FAQs for Students

• What is distance and online learning?
  Distance learning is a field of education which aims at delivering education to the students who are not physically “on site”. In distance learning the instructor or mode of instruction and the student are geographically remote from each other. Interaction can be via surface mail, videotape, interactive TV, radio, satellite, message boards, chat rooms, and desktop computer conferencing. In online learning the entire registration and learning process is done through computers and the Internet.
  
  
  
• Is distance or online learning equivalent to classroom education?
  Yes, definitely. Both distance and online courses through established universities and colleges are being increasingly accepted in the workplace. Hiring agencies and corporations have grown to appreciate the fact that online and distance learning is no less valuable than a traditional classroom education. After all, it only matters how you use the skills and methods they teach you. Accredited colleges and universities are placed in high regard by almost all hiring authorities today.
  
  
  
• What is accreditation?
  Accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which an accrediting agency scrutinizes educational institutions’ services and quality according to their rules and standards. Educational institutes that comply with the standards set by the accreditation agencies receive accreditation status.
  
  
  
• Why is accreditation important for students?
  Accreditation is a statement of recognized quality. It is an assurance that an educational institute is engaged in constant review and improvement of its quality. Employers, professional associations, and other educational institutions require and prefer candidates holding accredited degrees.
  
  
  
• What are the advantages of attending an accredited college or university?
  The biggest advantage of attending an accredited college or university is that the independent verification of the quality of that institution’s educational services and programs. Additionally, the degrees provided by these accredited institutions are generally accepted at other accredited educational institutes.
  
  

• What is IAO’s role in the accreditation process?
  IAO is an international accreditation body that is geared towards accreditation of online education providers. It follows a stringent process for granting accreditation to educational institutes. IAO accredited educational institutes have a profound status because accreditation is proof that their programs, policies and procedures are based on the best in current online education practices. Accreditation also acts as the most significant motivational factor for the educational institutes to improve themselves. IAO urges educational institutes to constantly review and improve quality of their services, programs and policies. Accredited educational institutes are bound to evaluate their performance and services periodically so as to make the self-improvement process quick and effective. An accredited educational institute is thus committed to assure high standard and provide quality education to the students enrolled with them.