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Is
Distance Learning Right for You?
-
For Those With Enough Discipline, the Rewards Are
Great
Updated June, 2005 -- No question about it -
distance learning is hot. Enrollments are up
dramatically in recent years, fueled by:
• a lagging economy and competitive
workplace,
• the lower costs of online learning,
• high speed internet connectivity and
advancements in online and distance learning
methodologies,
• the needs of working adults, who want
additional education but don't always have the
ability to attend regular classes on campus.
However, distance learning is not necessarily for
everyone. Online schools offer their own set of
advantages and disadvantages, so it's important for
prospective students to understand the nature of
online learning before making a commitment. As with
most new challenges, starting with a clear
understanding of what lies ahead can help.
Here are some things to think about if you're
considering online schools:
Flexible Study Hours Require More
Discipline
Successful online students often love the
independence associated with online learning. But
with independence comes the need for greater
discipline to keep up with studies. Some students
are more comfortable with regular classroom
sessions.
Online Learners Read - Classroom Learners
Listen
Some students learn more easily by reading and
studying on their own. Those students are well
suited to online learning, since online students
get much of their information from written
materials.
Other students tend to do better when they
hear information. Often those students
prefer to interact face-to-face with professors and
peers. For those individuals, classroom learning
offers advantages.
Feedback Mechanisms Vary
If you are comfortable waiting a week or two (at
times) to receive feedback on your assignments,
then online learning will work fine. If you require
more rapid feedback, and become frustrated without
it, then classroom learning may work better for
you.
There are probably very few students who are
only suited to classroom learning, or
only suited to online learning, but
successful online learners are often better able
to:
• Set their own schedules and stick to
them,
• Learn well from written materials,
• Contact their professors quickly when
questions arise,
• Avoid the distractions that studying at home
can bring.
For those who remain disciplined, the rewards of
online learning are great. Online students enjoy
greater freedom and flexibility, and usually incur
lower costs (relative to campus-based
students).
If you would like to learn more about leading
online computer schools, contact any of the
institutions listed on our online
schools
or online
master degrees
pages. They will be more than happy to provide you
with the information you need to make the right
decisions.
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