March 4th, 2009 by Learning Systems

An increasing number of employers are recognizing legitimate online degrees at hiring time. However, it’s important to be aware when considering online learning systems that not all employers will accept them.

Some potential employers may shy away from hiring people whose degree is pronounced “online” on his or her resume. Much of this is because many still aren’t aware of the kinds of advances in LMS-hosted courses and other online learning systems, or how to differentiate between legitimate degrees and “diploma mill” certificates. 

A good piece of advice: Even if you attended a highly-regarded and renowned school, avoid calling attention to the fact that your degree was earned online. Your employer may not care either way, but it might help you avoid any fuss.  

February 3rd, 2009 by Learning Systems

Diploma mills and fake learning systems are not only a far-reaching problem plaguing unwitting employers and duped students, but have also created a dangerous and potentially fatal phenomenon. 

Marion Kolitwenzew’s case is a tragic one. In 1999 she went to a specialist seeking care for her diabetic daughter. The specialist seemed impressive, with an office full of medical supplies and a collection of medical degrees from prestigious university learning systems.

However, it turned out that those diplomas came from mills. When Ms. Koliwenzew followed the doctor’s advice and took her daughter off insulin, the 8-year-old began vomiting and died. 

What can you do to ensure you’re never fooled by a fake diploma or false promises of a legitimate one?Perform extensive research before taking on an online learning system, new employee, or an professional with whom you’re entrusting anything of value. 

February 3rd, 2009 by Learning Systems

Be sure to study the university website and reflect on its advertising strategies. One warning sign that the online learning system you’re eyeing is actually a diploma mill is a sense of urgency in the advertising of the institution.

Oftentimes prospective students are encouraged to enroll immediately, before tuition or fees are increased, or told that they qualify for a fellowship, scholarship or grant. Basically, if it sounds much too good to be true, you have a reason to be suspicious. 

Did the institution advertise using spam? You can be fairly sure it’s a mill.

If you suspect that you may have been drawn into a fake learning system, take action and pull out. Remember that an online learning systems should be challenging–it should feel like coursework. Very little interaction with professors is another flashing red sign telling you that your university is actually a mill. Often mills provide no corrections, meaningful comments, or even grades for your work.

February 3rd, 2009 by Learning Systems

When searching for an learning system to earn a degree, there are some dangers to look out for.

If it’s a nontraditional subject area you’re interested in, you’ll need to take extra caution. Unlike hard sciences, more unusual or esoteric subjects are often great opportunities for pulling the wool over students’ eyes. These include learning systems in pseudosciences like astrology, hypnotism, and natural healing.

The esoteric nature of these kinds of learning system makes external verification difficult for students, since education standards and credentials may be defined by the diploma mill’s own staff rather than established or traditional criteria. 

February 2nd, 2009 by Learning Systems

Another clue that an online learning system is actually a diploma mill is that the name of the institution is deceptively similar to a well-known, reputable university. 

One famous example of sound-alike learning systems is Columbia State University, run by Ronald Pellar, the famous hypnotist and fraudster who ultimately pled guilty to nine counts of mail fraud associated with the mill. His nonexistent distance learning system brought in enormous profits for him and his employees. 

Just how lucrative was Pellar’s diploma mill business? Suffice it to say that part of his sentence, in addition to eight months in prison and a restitution fee of $45,835, was the forfeit of his $1.5 million yacht. 

February 2nd, 2009 by Learning Systems

In general, students have an easier time than employers in discovering that an online learning system is actually a diploma mill. Ways to spot a diploma mill range from the obvious (blatant promises of a fake diploma) to more subtle clues.

One clue that an online learning system is actually a mill: academic credit is offered for “life experience.” Other mills allow for degrees to be obtained within a few days or weeks. 

Often no teaching facilities, libraries, personnel, publications or research are available. Promotional literature about the learning system may contain grammatical and spelling errors, words or phrases in Latin, extravagant or pretentious language, or sample diplomas. 

February 2nd, 2009 by Learning Systems

Determining whether an online learning system is actually a diploma mill can prove difficult for many employers. Some diploma mills even have phone operators who verify graduations to employers who call, or send transcripts. Some fake learning systems provide class rings, laminated student ID cards, etc. despite having no actual buildings or campus. 

According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, only 40% of companies regularly verify degrees earned, and even then they might miss diploma mills. 

However, while many buyers who pay for fake degrees are purposely looking to trick employers, many online course students are scammed by institutions that claim to be accredited. 

January 30th, 2009 by Learning Systems

In searching for an accredited learning system for your online degree, sometimes spotting a diploma mill is effortless. Many mills are targeted towards people who actually want fake diplomas, and are willing to pay for them. Mills charge fees ranging from $50 to $5,000 for a bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D. or other degree. 

Oftentimes, buyers only expected to pay the fee to acquire a fake diploma. Other fake online learning systems require buyers to complete an essay or some other simple work before sending out the degree. 

However, many degree mills are much more difficult to identify as such. Do your research, ask questions, and study the institution’s website before sending any cash to begin working towards your degree.