With Internet information and access rising every day, it's no surprise that students turn to their computers for education. The Internet itself is a remarkable learning solution -- and a tremendous tool for homework, research and for adult learners who need resources to complete high school with a basic skills education that prepares them for the GED test.

While there's a remarkable number of quality educational resources for students, there's also an alarming number of bogus resources that sell fake high school diplomas or promise results that just can't be delivered.

Unfortunately, services and certificates provided by 'diploma factories' don't come cheap. Most packages range from $200 to $800, and are offered by companies that seem professional, legitimate and advertise heavily. After paying tuition or high testing fees, students get a 'high school diploma' but it's drawn on a nonexistent or non-accredited high school. They soon discover -- from their employer, an educator or an admissions department -- that the diploma is worthless.

As a rule, the GED -- or General Education Development credential -- is the only alternative 'diploma' for adults who never completed their high school education. Regardless of e-learning high school transcripts or fake diplomas, most employers, colleges, training programs and universities require a GED as proof of basic skills, knowledge and proficiency. In fact, approximately 95 percent of employers and 97 percent of US colleges and universities accept the GED. The GED credential is an official, accredited 'diploma.'

When choosing an online study program, how can the adult learner differentiate between a quality educational program and a 'diploma factory?'

First, consider official guidelines for GED programs and GED tests, established and monitored by the American Council on Education (ACE). The ACE has strict guidelines; quality educational programs -- both online and community-based -- should blueprint skill requirements for all GED test areas: science, social studies, language arts reading and writing, and math – including algebra, geometry and data analysis. Any solution that doesn't include or mirror ACE guidelines is probably suspect.

And any program that promises quick results or a quick turnaround with a 'diploma' earned in days or just weeks is probably bogus. The GED is a difficult test. Most students and adult learners need months to prepare.

Consider these other recommendations when choosing an online GED, adult education, high school or distance learning program:

-- The GED test cannot be taken online, only at official test sites, and these test sites are established by each state. Avoid any company that claims to offer the official GED test online. Online testing is banned and testing sites are the only sites authorized to give official GED tests and issue test scores.

-- GED practice tests are available online, but these are designed to alert the adult learner to readiness or skills that need to be sharpened. Practice tests are excellent prep tools. But know that a GED practice test is NOT the official GED test.

-- Avoid any company or school that offers a diploma or transcript via an online test only. Consider that there's no way to guarantee test results on tests offered without monitors – in a self-testing situation.

-- The GED test is a timed 7.5-hour test. Be wary of any company that offers a shorter test version, or fails to provide information about ACE requirements and official test sites or centers.

-- If considering a high school learning solution, determine first if the school is accredited. State departments of education will know if the school is accredited, or can help you make the determination. State education offices, consumer affairs offices and attorney general offices may also know if complaints have been filed about a learning solutions or educational provider. Investigate the company before you pay.

-- Explore resources carefully and cautiously. If an online company doesn't provide enough information to determine program standards and the company's qualifications to provide them, ask for the information. And be sure to check out referrals and confirm any information provided.

-- Read the fine print. Know what you're paying for and getting, long before you pay. Consider the value of your purchase ... is it really valuable? Will it be an acceptable education and certification process for you? Is it acceptable to your employer, a job training program or college admissions department? Will the online GED program or learning solution you choose really prepare you for the GED test?

-- Explore the company or education provider's message boards, online forums or learning communities. What do other students and adult learners say about the program? Are there complaints, or reports of success? Is the company responsive to both? Does it even offer a blog, message board or portal where users/students/adult learners are free to share learning experiences, difficulties, successes or other findings?

-- If it's difficult to make an accurate judgment or determine if an educational program is legitimate, ask for guidance before you buy. Contact a local GED program, GED instructor or GED class in your community.

-- Explore a variety of resources. Compare solutions, prices, services, programs and any 'promises' of results. Again, company claims are often misleading -- read the fine print.

-- Once choosing an online provider, if possible pay with a credit card (not a debit card). Most credit card companies offer consumer protections on purchases and can obtain refunds from companies selling bogus goods. If payment is made by other means, keep records.

In summary, consider current Google searches as an alert. The term "fake GED" returned 293,000 results and the search term "fake high school diploma" netted 919,000 results. Based on those searches alone, that totals more than a million online resources. While some are news accounts of scams, consider how many among the million are seeking and competing for the investment you want to make in your education, and your future. And most of these alleged resources are companies and schools that often appear very professional and legitimate, but they’re really just diploma factories.

Choose your education wisely. Then share the news -- promote good products and education providers. But likewise, share news and information about misleading products -- file complaints about scams. Good news travels fast, bad news travels faster. And your story could be the story to make the difference in someone's education.