Distance Learning Communities

The community I chose is the military. Having served in the Navy I thought this would be appropriate. While in the Navy I chose to do a correspondance course to pass the time and be productive and hopefully learn something new. The major difference between then and now is the technology which permits what we know today as Distance Learning.
Today, the Navy refers to its program as NCPACE (Navy College Program for Afloat College Education) www.navycollege.navy.mil/ncp/pace.html. It's described as a program which allows "sailors the opportunity to experience challenging education and continue their personal and professional growth whaie on sea duty assignments". It's one way to keep well educated individuals in the military while permitting intellictual growth. For some, a career in the military is their choice and offers many benefits upon retirement.
There are eight colleges and universities which participate in this program. They offer both graduate and under graduate degrees programs.
The Distance Learning program uses self-paced CD-ROM technology, internet access aboard ship is not reliable. Being stationed on land does offer the convenience of internet access. One of the universities offers VTC technology (synchronous video teleconferencing) available on some of the larger ships. This is perfect for the individual who cannot attend regular classes and has the desire for self-paced study. There is a site, www.amu.apus.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/index.htm, that offers Associates Degrees, Bachelors Degrees and Master's Degrees. This site advertises that many courses are are linked to the individuals Navy rating or job. For example, if the individual is involvled in the intelligence community they offer appropriate courses that enchance their knowledge and allows them to earn a degree in their specialty. The undergraduate has the opportunity to go from and enlisted rating to becoming an officer. Tuition and fees are designed to attract personnel. Undergraduate courses are $250 per credit hour and graduate courses are $275 per credit hour. Undergraduate students are eligible for a grant program which provides books and course materials at no cost to the student. There are no application or registration fees.
There is a site which is titled Distance Learning in the Military, www.maxwell.af.mil/au/aul/bibs/distancelearn.htm#nav. This site, which originates from Maxwell AFB, compiles various internet resources for programs & written materials(documents and periodicals) whcih is a source of valuable information for the interested individual.