This page is to answer frequently asked questions (FAQ's) that instructors and institutions may have regarding online education, distance learning or the Ed-X website. If you are a learner or potential student, please visit the FAQ for Learners page.

Q: What are Distance Learning and Online Education?

A: Distance Learning has been defined as a "formal educational process where the majority of the instruction process occurs when the learner and instructor are not in the same place and are often separated by time." In other words, education is delivered to people instead of people to education. Distance learning encompasses online education (often called 'elearning') delivered via the Internet. There are many ways of learning outside of a physical classroom setting. These include: web-based audiovisual modules (often referred to as 'courseware'), desktop videoconferencing, teleconferencing, short-wave radio (as has been used in Australia for many years), satellite transmissions, asynchronous email, video and audiotapes, and closed circuit television.

Q: What is Ed-X: The Distance Learning Channel?

A: Ed-X is a web resource and search engine for online college classes and degree programs from institutions worldwide. The site also offers information on continuing education (such as CLE, CME and CPE for professionals), certification programs, and classes that are just for fun. The Ed-X database lists over 20,000 comprehensive course descriptions with information on courses and degrees from over 700 online colleges and content providers. The site also offers message boards, news about online education, a board with distance learning job listings, and an events calendar (Institutions can post a limited number of classes and other information for free their information at the Post Info page).

Q: How can my I market my content on Ed-X?

Ed-X offers several cost-effective marketing programs to get your organizations content out to a worldwide audience of potential learners. Ed-X is a site focused on distance learning and online education - it is the company's core business. We have helped a variety of institutions and private content companies locate new students. The company's "Send More Information" feature allows student contact information to be sent directly to an institution by the learner within the boundaries of privacy laws in the EU and USA. Ed-X marketing programs reach our global user base at a fraction of the cost of print media or radio - with the added advantage of providing detailed program information through the site's in-depth Course Descriptions. To request more details on marketing your program on Ed-X, please contact sales@ed-x.com or visit the Ad Info page.

Q: Can instructors and institutions benefit from Ed-X?

A: Definitely. The Ed-X web site offers message boards for instructors at online colleges. The site also features news items about online education, an event calendar, and a job board with employment opportunities with distance learning institutions and companies.

Q: Can my corporation use Ed-X to assist with our in-house elearning initiative?
A: Yes. Ed-X has software, with patents pending, that can help corporations and other organizations populate their web sites with online training and skills enhancement opportunities. These "elearning gateways" operate with or without LMS software and can access all types of online educational content even if it is not compliant (e.g., SCORM, IMS or AICC) with the LMS itself. Ed-X has also tested large scale knowledge management exchanges that use the company's agent software to organize and deliver both formal and informal learning from disparate databases within an organization.

Q: How can Ed-X help potential students locate an opportunity to learn online?

A: Visitors to Ed-X can use the site's Online Education Index that lists classes by subject. The site also offers a search engine for users to look up possible courses using a keyword. Visitors can also check comments about a class or degree program from other Ed-X users on the site's Course Description pages. Registered users have access to the site's message boards to post questions about online education and distance learning. Registered users also have the ability to use Ed-X's "Send More Information" feature which allows a potential student to send his or her contact information directly to a university or content provider of your choosing from a Course Description page. Ed-X's comprehensive information on online courses and degrees allows users to find a learning opportunity quickly and easily!

Q: What is Ed-X's "Send More Information" feature?

A: Send More Information (located on the Course Description pages on Ed-X.Com) allow a registered user with one-click to request applications, written information, and other materials from their selected institution. Most institutions will initially respond via email while others may choose to send applications and course information by postal delivery.

Q: What is the history of distance learning?

A: Distance learning dates back to the 1890's when Australia, one of the world's innovators in distance education, offered an external degree program through the University of Queensland. Canada has also been a leader in providing its populace with distance learning opportunities due to its geographic similarities with Australia. Nearly all of Canada's provinces have developed distance learning programs for citizens who live in remote regions. In the USA, over 100 million residents have taken courses at home through such institutions as Columbia University and the State University of New York system. Online education was first offered in the mid-1990's as more and more people had access to the Internet. Course and degree opportunities from online colleges are growing each year as the Internet gains acceptance around the world.

Q: What types of classes and degrees are taught online?

A: Online educational teaching opportunities range from online MBAs and law degrees to individual classes in IT subjects, education, aviation, foreign languages, humanities, and psychology. Certification programs in nursing, information technology, and business are popular as are non-credit classes. The possibilities are endless.

Q: Do I need a sophisticated computer to teach online?

A: Not necessarily. An expensive computer is not always necessary. A potential instructor should consult with the institution that is offering the course to check on the method of delivery (whether web-based audiovisual modules or asynchronous email). Many online colleges offer courses that use email to deliver the course material. In such cases, a basic computer that has access to the Internet (and browser and email applications) is all that is necessary to teach students in an online program.

Q: I am concerned about listing my program with courses from "degree mills" - what is Ed-X doing to prevent such listings?

A: Most of the online degrees and courses listed on Ed-X are accredited by a regional or national accreditation council. There are some classes and certification programs on Ed-X that do not have accreditation, however. These institutions are often private content providers that offer very focused continuing education. Ed-X will not knowingly list a degree program or online course from a 'degree mill' or other unsavory institution. Please contact Ed-X at info@ed-x.com should you feel an institution warrants our attention for being a potential degree mill.

Q: Where can I find more information about online education and distance learning?

A: Visit Ed-X's Links page for a list of other web sites related to the topic of distance learning and online education.

Other questions? Please contact info@ed-x.com to ask a staff member other questions you may have.