Back to School - Company Business and Marketing

Home Office Computing, Oct, 2000 by Jeffery D. Zbar

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MICHAEL C. BRITT HAS 22 YEARS OF WORK experience with the U.S. Navy. He's also the in-house computer trainer and help-desk supervisor for a Norfolk, Va.-based law firm. What's more, he runs Computer Clown Inc., a home-based computer sales and consulting service. But Britt has no college degree, and when the subject of career advancement comes up, he's shot down for want of that piece of parchment.

So two years ago, he enrolled in the University of Phoenix's online program to earn a B.S. in networking and telecommunications information technology. Sure, Old Dominion University and The College of William and Mary were closer. But his full-time job and home business didn't allow much time for commuting to school.

So Britt logs on to learn. "I can go online at my leisure," says the consultant, who plans to graduate in May 2001. "Thirty minutes here, an hour at lunch--the flexibility was the key thing for me."

Think Differently Whether it's a degree-focused university program, a career-boosting course, or a lifestyle class in cooking or the arts, online learning is quickly finding its place in the educational mainstream, says Marti Harris, senior analyst for higher education technology strategies at researcher Gartner Inc.

Online courses offer students a way to earn a degree or learn a skill while working at their own pace. And the number of students heading online is expected to increase as more institutions offer Web-based courses. According to a recent Gartner study, 60 percent of all colleges and universities worldwide will offer courses by 2002, and 80 percent by 2004.

The major advantage of online education is that it makes courses available to students who might not have the specific programs they need close to home. And for the career-minded, it's a chance to advance while balancing work, family, and education, says Greg Priest, president and CEO of SmartForce. The Redwood City, Calif.-based online learning service targets both corporate employees and individuals seeking certification that could lead to a raise, a new consulting post, or just additional skills. "The way the workplace is evolving, individuals have to take responsibility for their own career development," Priest says.

Explore Alternatives Kevin A. Krall's online transcript reads like the curriculum from a technical university: Microsoft FrontPage Advanced, Advanced Web Site Design, DHTML, JavaScript I & II, CGI/Perl, Optimizing Web Site Performance, Information Architecture, Windows NT Workstation and Server, Internet E-Commerce, Hosting Web Communities, Microsoft Excel, Outlook 2000, PowerPoint--course credit he's amassed from more than 50 online classes at a half-dozen online schools.

Four years ago, when Krall's career as a pro golfer faltered, he decided to look into Web site development. Today he designs sites and handles systems integration and database management for a dozen clients, including Dell Computer Corp.

Krall eschewed traditional distance-education offerings, realizing he needed an education, not a degree, to launch his new career. He chose education providers that offered courses relevant to his goals.

"I didn't have time or money to waste," says Krall, who runs CreativeOne Websites from his home in Austin, Tex.

Everything from course selection, registration, payment, attendance, and group study is handled online. Still, Krall realizes there is often no substitute for being able to "raise your hand and ask a question" in the traditional classroom setting. As with most distance-learning programs, he relies heavily on scheduled live chats, message boards, study groups, e-mail, and videoconferencing to create a classroom environment. Krall also supplements his education offline with a smattering of business classes at Austin Community College, as well as books, videos, and CD-ROM training products.

Although he has no diploma, Krall has e-mail- and downloadable PDF certificates noting his course completion. He also has a budding career in designing Web site graphics, scripting, and database management, and relies on online courses to sharpen his skills. "The classes provide a very specific level of education," he says--"not a college education, but a career education."

Examine Costs In addition to time constraints, it's also important to look at what an online education will cost. Single courses in nonuniversity programs range from $20 to $150, depending on the class, to hundreds for some university programs.

ZDNet's SmartPlanet course prices range from $9.95 to $39.95, plus a $15.95 monthly subscription plan for unlimited access to courses up to $20 in tuition. The goal with most programs is to offer an affordable technical education--as well as the opportunity to pursue lifestyle classes, explains Ed Passarella, general manager of the site.

Britt is paying a small fortune for his degree--$14,500 a year for his three years in online college. But it's worth it, he says. "It's a way to get the tools you need to advance your career in the digital economy. It's still a very career-centric world for online learning."