Matt Norman

You’re thinking about furthering your career or finally getting your college degree. But with so many educational choices online, how do you know whether it’s right for you? Here are some pointers you should consider, before making your decision.

There are many perks associated with online study. Unlike traditional learning, distance learning can offer you greater flexibility, as you don’t have to waste time- and money- commuting to the campus and you can choose a program that truly suits your interests or professional needs, because you are not confined to the classes that are offered locally.

Another advantage to distance learning is the fact that you can continue to work, because you don’t have to worry about fitting your classes around your job schedule. This is a distinct advantage over traditional methods of learning, because this option allows you to continue earning while you study. Online programs often cost less than their traditional counterparts, so you can save money on tuition, if you pursue your degree through an online university.

Online study is also a great option for those students with physical handicaps, which may prevent them from travelling to a traditional campus. Likewise, if you are shy, or perhaps even language-challenged, participating in an online course may be the perfect alternative to a live class.

There are some drawbacks to online education, however. For example, traditional instructors may not successfully make the transition from the classroom to the online platform and it can sometimes be difficult for them to transfer course content or offer additional support to the students.

While the technological aspects of online learning can make the courses more interesting and interactive, some students may not have the computer hardware to support the specific programs required for the class. Many courses require DSL or a high-speed internet connection in order for the student to interact effectively with the instructor or other students. Similarly, online learning can rob the student of the conventional aspects of classroom interaction, such as being able to talk to the instructor or the other students, face-to-face.

In spite of the drawbacks, however, many new and returning students are opting to study via distance learning and are finding it to be a very rewarding experience.

About the Author

Matt Norman is the founder of Easy Distance Learning a website providing information on learning online

Anthea Deluth

My name is Anthea Deluth and my husband is in the forces and stationed overseas. This is only some of the time. The rest of the time we are travelling to our next destination, and settling into a program of education is almost impossible. That was until I discovered that I could learn anywhere by doing my studies through distance learning and this was a large step to take for me. All of a sudden the excuses were gone. I could do what I always wanted and whenever I found myself watching a television program I didn’t particularly like, or out in the evening and not enjoying myself fully, I thought of the time I could be putting into my studies of something that genuinely interested me. I took the big step of contacting the major open and distance learning College in Britain, Oxford College ODL. They made me feel at ease, and told me to take one step at a time. I am now completing a diploma along with my husband. He and I are returning to Britain shortly and we are interested in opening a business together. He is so impressed with the ease of learning, he has done a diploma himself and we are looking forward to a new settled life working together and using the knowledge we now posses through our distance learning.

I recently told my brother what my husband and I planned to do and how we had got the education we needed. He took a job working in construction when he was 16 and as the pay was good, he continued on. He and his wife have two children, and the job he had seemed to be the only one he would ever have. It was a means to an end for him and each day he continued on doing a job he didn’t see a way out of. He was doing as much overtime as he could as the extra money was needed, and taking time out for studying was out of the question. But he surprised me with what he told me next. He seemed to be at a dead end and in a rut, but his wife was surfing the net one day and came across Oxford College ODL and saw that they offered numerous courses in subjects that he had expressed an interest in. There was no need to attend night school which would have been impossible for him just as it would have for my husband and I, and he could take his learning at his own pace. It took a lot of courage for him to enrol, but soon after he did, he found himself hurrying home to do assignments and send them through for grading. I hear the confidence in his voice now, and he is looking forward to his future every day. We are all looking forward to our futures and it is because of the ease of open and distance learning. It is now a possibility that we will be able to all work together soon and that will bring the family closer together.

My brother’s wife says, “Why wasn’t learning so easy when I went to school?” The answer is that the education industry is becoming more flexible with distance learning schools who listen to what the students want and are interested in making education a possibility for every one.

I write this article with great thanks to Oxford College ODL and Oxford Distance Learning for their efforts and constant battle with the older establishments who are interested in seeing that education remains the ‘old donkey’ that makes things difficult for the single student and their needs simply because it is easier for them. When people think of quality education they think of ‘Oxford’. Oxford College ODL and Oxford Distance Learning have not fallen short of the mark, and hopefully they will keep pushing the boundaries on the student’s behalf. Bravo to them for their efforts, and because of them, bravo to us!

About the author:

Anthea Deluth studied at Oxford College ODL from 2002 - 2005 and completed studies in Life Coaching, Homeopathy and Classical Civilisation. For more information on Oxford Distance Learning please visit http://www.oxforddistancelearning.com/. Anthea Deluth is now running her own coaching business and has major corporate clients in the UK.

Tim Henry

There are many advantages of distance learning and most of those include the ability to choose your own time, space, environment, course of study and even school, university or college. The possibilities are endless, and so too are the freedoms of distance learning.

First of all you have the freedom to choose your own time to learn and your own time to study. If you are a stay-at-home mom you can study when the baby is having their nap. If you are an early riser you can learn in the early morning before anyone else is up. Even if you are working full-time you can enroll in an evening or weekend distance learning program to finally get your college degree, and maybe the promotion that comes with it.

You also have the freedom to choose your learning space and environment. If you kitchen table works for you, that’s great. Or you can organize your spare room with a computer, a desk, a filing cabinet and all your supplies set out just the way you want it. You can build a room in your garage or set up in the basement. As long as you are comfortable you can begin your distance learning program and move up the ladder of success.

You have the freedom to choose whatever course or degree program you have always dreamed of. Except for some highly technical or specialized training that require supervision, lab materials, or have specific on-site requirements, the freedom is yours and the possibilities in distance learning are endless. Courses and programs offered range from improving basic literacy skills all the way to graduate and doctoral degree granting programs.

Finally, you have the freedom of attending any one of thousands of fabulous schools, colleges and universities in the United States and even around the world. Find out which schools or institutions offer the distance learning program of your choice, meet their basic requirements and you may be on your way to a degree from one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.

Whatever way you choose to approach your distance learning program you will have all of these freedoms to enjoy. Getting a college degree is no longer for just the young or well-off. Through distance learning it is now accessible and affordable for almost every American. Start your distance learning program today to build a brighter future for tomorrow. You will not only get an education but you will also get to enjoy the many freedoms that distance learning has to offer

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