Is Distance Learning for You?
Imagine sitting in the comfort of your living room in pajamas and slippers while participating in a classroom discussion of English literature. Seem impossible? Through distance learning, you can do exactly this. Distance learning provides courses over the Internet, allowing you to learn without leaving your home or stepping on a college campus. It can provide the flexibility that you need to do schoolwork around your existing schedule.
However, while distance learning sounds attractive, it is not for everyone. Some students just don't learn as well when not in the presence of a professor and roomful of students. In fact, some students find that it is the classroom setting with the interactions, debate and discussions continued after class in hallways and student centers that is the real benefit of going to college. Plus, there's less guilt from skipping a distance learning class than in-person classes. This means that you must be extremely self-motivated to attend the online sessions and complete your assignments.
Yet, despite these drawbacks, distance learning is still a viable option for many adult students. Here, we outline how distance learning programs work, how to figure out if they are right for you, how to select the best ones and how to succeed in a program.
How Distance Learning Works
As its name suggests, distance learning basically means that you will receive instruction from a distance, typically via the Internet. There are some distance learning programs that incorporate cd-roms that you use with your computer or lectures via remote television broadcasts. Through distance learning, you may take individual courses to learn specific skills or even complete an entire degree.
Typically, instead of going to a physical classroom, your meeting place is the Internet. Work is similar to that of regular courses. You will still have reading assignments, homework, quizzes and exams. What's different is you do not need to meet in a classroom at a specific time for discussions, and you can work independently. Professors give assignments online or via email, and students are often expected to participate in discussions through online message boards. You email assignments into your professor, and he or she grades them and provides feedback through email as well. Since you usually don't have to participate in the discussions at the same time as the other students, you can fit the course to your schedule—such as after 10 p.m. when your kids go to sleep. There are, however, still deadlines for when papers and assignments are due.
How to Tell If You Are a Distance Learner
To determine if distance learning is right for you, see how many times you answer "yes" to the following questions. The more often you do, the more likely it is that distance learning may work for you.
If you answered "yes" to most of the questions above, then you should consider the benefits of distance learning. One of the greatest benefits is the flexibility that it offers. Because you do not have to go to classes at a certain time, you can study when it's more convenient for you and you may not need to quit your job to fit your studies into your schedule. You will also save time by not having to commute to campus. This is especially helpful if you live in a remote area or if it is difficult for you to travel. In addition, you can take courses from institutions across the country. You are not limited to the courses offered by your local college or university.
Choosing a Distance Learning Program
Unlike choosing a traditional college or university program, you don't necessarily have to choose a distance learning program within driving distance. In fact, you can choose one out of town or out of state. However, there is more to choosing a program than simply pointing and clicking on the first one that you find. Here are some factors to consider:
Accreditation. Make sure that the program is fully accredited, especially if you plan to pursue a degree. Employers as well as other colleges and universities place a high value on programs that are fully accredited.
Certificate or degree. Some distance learning programs are aimed at providing certificates while others award degrees. Make sure that the program meets your academic goals.
Course selection. Make sure that there are enough courses offered to meet your needs and interests. You can do this by looking at the course catalog. Also, investigate how large the classes are to determine how much attention you will receive as a student.
Format. There are distance-learning courses that are entirely online and those that require periodic meetings on campus. Some students combine distance-learning courses with on-campus courses. Some follow the same schedule and pace as traditional quarters and semesters while others are accelerated, which means that you cover a larger amount of material in a shorter amount of time. Distance learning programs offer a variety of formats, meaning that you will need to choose the one that works best for you.
Support. Investigate how much support is offered for distance learners. How much will you be able to interact with your professor? Is there support for technical problems? Will you have access to the same resources and facilities as on-campus students?
How to Succeed with Distance Learning
Some students have difficulties with distance learning because of the technology or the lack of face time with professors and classmates, but there are steps that you can take to help you succeed.
Get familiar with the technology first. Before signing up for a distance-learning program, get friendly with your computer and the Internet. If you need to, take a course at your local community college or adult learning center or have someone tutor you. This means that you will have one less thing to worry about when you are taking the class.
Start small. If you are hesitant about distance learning, start with one class rather than jumping in and taking a number of courses. This will allow you to get your feet wet before making a huge commitment to multiple classes.
Make the most of your classmates. Just like you, your classmates are there to learn. Don't be afraid to rely on them for help. Use email to stay in touch and have discussions with your classmates. Similar to if you had taken a course in a traditional classroom setting, you'll learn a lot from your peers.
Use the resources available to you. Communicate with your professor if you have questions or problems. Your professor will want to know if you are struggling with the material or if you need extra help. In addition, your school may offer extra tutoring help or other resources.