| Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and | | | | activities, college events/parties, and the interactions |
| however you want to define the latest buzz words | | | | that are a part of a school campus. Many of the |
| for non-traditional education, you can find a program | | | | classroom activities such as discussion and support |
| and method that suits your needs. Right now over | | | | can be achieved online. The other things that an |
| 1.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form | | | | online education will reinforce are: reading - ebooks, |
| of distance learning, with a projected expansion to | | | | up to datereferences, current research; listening - |
| 2.3 million in just a few years. | | | | through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic |
| In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of | | | | illustrations and demonstrations; doing - assignments, |
| education and training, there are a few basic things | | | | quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking |
| you need to consider and some decisions you need | | | | communication - through email, chats, and electronic |
| to make in order to create the environment that will | | | | discussions. A distance learning program can be far |
| best suit your needs. You need to know the what, | | | | more than just reading and writing. |
| the why, the benefits and the how of the various | | | | What are the requirements for becoming a part of a |
| forms of distance learning. | | | | distance learning program? Many programs require a |
| Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in | | | | minimum of a GED or taking an admissions test. |
| Europe in the 1800's and has evolved into a | | | | Usually, the process for applying will include: an |
| multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some | | | | application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and |
| of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence | | | | letters of recommendation. The less formal the |
| courses, online education, internet based education, | | | | program, the less formal the requirements. There is a |
| electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, | | | | wide range in answering this questions. However, |
| and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend | | | | what is necessary for an online program is the right |
| upon how the institution defines and labels the | | | | computer equipment with the internet connection |
| programs which they offer. To simplify the whole | | | | (high speed), word processing capability; email; and |
| concept, let's say that these terms represent ways | | | | multimedia player. The program you choose will |
| of learning away from a "brick and mortar" facility. | | | | provide more specific details for recommendation |
| Some distance learning and/or online programs may | | | | about equipment and software. |
| or may not be connected to a university or college. | | | | In choosing a program there some questions to ask |
| There are many programs that are independent and | | | | as you do your research and make your selection. |
| are not affiliated with any institution. | | | | Ask about the following: help/support is offered; |
| Distance learning offers a variety of paths to | | | | qualifications of the instructors; number of years the |
| personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, | | | | institution has provided services; is it an accredited |
| bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master | | | | program; details about the curriculum; and multimedia |
| degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training | | | | elements of the program. By the way, accreditation |
| courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a | | | | is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned |
| degree, keeping professional skills updated, or | | | | entity in existence. However, most schools |
| pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a | | | | considered the six regional accrediting agencies listings |
| program or offering that should work. | | | | to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally |
| Why are so many people turning to distance learning? | | | | accredited. |
| What are its advantages? On a personal level look at | | | | The last thing you need to think about is your |
| such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides | | | | motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader |
| convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for | | | | (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn't |
| balancing job and family obligations; working at own | | | | procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a |
| pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less | | | | good candidate for an alternative approach to |
| expensive; great for homebound individuals; no | | | | education. In this age of global education and the |
| unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and | | | | need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast |
| can "learn while you earn." These are a few of the | | | | delivery system that will bring all the technological |
| many things that are causing quite a number of | | | | advancement right into your living room |
| people to take an entirely different approach to | | | | instantaneously. It works for more than a million |
| attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree. | | | | people, and it can work for you. |
| Those who advocate against an alternative of | | | | Visit our Resource Center on Distance Learning at: |
| distance learning, often site the lack of socialization | | | | Copyright usage: No permission is needed to |
| which is a part of a traditional type of education. | | | | reproduce this story. |
| However, not everyone is looking for the classroom | | | | |