Is Distance Learning For You?
You may have heard of distance learning from a relative or friend. Right now, this kind of learning arrangement is being offered by top universities and colleges to those who wish to study but cannot leave their own location. With distance learning even those old individuals are given a chance to earn a degree of their choosing. It eliminates several barriers to traditional learning which is why it is really beneficial to people who wish to learn but cannot leave their own home.
In this kind of learning, the people in charge bring the education to where its students are. All course work can be performed at home. Distance education has its origins in "weekly mailed lessons" some schools offered, to rural residents, in the 1800's.
Distance learning requires independence
If you are thinking about getting your education online, it's important to understand that it requires a great deal of independence. You will answer quizzes, assignments, and exams on your own. This means making time to structure your day to include room for lessons. The lessons are quite the same. But you will also spend time over the internet since this is your means of communication to your instructors.
There will be tests and assignments as well. These will be made available online. In some cases, the university offering distance learning will require its students to take the exam at their school. There, the student will be monitored by the university staff.
Are you organized?
If you want to succeed in this kind of learning, you need to be organized. You will not have fellow students or a teacher to rely on. It's probably a good idea to look at the syllabus and plan out your assignments. You can perform them any time you want as long as you pass the outcome on the said date.
What’s amazing about this arrangement is that the assignments and requirements are sent several days or weeks ahead so you will have more time to perform them. You can work on other things if you start with the tasks soon. As such, it is always a good idea to work on the tasks right away.
Distance Learning requires good study habits
Obviously, this learning arrangement requires sacrifice. In order for you to succeed, you need act serious at all times. You will not only need to plan to time to read your coursework, you should also set aside time carefully study the material. Remember, that it's up to you to ensure that you've understood each lesson. However, if lessons are quite vague, you can contact your instructor. The assigned instructor will explain to you things that you do not understand.
Most instructors have telephone and in office hours that you can speak with them. You can also send your inquiry via mail. It is important that you ask if there are things which are unclear to you. It is the responsibility of the instructors to guide you through this process.
Distance Learning requires comfort with technology.
Most of the time, the university will require you computer and internet connection. As such, you need to have these resources as well as the skills. This means that you know how to perform a few simple tasks on the computer.
Some key skills you should have:
- Some key skills you should have:
- Opening attachments and sending attachments
- Use of a Word Processor (i.e MS Word or Open Office, etc..)
- Basic Web Navigation and uploading files to the web.
Learning online can be rewarding. You can learn new skills and improve your life, from the comfort of your home. You will be using computer and internet to learn. Thus it is really a fun way to learn things you missed at school once more.
