Virtual College [Paperback]

Peterson's (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

You may have heard that it's possible to take undergraduate or even graduate level courses online and earn a degree, but it sounds a little fishy, not quite right for you, or possibly out of your means. Virtual College is a short introductory guide to the wealth of resources available through distance learning. You'll find out what you need to take advantage of available programs, where to go to find more information, and what to expect from the virtual classroom when you arrive. There's also an excellent section devoted to determining if an online class or program is legitimate or right for your needs. This is not a reference guide, so if you are already committed to enrolling in an online course or program, you'll want to grab something more comprehensive. However, Virtual College is still worth having nearby when it comes time to pick your first classes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Peterson's; Original edition (December 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560796294
• ISBN-13: 978-1560796299
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,164,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Pam Dixon (www.pamdixon.com) is an author, researcher, and the executive director and founder of the World Privacy Forum, an internationally recognized non-profit public interest research group focused on conducting research on societal and human rights topics, particularly those where privacy intersects with technology. Dixon has written seven books for major publishers and has published hundreds of articles, as well as influential privacy research and studies. Her work focuses on emerging issues, and often intersects with technology-related issues.

Dixon's work in privacy includes substantive longitudinal research studies which are much-cited and highly regarded, as well as journal articles and testimony before lawmakers and state and federal agencies, as well as work with the international community. Dixon speaks frequently as an expert lecturer in the US and abroad. She also works with other NGOs to create consensus on key issues in privacy. She is well-known as the originator of the Do Not Track idea created in a consensus meeting she held.

Dixon has also written extensively about technology as a book author and as a former New Media columnist for the San Diego Union Tribune. She wrote the first book to ever be published about the subject of online job searching, a book for Random House / Times Books which went on to be a finalist for the Computer Press Awards. Her book on distance education is a classic. Dixon is frequently quoted in the media regarding privacy and consumer rights issues. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, Fortune, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, Business Week, The Los Angeles Times, New York Newsday, The San Francisco Chronicle, Reader's Digest, USA Today, the Sunday Times (London), Wissen (Germany), and many others have featured and quoted Dixon. www.pamdixon.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars general intro to distance learning and resources available, June 1, 1998

By 

Rodney L. Merrill (Astoria, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Virtual College (Paperback)

Virtual College is not one of those directories of distance degrees programs and classes. It is a good introduction to distance learning, its problems and advantages, and to resources available for the distance learning novice. It helps you think through what you need to get the most from available programs, what you can expect from a virtual classroom, and where to find more information. If you're new to distance learning, Virtual College is definitely a worthwhile introduction.

5.0 out of 5 stars An ideal introductory survey, July 5, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Virtual College (Paperback)

Earning a college degree or other educational certificates through the "long distance" venues of television, computer, and the mails is becoming increasingly popular and commonplace. Virtual College: A Quick Guide To All You Need To Know To Get The Degree You Want With Computer, TV, Video, Audio, And Other Distance Learning Tools by education and education technology expert Pam Dixon is an ideal introductory survey which includes all the information required to select the program and the venue that is best for the reader's own particular circumstances and goals. Included is timely information on what kind of credits/degrees can be earned, whether credits already earned can be transferred, how much does long distant learning cost, what it's like to take classes without being "on site", and so much more. If you are considering off-campus learning as an alternative to traditional enrollment, then give Pam Dixon's Virtual College a quick and carefully reading!