Ohio Learns! is a part of the Ohio Learning Network. It is not a degree-granting virtual university, but instead offers links and information to Ohio Colleges and Universities that do offer these services. Also included is information about Ohio's GI Promise program.
About Distance Learning: Get a Plan
To get started, there is a section labeled "Get a Plan". Here, you can read through information to help you decide if distance learning is for you. Some of the questions used to evaluate your needs include:
- Do I need more education?
- Is learning at a distance for me?
- What type of technical equipment do I need?
This section also includes a self-based exploration that asks some questions to get you started once you decide distance learning is for you. These questions include:
- Can I get financial assistance?
- Will I have access to library services?
- Can I transfer courses from OhioLearns to other Ohio institutions?
- Will I be able to get tutoring help once I start taking classes at a distance?
A lot of the information in this section will be helpful to anyone just getting started on the path to distance learning, even if you do not access the specific colleges and universities offered through Ohio Learns.
For additional assistance, there is also a tutorial available, as well as chat hours to help answer any questions you may have.
Ohio Learns Catalog
Under the OhioLearns Catalog, you can search for online classes in Ohio by college/university, start date, keywork, degree level, or by delivery method. If you are searching for degrees, you can search by college/university, degree type, or area of interest. Through the site, you can find a description of the course/degree, system requirements, and support services available. The site also offers a direct connection to the college or university you are interested in applying to so that you can learn more about cost, registration, and enrollment.
Contact Information for Ohio Learns
The site also offers a section where you can talk with someone on the OLN staff if you need further assistance. Each course, degree, or certificate includes a page with specific information about that particular college or university. These pages include the program contact information, including phone numbers, an address, email, and website information. Here you can also see what the application process includes and what percentage of the program can be completed via the internet. Here is a link to a Doctor of Education degree that will demonstrate what type of information is provided for each program.
Ohio Learns GI Promise
Governor Strickland created the Ohio GI Promise which allows all veterans of the US Armed Forces, their spouses, and dependents to attend Ohio colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates. When participating in a community service or internship program and moving to Ohio, GI Bill eligible veterans and their families become eligible for in-state tuition. The goal is to promote educational opportunities in Ohio for veterans and to help ensure that Ohio's colleges and universities offer the best educational opportunities and support for veterans. Ohio is the first state to offer such a program.
Degree Offerings at Ohio Learns
The Ohio Learns website is very comprehensive in what it offers. You can look at degree offerings from almost 30 colleges and universities, in over 20 different subjects. If you are just interested in taking courses, there are 40 different subjects to choose from, and these are offered by over 50 colleges and universities. If distance learning is in your future, or you are considering doing some research into this educational path, this is the perfect place to begin.