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Is Long Distance Learning For You?
by Francis Y Ireton
http://www.fyilearning.com
Not too long ago, the idea of earning your degree over the
internet was viewed with suspicion and ridicule. Few people
believed that one could get as good an education via the web
as one could in a traditional classroom. Few accredited
schools offered distance learning as an option, so a degree
earned online wasn't likely to come from a well-known
college or university.
What a change there's been in just ten years! There are now
hundreds of universities that offer at least some courses
online, and dozens that offer entire degree programs over
the internet. You can take courses in most undergrad course
work that doesn't involve hands on experimentation via the
net, and with the possibilities of local internships, it may
not be long before you can earn a degree in nearly any field
without ever setting foot on campus.
We've come a long way, baby. I can't imagine what doors
might have been open to my friend Linda had she had today's
tools and technology to back up her determination and
efforts. However, the things that made her a successful long
distance learner are the same qualities that will help you
achieve success in your learning.
1. Set yourself a schedule to work on classwork. Even if
you've chosen courses that never formally meet, you will
benefit from setting a schedule for yourself and sticking to
it as closely as possible. Structure is one of the most
positive things you can do to make sure that you complete
and hand in your work on time.
2. Communicate regularly with your instructor and other
students. One of the most often cited disadvantages of
distance learning is lack of interaction with instructors
and other students. You can take steps to counteract that
disadvantage by keeping in contact with instructors and
classmates via email and instant messenger.
3. Choose classes that fit your learning style. New
technology is constantly changing the way that online
classes are taught. With webcams and videoconferencing so
readily available, even those students who thrive on class
contact can do well with distance learning. Take a look
beyond subject matter when choosing your classes to the
methods of teaching, and choose a class that will give you
what you need to learn well.
4. If you're not comfortable with software like instant
messengers, or search engines - practice. One of the most
valuable things you can do for yourself if you choose long
distance learning is to join an online game or community
based in a text environment. Variously referred to as muds,
mucks, mushes, muxes, mucks and moos, text-centered social
interaction will rapidly increase your typing speed and
accuracy, your skill with the written word and your comfort
with using text to communicate - all skills that are vital
to your success in distance learning.
Can you focus on work despite distractions? Without a
regular schedule of classes, it's tempting to put off work
till the last minute. The students who do best with distance
learning are those who have their own space and the ability
and support to put off distractions and focus on getting
work done. If you're a motivated learner who enjoys getting
to work on your projects, you'll find it easier to keep up
with classwork and complete it on time.
How well can you communicate through writing and reading?
Good reading comprehension is vital to successful distance
learning. If you have trouble understanding instructions,
your instructor may not be easily available to clarify. The
same applies in reverse - you'll need to be able to clearly
explain your needs and put your knowledge into writing. If
you're not comfortable expressing yourself in writing, then
you'll be more comfortable in a traditional classroom.
The growing availability of long distance learning presents
a wonderful opportunity for those who can't, or prefer not
to attend on campus classes. As time goes on, changes in
technology will make a lot of the requirements above less
important - already, video conferencing software makes it
easier to meet with instructors 'face to face'. In the
meantime, the ability to communicate in writing, work on
your own and maintain your own schedule are the main factors
in determining if distance learning is a good choice for
you.
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