Online institutions
Do you think states outside florida that have online institutions should adopt similar programs like this one is in Florida?
Jean,
Thank you for your posting!
I do believe it will be a great idea to implement and adopt similar programs like this one in florida.
Craig,
We have both profit and non-profit schools in our sector. It is more about compliance, licensure and accreditation. These three assess the credibility of the institutions. Many diploma mills have the look alike accreditations and research of their credentials is important. Also, a doctorate for $99.00? Consumers should know better.
I agree with this statement. The diploma mills schools are making it tough on the traditional brick and mortar universities who have been established for many years. It is important that we seperate true non-profit schools from for profit institutions. Along with this is the issue of accreditation. Many prospective students do not understand what accrediation actually means. I make it a point to highlight and explain accreditation so the student knows they are getting a quality education.
Dahlia,
Every day we find that paperless is the way to go. Changing the culture to accept this way of handling necessary documentation takes time and patience.
Great feedback. We are looking at having an online division and it is important to go paperless.
Elaine,
Diploma mills are a cancerous part of our industry. The internet is prime for their existence.
On line institutions have been decentralized long enough. I agree that all online institutions should adopt to similiar programs like the ones in Florida. The fair consumer practice needs to regulate the "Diploma Mills."
Pedro,
This is very important that the students are well informed.
Veronica,
Does your school have different requirements for online students?
Brenda,
Online schools definitely have diffent challenges and they are not for every student. Online education is very disciplined and not for those who procrastinate.
Jeff,
Thank you for the link to the article. It is a conundrum for sure. States will fight for their right to regulate.
Hi Patty,
I found this Website to be a useful resource:
http://www.careercollegecentral.com/news/As_Online_Education_Grows,_National_Providers_Struggle_With_State_Regulations
It discusses some legislative issues as well as some concerns related to approach. Basically, it described how a decentralized approach rooted in the 1980s and 1990s is creating issues that may not be present in a centralized approach.
Thanks,
Jeff
Yes, I most certianly agree. There should be a uniform pattern serving the interest of the Student.
Yes, I think this would be a great idea. As a Campus Director I have both on line and brick and mortar students They all need to be given the same information to insure compliance.
As one of the people who first talk with prospective students, I hear students' anger and disappointment in having started with an online school and then not being able to complete their degrees for one reason or another. For example, not having the option of having a physical campus to meet with financial aid, instructors, and other important faculty & staff members is very upsetting to them. Compliance and regulations should be the same for home-based or online institutions, as well as an actual facility.
Daniel,
You bring an important point to the table. There are so many diploma mills that use the internet as their draw. Online schools have to go the extra mile to ensure their legitimacy.
You can sit everywhere in the world and still be able to attend an online school. I think regulation is very important, especially on the internet with all it's ups and downs.
If it is practible to make all other states do the same as florida does it's another question.
And there's the rest of the world. An online student starting an online class in California, moving to Japan but still attending his classes is for sure a different taks to regulate than a student sitting in a class room in Los Angeles...
Robert,
The State of Florida is proud of their consumer protection regulations. Many states have similar regulations, but keep in mind, no two states are alike.
