you spend your time and money wisely. With so many programs available, how do you choose between them? Here are some simple ways to get more information about the programs that interest you:

1. Talk to other teachers. You probably work with other teachers who have completed advanced online degrees. Ask them about their experience: Where did they go? Were they satisfied with the quality of instruction? How did online instruction work for them?

2. Check out college guides. There are many guides published with reviews and statistical information on both online and offline programs. Thomson Peterson, Fiske and U.S. News and World Report are a few to get you started. These guides give you impartial information on class size, student demographics and other information you might not get from admissions.

3. Talk to recent graduates. Admissions officers are usually happy to put you in touch with recent graduates from their university but if you can, try to speak with someone not recommended by admissions. They can give you unbiased information about the program.

4. Speak with a professor. Speaking with a professor can give you a better sense of whether the program is a good match for you than speaking with an admissions officer.

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