Distance Learning Digest

Why It’s Never Too Late To Start Distance Learning

Charlie — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Tipton

Sometimes, it’s really difficult to take a step backwards. There are some decisions that simply can’t be undone or even corrected. But distance learning and elearning have impacted the way many adults are getting and furthering their educations. The reason? It’s really a simple matter of convenience.

Once a person takes the first step into a full time job, their lives have probably changed forever. With a full time job, there’s the need for a car, a place to live and other purchases and financial obligations.

It’s difficult or impossible to satisfy those responsibilities without working full time, and it’s equally difficult or impossible to work full time while making any real headway towards a degree. At least it was, until distance learning and elearning appeared on the education scene.

Added to the financial aspect of adult responsibilities are the family obligations. Many adults who already have children are realizing that their income potential is much more than what they are making now.

But having a family further complicates the issue. Instead of just holding down a full time job while attempting to get a degree, the parent is also juggling, for example, soccer practice, dance recitals and parent-teacher conferences.

By the time the parents help kids with their homework, it’s bedtime and another day is gone. While most adults with a drive to learn can squeeze in a few hours each week to work on their degree, some find it impossible to create a routine that allows them to attend classes.

Elearning is the answer because the student works at his or her own pace with materials that are exclusively online.

An added benefit of elearning is that many programs offer greatly accelerated graduation time. Can you imagine dedicating the next three or four years to a full-time student status in order to gain a degree? Many programs offer certificates of training or even degrees in just a few months, depending on your previous educational background and the program you seek to enter.

You might immediately come to the conclusion that elearning will be easy. The fact is that it takes dedication - probably more so than a regulated classroom. Instead of having teachers to report to on a regular basis, students are left to work on their own.

For some, the temptation to simply not work on the assignments is strong because there’s no one periodically checking progress. Some programs require students to physically attend a class on a regular basis, usually once a week and sometimes as a distance-learning environment. This helps the student stay on track to ensure that the course is completed on time. =========================================================== Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/

About the Author

John Tipton dropped out of school early, and worked boring jobs for 20 years. Then he discovered ‘distance learning’ and finally got the education he missed. After lots of different courses at lots of different schools, Peter shares his experience in this series of useful articles.

What’s The Difference Between Distance Learning And American Public Schools ?

Charlie — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Tipton

Before distance learning and elearning, students in rural school districts were often at a great disadvantage when it came to subjects being offered. A small school district sometimes didn’t have the resources to attract teachers that were in high demand.

Math, science and foreign language classes were often limited because of this shortage. Today, distance learning and elearning have changed the way school districts determine class schedules, making many more opportunities available to students.

Public schools have changed dramatically over the past century and a great number of those changes can be put down to two factors - state and federal mandates governing the classes that must be offered and requirements for graduation, and (of course) the ever-increasing world of technology.

Computers have made the world a global neighborhood in which anyone can instantly communicate with those from another country, even if that country is half way around the world. Language and time differences are virtually the only barriers. This means that distance learning and elearning are a part of the curriculum of many schools.

As schools began to connect to the Internet, the immediate concern in most cases was how to regulate the use. The next was how to best use the technology to benefit school districts and students. Distance learning and elearning became the way to provide options, especially in those rural districts that couldn’t meet state mandates.

Consider the situation of many smaller, rural schools. If the school is required to offer a foreign language but can’t recruit a teacher, what should happen to that school? Forced consolidations have been common in some states. Students lost the benefits of schools in their own towns and faced long bus rides to new districts.

With distance learning and elearning, more schools can meet the state and federal mandates to offer specific classes.

Consider yet another situation. A smaller district has four students who show great promise in their math studies and it’s quickly apparent that they could go well beyond the normal math classes offered in high school.

There’s no one on the teaching staff capable of teaching those advanced concepts and it’s financially impossible to hire someone for that task alone. Distance learning or e- earning could provide those classes.

Special needs children are another group to greatly benefit from distance learning and elearning. While many issues can only be dealt with between teacher and student, face-to- face, there are many things that can be taught and learned online.

Whether the subject of distance learning or elearning is a foreign language or sign language, and whether the class or courses are being offered to one student or the entire student body, distance learning and elearning have become an important tool for many public schools. =========================================================== Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/distance-learning-colleges.html

About the Author

What’s behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning?

Charlie — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Rose

There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms – those companies that invest in new and emerging businesses – all agree that distance learning’s future is very bright, and a good investment opportunity as well.

All this translates into a bright future for anyone looking at distance learning to accomplish their career, educational, and learning objectives. Chances are if there isn’t a program in place today for your specific needs, there will be one – soon. This article explains how the perfect storm is brewing for distance learning, in a very positive way. Several market factors are presented here, along with research from research and government agencies that show that distance learning is here to stay and may someday surpass traditional classroom attendance approaches to learning.

What’s driving Distance Learning growth?

Consider the following statistics from International Data Corporation on the market for distance learning – these figures and others are making many traditional colleges and universities re-vamp their courses and degree programs to make them available online.

* There are 133 million U.S. adults or 66% of the adult population, which have Internet access today. That’s over half the entire U.S. population and serves as a strong incentive for colleges and universities to re-vamp their programs to support this untapped educational market.

* According to International Data Corporation, over 90% of college students access the Internet, with 50% accessing the Web daily, and this is on a global scale. Colleges and universities have also found that to stay relevant to their traditional students, they have had to create online and distance learning programs quickly to stay up with their learning needs.

* 87% of four-year colleges will offer distance-learning courses in 2004, up from 62% in 1998. According to International Data Corporation, 25% more colleges and universities added distance learning programs between 1998 and 2004.

* By 2004, 2.2 million degree-seeking students are enrolled in distributed courses – CAGR of 33%. The growth of distance learning on a global scale has the attention of companies as well – they plan on spending $272B in the next five years on in-house training and education programs, according to International Data Corporation.

* 51% of all online courses worldwide have online discussion forms in 2001, growing to 65% in 2005. This is a sign of how quickly the Internet’s performance is improving around the world. The bandwidth required to support online discussions is great news for distance learning. Now even the most geographically remote student can get the education they want.

Summary

The implications are clear. Distance learning is growing rapidly and has been fortunate that many countries teach English in addition to their own native languages. What’s next on the horizon of distance learning is offering courses and degrees in multiple languages. International Data Corporation predicts that by 2006, 65% of all Internet users will be international.

About the Author

Rose is the editor of www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information at Just what is Distance Learning?

What Is A Distance Learning Degree Program And Can It Work For You?

Charlie — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Mark Woodcock

If you have ever given any thought to going back to college to earn a degree, but do not feel that you would have the time, money, or ability to do so, take a look at distance learning. Distance educational entails using current communications technology to provide instruction and interaction between an instructor and students when they are separated by any given distance. What that means is that no matter where you are in the world, you can be a student in a distance learning degree program at a college or university anywhere in the world. Distance is not an issue.

Distance education has the capacity to provide many different types of people with a myriad of educational opportunities. Older adults can fulfill an ambition to go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree, or return to earn an advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate degree. Distance education provides those with full time work and family schedules the chance to go to college, and it is ideal for those who might be restricted by a physical disability. Distance learning also provides established workers the opportunity to update and reinforce their knowledge within their current career field, broadening their scope of information and providing more opportunities for advancement and promotion. The benefits of distance learning seem to far outweigh any drawbacks, but a successful distance learning degree program is dependent on the school, the faculty, and the student working together to make the experience as enriching and valuable as any traditional college experience.

You might be concerned that you won’t receive the same quality education as you might in a traditional classroom setting, or that you won’t learn as much, especially in a graduate degree program. That is a valid concern. Distance learning has been shown to provide students with an equally effective and valuable education as traditional students receive, provided that the various available instructional methods are used in a way that stimulates the learning process and the interest of the students. There are several instructional methods currently in use with distance learning. There is a component for every type of learner that will help to facilitate the learning process and enrich the online experience. One method that is used is the medium of voice, which includes telephone communications with instructors and classmates. This really helps to ease the isolation that can be felt in a distance learning degree program, and reinforces any course content that has been relayed. Video is often used in a distance learning classroom, usually in the form of slides and streaming video lectures. This is advantageous for the student because this data is saved and made available for use at any time, whether to print out slides or to review lectures online. Other types of instructional media that are used in distance learning include discussion boards, email communications, and chat rooms (for classmate interaction as well as “lectures”). All of these methods help to facilitate communications between students and instructors, as well as encourage class participation.

For distance learning to be successful, it is important that the faculty of a college or university be willing to adapt their teaching styles in order to fit with the technology and educational format. They have to be willing to deliver course content is a variety of media, as well as facilitate classroom chats, and have open lines of communication. Faculty must also be open to the idea that their students will be spread far and wide, in different time zones, countries, and cultural setting, and should be prepared to adjust assignments and expectations accordingly. Ultimately, though, the individual success of a distance learning degree program lies with the student. Being a successful distance learner requires the motivation to get the assignments done, make the effort to communicate with classmates and instructors, and attend scheduled lectures and chats. Because there is freedom in the format, responsibility is a key factor in getting a valid and valuable education online. Without the drive to do the work, there will be no benefits earned for the student.

About The Author

Mark Woodcock is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.department-of-education.info.

The Pros and Cons of Online Education

Charlie — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

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

The Options that Open and Distance Learning Bring

Charlie — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

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.

The Many Freedoms Of Distance Learning

Charlie — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

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

About the author:

Learn more about Online Degrees and University of Phoenix

The Growth Of Distance Learning

Charlie — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Tim Henry

Distance learning has been defined by the United States District Learning Association as the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction. Distance learning encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of life long learning for all. Today distance learning is being used in al most every area of education including primary, elementary, and high school.

Distance learning is also being utilized for college, university, and technical training as well as home school education, continuing education, corporate training, military and government training, and telemedicine.

Distance learning has undergone a phenomenal growth in the last ten years, primarily because of the technology of high-speed Internet combined with the upswing in home computer ownership. Both technological advances have allowed Americans to access distance learning programs and as we all know the laws of supply and demand mean that where there is a need or an interest, business will respond by making more of the needed product available.

But the other main factor in the growth of distance learning is the continuing and seemingly insatiable human quest for knowledge. It’s not just young people fresh out of high school that are looking at distance learning to complete their education through an online degree, but homemakers, veterans, and even seniors as well. There is a desire of many Americans to have the full American dream, live in peace and comfort, own your own home, and get a college education.

Distance learning has grown as well because it works in both helping people of all ages learn and comprehend even the most technical subjects. Research has shown that distance learning programs report similar effectiveness results as reported under traditional instruction methods. In addition, research studies have also pointed out that not only do students learn in distance learning but that they are quite positive about the experience itself.

Distance learning can be the sole training experience but many teachers are using it as a support to their regular teaching programs. They offer special courses and electronic field trips for students to enhance their regular programs and to break the monotony of sitting in a classroom every day of the week. They also use distance learning to assist both rural and inner city classes with student through enrichment, student courses, staff development and in-service training for teachers and administrators. In the field of higher education you can now earn both undergraduate and advanced online degrees through distance learning.

About the author:

Learn more about Online Degrees and University of Phoenix

The ABC’s Of Distance Learning

Charlie — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Jeff Slokum

If you are thinking about utilizing a distance learning program then you need to familiarize yourself with a whole new set of terms and definitions that help to make up this new way of learning. Here are a few to get you started, the ABC’s of distance learning.

Under A you may find the following terms:

Academic Advisor. An academic advisor is a person appointed by the college or university representative who provides guidance to students in to help them select courses and an academic program that will meet the requirements to complete an online degree program.

Accreditation. This is the process by which online degree programs are monitored to ensure that they meet certain standards or requirements. There are special accrediting agencies at the national and regional level that ensure that the distance learning program meets all of the specific curricular standards in order to grant online degrees Associate Degree. An associate online degree is usually granted after completion of a two-year post secondary program. It also is sometimes known as a transfer degree.

Under B you may find:

Baccalaureate. This is more commonly known as a bachelor’s degree and is usually granted after four years of study at an online degree granting college or university.

Baud. A baud is a technical measurement of digital transmission that is used to describe the rate at which information flows between two electronic devices such as modems. The higher the baud rate means the faster information is processed and transferred between two computers.

Under C you will find:

Case Study. A case study is a common presentation style to help distance learning students see the application of a theoretical principle to a simulated or real-life situation. It helps students practice applying their analytical and presentation skills to the theories that are learning in their online classroom.

College. A college is an institution that normally offers associate and bachelor’s degrees. The focus at colleges is on education rather than research.

Conditional Acceptance or Admission. This is an offer to participate in a university or college online degree program to a student who meets the basic academic requirements, but might need to improve some other aspect of themselves such as passing an English proficiency exam in order to begin their distance learning program.

Cooperative or Co-op Program. These are distance learning programs that combine online classroom time with alternating work placements.

Course load. Course load refers to the number of courses taken or credits earned within a period of study that may be defined as a semester, term or quarter.

Credit. A credit is granted for each course completed and in order to get an online degree most academic programs require students to complete a certain number of credits or courses.

About the author:

Learn more about Online Degrees and University of Phoenix

Take Advantage of the Exploding Popularity of Distance Learning Colleges

Charlie — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Gregg Gillies

Distance learning colleges are popping up all over the world. One of the most well-known, University of Phoenix, started in 1976 with 8 students. Currently, its academic enrollment numbers more than 200,000 students located all over the world, making it the largest private, accredited university of the distance learning colleges.

In fact, it’s the largest private accredited university in the United States, period. Over 100,000 of those students are enrolled strictly in the online distance learning programs.

Distance learning colleges are flourishing for a number of reasons. There is our fast changing economy. People need to stay up to date on their skills, or constantly acquire new one’s so that they can advance in their career and stay valuable to their employer, without becoming obsolete.

There are also many people who feel education is a lifelong pursuit and not something that stops once you graduate from college. Both of these lead into one of the biggest reasons for the popularity of distance learning education and that is convenience.

We all lead very hectic lives and the one thing we always seem to be short of is time. Distance learning colleges eliminate the time aspect of education as much as it can be eliminated.

Continuing your education through distance learning eliminates a lot of the hassles of night school. You don’t have to work all day and then drive to class, spend three hours of your evening, drive home, and then study. You can just log on to your computer when you get home instead. This is a much less stressful way to pursue a degree.

Another advantage is not going through the hassle and stress of finding the right classes, in the right order, that are available at a time that is at least somewhat convenient for you.

What happens when a class you need is only available Tuesday evenings from 6 - 9 and that’s the one night of the week that you travel for your job. You’re out of luck. But attending college or graduate school through distance learning gets rid of that obstacle. You can get an online degree instead.

Another big obstacle in the way of getting an education is money. There aren’t many of us that can quit work to go back to school full time. With a distance learning program you can get an online degree without giving up your current job. This makes it a heck of a lot easier to pursue your degree when you can keep your current income while you go to school.

The virtual classroom that is available in most distance learning colleges offers other advantages compared with typical academic settings, and that’s 24-hour access to programs, faculty, and the other students, as well.

With the large number of distance learning colleges you can choose from today, you can find a degree or certification, or continuing education courses, in almost any subject, from journalism, to an MBA, to a PhD, Law degree, accounting, bachelor’s, engineering, culinary school, investing, real estate, paralegal, medical billing and more.

Have a look around at all the information on distance learning colleges so you can decide what distance learning model is best for your life, goals, and situation.

About the author:

Gregg Gillies is a freelance writer and the webmaster for www.a1-online-distance-learning.info, where you’ll find more free articles on distance learning and online degrees.

Take Advantage of the Exploding Popularity in Distance Learning Colleges to Advance Your Career

Charlie — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Rob Thomas

In fact, it’s the largest private accredited university in the United States, period. Over 100,000 of those students are enrolled strictly in the online distance learning programs.

We all lead very hectic lives and the one thing we always seem to be short of is time. Distance learning colleges eliminate the time aspect of education as much as it can be eliminated.

Another advantage is not going through the hassle and stress of finding the right classes, in the right order, that are available at a time that is at least somewhat convenient for you.

Have a look around at all the information on distance learning colleges so you can decide what distance learning model is best for your life, goals, and situation.

About The Author

Rob Thomas is a freelance writer and the webmaster for www.a1-online-distance-learning.info, where you’ll find more free articles on distance learning and online degrees.

Successful distance learning

Charlie — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Ryan Larson

To be successful at distance learning you really just need to be a good student. Yes, it is a different way of learning but just because you learn through the Internet versus sitting in a classroom, doesn’t change the principles of learning. You have to pay attention in class or when you are online. You have to study the material between classes. You have to complete all of your homework and assignments on time. And you have to ask questions or get extra help if you find yourself stuck or bewildered.

Paying attention online in a distance learning program is essential to your success. Normally you will have one online class per subject a week and during that period of time your instructor will try and guide you through the basic theory of a subject and give you a few examples to help you understand and comprehend it. Sometimes these online classes are archived for a period of time so that you can go back and take that class again if you didn’t get it the first time.

Doing your work in between classes is what really separates the women from the girls and the men from the boys. Sure you can slack off and coast, but no one but you will pay a price for that. Some programs require that you log into the program a number of set times between classes but even if you haven’t got that monitoring aspect you still need to study the material between your online classes.

In traditional learning programs students who develop and practice good study habits are often the most successful ones. With distance learning it will make the difference between virtual success and online failure.

Assignments are an important part of learning in distance learning programs. Other than your tests at the end of the year, these are one of the few ways that an instructor can judge both your progress and if you need help. Develop the discipline to get your assignments completed and submitted on time. Then after they are graded and reviewed take the time to not just check your mark, but carefully review any comments that your instructor may provide. This is one of the only ways that your instructor can give you feedback to improve your distance learning program.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help in you get stuck. Most distance learning programs have an e-mail response system to deal with your questions and concerns. Many offer online tutoring if you need it. Don’t just sit there befuddled. Ask for help.

About the author:

Learn more about Online Degrees and University of Phoenix

Six Reasons Why Distance Learning Makes Sense

Charlie — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Rose M.

More and more people are finding that knowledge really is power, and that they can accomplish their education goals online.

Best of all, these online learners are finding that degrees from accredited colleges and universities are increasing their earnings potential, giving them greater responsibility in their professions, and best of all – giving them the chance to accomplish a key goal without completely interrupting their existing lives.

There are many reasons to consider distance-learning programs for your goals. Instructors who have taught distance-learning courses originating in the United States to Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Europe, report these as the top reasons distance learning makes sense:

* Make a strong future from investing time today - Many of distance learning students are on assignment in foreign countries, and while working full-time on their jobs, they use their evenings and spare time to earn bachelors and masters’ degrees that have a direct impact on their future job opportunities and professional advancement.

* Certify your knowledge - Many distance learning students have years of experience in their professions, and just lack of college degree that proves their knowledge. Distance learning gives these working professionals a chance to share their in-depth knowledge while at the same time earning degrees that illustrate their expertise.

* Get to your educational goals on your timetable - While distance learning programs have scheduled classes online and you interact with instructors, you can move as quickly as you want through many courses. Likewise, many instructors will work with you if something comes up in your life that takes time away from school.

* Pick up more marketable skills- The depth of distance learning courses has become impressive in recent years, thanks to the Internet’s performance increasing in many parts of the world – and most importantly – schools offering courses that deliver skills immediately marketable.

* Start a new career - Distance learning is great for anyone looking to get into an entirely new field – one that they have been looking at for years, or one that has sparked their interest lately – in either case distance learning gives anyone the flexibility to take their careers in entirely new directions without stopping their lives in the process.

* Connecting one-on-one with instructors - Learning on-line gives students the opportunity to interact with their instructors to a greater depth than is typically possible in larger, more traditional classroom settings.

Bottom Line: Distance Learning is growing by 33% a year worldwide according to market estimates from International Data Corporation and the U.S. Department of Education. Universities worldwide are working to tailor their programs for this exciting new approach to learning. Chances are there are programs available today that will get you to your educational goals.

About the Author

Charlie — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Positives Of Distance Learning

Charlie — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Jeff Slokum

The traditional academic environment offers structure, discipline, mentoring and a great social atmosphere for learning that distance learning cannot usually provide. But distance learning does have many positive aspects that as long as you work hard can be just as successful to learning as the more traditional approach.

The first positive thing about distance learning is the cost. For a fraction of the cost of attending an academic or technical institution you can earn an online degree or certificate. Because the offering school or academy has little overhead to devote to distance learning, many offer degree granting programs that are one tenth of the cost of a regular college education.

The second positive thing about distance learning is the time involved in getting your degree or technical certification. In a normal college classroom it would take you up to four years to complete a course of study. With distance learning you set the speed at which you are able to learn and if you want to accelerate your program you just add more e-classes to your curriculum. Of course you can always choose to slow the pace down if you get busy at work or have a family emergency to deal with.

Another positive thing about distance learning is location. Just like in real estate, “Location, Location, Location, is a very important aspect of distance learning. That’s because you choose your location to learn. You don’t have to travel out of your community, out of state, or out of the country. You don’t even have to travel outside of your home. Pick a place inside your home and apartment and get to work on your distance learning program.

The most important positive thing about distance learning is the opportunity that you give yourself to get that college degree that you have wanted all of your life. Like the ad says, that is priceless. It will open up a whole new world to improve your life and the lives of your family. It may lead you into a whole new line of work, something that you have dreamed about forever.

Distance learning can be the best and most positive gift you can give yourself, no matter how long you have been away from school. Other parts of your life, like raising your family or serving in the military have taken you away from that goal, but with distance learning you have really been given a second chance to realize your aspirations.

Give yourself the gift today.

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Picking A Good Online Degree Program

Charlie — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Ryan Larson

Finding a distance learning program has never been easier but picking a good distance learning program is not as simple. That’s because there has been an explosion in the number of schools, universities and other institutions offering distance learning as part of their programs. They are doing this to try and meet a similar upswing in the desire of Americans for another or different way to get access to higher education.

Your first step should be to eliminate a number of distance learning options because they are simply not up the standards as the rest of the academic community.

Avoid schools that do not require tests, essays or studying. Those are essential elements of a good academic program and how will they know if you have learned the material if there are no exams at the end. You should also be wary of schools that advertise their programs through mass e-mails or spam. They may be less than adequate in their education program and any online degree or certificate they provide may be worthless to you and unappealing to prospective employers.

Next you ready for a comparison test based on your particular course of study, how much you are willing to pay, and any attachment you may have to one or more highly regarded schools. First of all a few words on costs. Your online degree will cost you money, and probably lots of it, but it will be a fraction of the cost of attending the real school. Remember too that the price rises with the reputation of the school and its faculty. If price or cost is not your prime consideration then try to get into the best school with the best program. You won’t regret that decision.

If you can narrow your choice down to two or three distance learning programs then you should consider a school in your state versus one outside. That’s because there may be subsidies available within your state that will not apply if you study across the state line. Proximity to the school may be another factor because one day you may want to take a visit to your alma mater or see your online professors in person.

Whatever you ultimately decide your choice of a distance learning program will help you move closer to your goal of having a higher education. Choose well and good luck with your studies. Sooner than you think you may be receiving your online degree and the congratulations of your friends and family on becoming a college graduate.

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Online MBA, Distance Learning

Charlie — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Lim

No Time To Take Up An MBA Degree Program? Now You Can With Distance Learning And New Online MBA Courses!

Are you looking to forward your career? Thinking of taking up a Master of Business Administration degree program but just don’t have the time? Perhaps you should consider an online MBA degree program through distance learning!

Distance learning is a form of education that has been around for years. The concept of home study is something that we have all heard of but it is only recently that only degree programs have become popular. And for many good reasons too!

For one, people who cannot afford to put their lives on hold for a year or two to take up a MBA degree program can now study while continuing with their normal lives! An online MBA program allows you to study at your own time which means that you can hold on to a part-time or even full-time job.

Distance learning has also become popular because it saves time and is cheaper than attending classes at a university. You save travel costs, lodging and even paper cost. Everything is downloadable and all you will need is a computer that connects to the university’s server to get started with an online MBA program.

Distance learning’s popularity will continue to grow as more and more universities offer online MBA programs and other degree courses. There are some who prefer to attend classes and meet up with their peers and lecturers but for others, distance learning is truly an opportunity for them to improve themselves. Without online MBA programs and distance learning, they would have little chances of taking a course.

Distance learning is definitely here to stay as more universities adopt this online learning concept. About the Author

Free reviews and rankings on the best MBA degree programs! Get all the information you need from top universities and business schools at http://www.asia-mba.com.

Non-Traditional Learning, Online Degrees

Charlie — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Jason Shanahan

You don’t have to go school anymore to get an education. Home schooling programs exist all over the country and have been growing in numbers and popularity for many years. Alternative high schools have also been around for decades and offer a minimum amount of class time combined with work experience and dance and musical experimentation. Some parents even take their kids out of school for a year or more just to travel the world and learn by seeing how other cultures live and survive.

Learning in the workplace is now a hodgepodge of seminars and workshops, classroom training, coaching and mentoring, tele-classes, e-learning, and the latest wave of distance and web-based learning. It’s getting harder to find traditional training programs outside of the formal education system and even there school districts across the country are engaged in testing and refining a variety of new and non-traditional learning methods.

Distance learning is one way of this new type of thinking and learning that has really gained a foothold, particularly at the college and university level. Millions of Americans are now engaged in their first or second attempt to get that long sought goal, a college degree through distance learning. Almost every university and college now offers some form of online degree granting program and some even have graduate studies that at least partially can be taken through distance learning.

It’s easy to understand the growth of this type of training as it parallels the growth of the personal computer and the World Wide Web. All that was missing was a technological connection between the users and the academic institutions and the emergence of relatively cheap and really fast Internet access was the key that unlocked the door.

Non-traditional learning methods like distance learning have forced administrators and legislators to react quickly to meet this growing demand. For students of all ages it has meant many more options are open to them and it allows them to easily overcome the barriers of time, money and distance that have held them back for so many years from the degree and the accompanying accreditation that will open new doors for their careers and their futures.

Distance learning, like so many other non-traditional ways of learning, were developed and expanded to knock down the virtual walls that surround some of our academic practices. For many people it can’t happen fast enough and they welcome the changes to date and are looking for more innovations in the future.

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Limitations Of Distance Learning

Charlie — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Ryan Larson

Academics, teachers, and educators are all united in one voice on distance learning. It is an effective and efficient way for students of all ages and at all levels to learn. It has a number of advantages that allow it to be cheap and universally accessible to almost everyone who can access the Internet. But they also recognize that in comparison to the traditional classroom, distance learning does have its limitations, and in order to overcome them they are first working to identify them.

Here are a few that they have identified to date:

Limited connection between course material and its explanation. This is in contrast to the traditional classroom where students follow the written material and are guided by the human interaction of the teacher and their peers.

Limited human teacher expression and interaction. Instead of following the human teacher’s body expressions and language patterns to learn, distance learners following an inanimate computer screen. Students then miss the teacher’s gestures and the full impact of the oral interaction with the teacher.

Lack of human connection. Most of us have become accustomed to receiving direction and instruction from a human, our parents are our very first teachers, and that is how we learn. In distance learning some students find it difficult to relate to an online tutor and they miss and need that human touch.

Limited peer support. Although you can and will develop friendships amongst your co-learners in a distance learning program, we do learn in the interaction with our peers. Think about your first smoke or your first drink, the messages from your peers were pretty crucial to convincing you to experiment. In learning we support one another and that is a little more difficult in distance learning.

Lack of contextual understanding. In the traditional classroom all of our learning is done by using examples to help us understand the context of what we are learning. In distance learning there are fewer examples or explanations past the initial concept or theory and we have to find that contextual understanding by ourselves. For some students who are accustomed to learning through contextual discussion it may be difficult to grasp or understand some basic and important ideas.

None of these limitations are insurmountable by a student who is anxious and eager to learn, but they do slow some people down in their distance learning program. The good news is as the experts have identified these limitations they are already at work to find ways to improve distance learning to remove them. Like education itself there are no limits on distance learning, only limits on ourselves.

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Is Distance Learning Right For you?

Charlie — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Sanderson

Congratulations. You have finally made the decision to go back to school to get your college degree, but you are worried about the cost and the time away from work. Maybe distance learning is an option. In order to find out if distance learning is right for you it may help to ask yourself a few questions.

Are you self-motivated and can you learn and study without a teacher looking over your shoulder? If you think you have the discipline to follow a course outline and study by yourself then distance learning could be a great fit. If you are someone who can force themselves to complete projects and assignments on your won and within specific deadlines then you are also well-suited to learning on line.

Can you eliminate or avoid the distractions that come from learning at home? Just remember that unless you live by yourself then other people will continue on their normal activities all around you as you try and learn. Successful distance learners have a quiet place to listen, learn and study and they find this time and space regardless of how many kids they have or how hectic their household may be.

Can you learn alone? Some people need the support and companionship of others in order to learn and it is a drastic step to move to the isolation of distance learning. Maturity and dedication to your studies will help but at the end of the day it’s you and your computer screen and you will need a plan to deal with the lack of classmates in your distance learning program.

Can you ask for help? At a regular school many people are reluctant to “bother” the teacher with questions that they think other people will find stupid, so they stay quiet and try to pick it up on their own. The result is less than successful. With distance learning the same problem could certainly arise and unless you are prepared to ask for help the results will be similar. Most programs offer an e-mail question and answer service and some even offer special assistance and tutorials. If you want to ensure your success you may have to take advantage of these services.

There are many benefits of distance learning but remember that there are also some difficult challenges to overcome. Distance learning may not be for everyone but if you are self-motivated, avoid distractions, learn alone, and ask for help, it just may be the right way for you. About the Author

Learn more about Online Degrees at http://www.schoolguideusa.com

Improve Your Life Style And Self Esteem Enroll In A Distance Learning College

Charlie — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

I Henman

It’s just a fact, you can’t ever be over educated, how ever it is possible to become under education. Has this ever happened to you. you’ve applied for that dream job you’ve been waiting for, how ever you get passed over because another person had a degree therefore was viewed to be more qualified? It’s happened to me, and I always think how do they know he/she will do a better job? They don’t but the fact is they have to go with the better odds.

How ever there is a solution to this, and the fix is to earn a qualified degree without re-arranging your current life or day-to-day schedule. How can you do this? By enrolling in a distance learning college/ Depending on what your current studies are like a distance learning university might be the best solution.

Distance learning establishments are more or less easy to find. Because the majority of them operate online now you should be able to do some searches to locate a few schools to choose from. Once you’ve found one that offers the program you’re interested in be sure to check and ensure the program and the school are accredited. Often times a school might be accredited how ever a particular program at the school is not.

When checking into the accreditation of the school ensure that it was issued from an authorized party to do so. There are numerous organizations that accredit colleges and universities online, how ever they may not be authorized to do so meaning that after all your hard work your degree would never be recognized.

What will enrolling in a distance learning college do for you?

If you’re just one of those unfortunate few that didn’t have the opportunity to finish your university studies when you should have then earning your diploma now will ensure you a better position in your career as well as an increased salary. If you have never attended college after high school, you just thought secondary education wasn’t for you then a university degree will push you up the ladder and increase your pay.

There’s no question in anyones mind that furthering your education will bring about better things in your life, along with raising your income and self esteem. No matter what your gender or age enrolling in a distance learning college is sure to bring more joy and good to your life.

There’s always time

Remember it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re never to old to further your education. Enrolling and completing your higher education is a choice only you can make, and not gender or age should effect it. Chase your dreams, and enroll in an online college today.

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Ready to chase your dreams today? Then visit our website to find out more about enrolling for online distance learning courses here Online Education

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How To Find The Best Accredited Distance Learning

Charlie — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Wirat Munpan

Learn more about these distance learning degree programs. With AIU Online’s distance learning schools accelerated degree programs, you can learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s competitive work environment. The BA degree presents a big challenge to students undertaking their studies via distance learning, requiring a maximum amount of motivation and commitment. Some students come in with enough college degree credit to get their distance learning college degrees in as little as one month. Programs A list of popular online distance learning programs that can help you get your degree online. And a distance learning master’s degree from UB presents a great value as well.

UB’s distance learning master’s degree also gives you extraordinary flexibility. To top it off, you can complete your distance learning master’s degree on a timeline that works best for your cash flow. Reputation - An established distance learning institution provides the student with the knowledge they a getting a REAL degree from a quality institution. Instead, you earn your degree by demonstrating your competence through a series of carefully designed distance learning assessments. Some studies reveal deep doubts among students and faculty that distance learning ever can have the degree of interaction in a non-distance environment. This website is created to help people who like to educate online using distance learning and online degree programs.

This review will occur even then the proposed Distance Learning course is a section of an already existing and approved course.” Art. Questions I would describe my need to take a distance learning course as follows: I need it for graduation, my major, or my job. Reading is a distance-learning college course delivered via satellite television that is supported and expanded by information available on the Web. Students who do well in distance-learning courses are usually comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as they need help with the course. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance-learning course is: a. Students who are taking multiple courses via distance learning benefit from consistency among those courses-similar course design, communication, technology, and assessment. College degrees may be just a distance learning course, distance learning program, distance learning college or university, on-line degree, or distance learning project away. A career change may be only a distance learning course away.

Search distance learning course descriptions. Taking a distance learning course with Staffordshire University can help broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities. All of the potential characteristics of participants should be considered when developing a distance learning course. Deaf students also cannot participate in teleconferencing sessions that might be part of a distance learning course. Mobility Impairments Students with a wide range of mobility impairments may enroll in a distance learning course. A distance learning course is one you take without physically meeting a teacher in a classroom on campus. The two most common modes for distance learning courses are: Correspondence (print-based): Course material will be sent to you by mail or courier.

Large markets for distance learning will undoubtedly emerge, and this will be a blessing for many students who cannot attend college classes. Find a distance learning program at an accredited college or university. You’ll find out how to propose, plan, and fund a distance learning program for any level from kindergarten through college. Online college and distance learning isn’t for everyone. Western Governors University is specifically designed to help adults like you fit distance learning and online college into your already busy lives.

Student attitudes toward distance learning. Of these citations, only 194, approximately 5%, dealt with student attitudes toward computer-mediated distance learning. As a Distance Learning student you have enormous flexibility in wherever, whenever and however you study. Whether you’re a busy professional or a student, online distance learning provides the solution for getting your MBA quickly and conveniently. the distance learning student must complete a unit of instruction and then pass a comprehension test or exercise before the a.d.a.

Harnesses distance learning technologies in a classroom environment. The success of long-distance learning hinges on its capacity to simulate a dynamic campus classroom. Explore the following three articles for strategies in transforming your traditional classroom activities to the distance learning environment. These people skills are obvious and natural in a “live” classroom, but may seem awkward in a distance learning situation. http://www.accredited-university-online.com

Wirat Muenpan Is The Webmaster of Accredited Distance Learning Proven Techniques Help You Accredited Distance Learning - Guaranteed! http://www.accredited-university-online.com

How E-Learning Helps Develop Special Skills

Charlie — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Tipton

When the words “distance learning” are used, it’s often with the idea of achieving a degree or attaining a specific certificate. But what if your company needs specialized learning opportunities?

Or what if you are a small company and simply don’t have the means to hire a teacher to help your employees gain a specific skill? The answer could very well be an elearning class from one of the companies that offer special course work.

Managers around the country need some basic skills that are the same from one business to the next. If a manager has a degree, he usually has at least the basis for managing a business. But what happens when the needs of the company change? Or when it’s time to get updated training for the manager?

A few decades ago, a manager would simply have continued to use the skills he already had without ever really getting any new training. The company’s dilemma is evident - the manager can’t be spared from his current duties to attend classes for updated training, and the company is less likely to prosper if the manager continues to use outdated management practices. Elearning is an answer for that problem.

Specialized coursework is especially efficient for companies with personnel scattered across the country (or even around the world). Consider the company that has offices in several countries. The managers all need some updated training and getting a special course put together means they’ll all be operating on the same page.

The course can be offered either as distance learning with all employees who will attend “meeting” online at a preset time, or as elearning with employees being required to finish an online course in a set period of time.

What could be better than a united business with consistent business practices? Accountants, bookkeepers, secretaries, security people or any other group could be brought up to date on government requirements and company policies.

Perhaps your company is undergoing growing pains and it’s time to help your employee base increase basic knowledge. Offering distance learning or elearning opportunities in specific areas can accomplish this while benefiting both the employee and the company.

For some companies, providing their own elearning sites could be a great benefit for business. Imagine the selling power it would add to tout an online training course in the use of a particular product or service. With the technology available, it’s possible to create custom distance learning or elearning courses, often with personnel already on staff. =========================================================== Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/

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How Distance Learning Offers Flexible Opportunities

Charlie — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

John Tipton

The opportunities for continuing education are incredibly diverse, thanks to the technology of distance learning and elearning. Because of the sheer number of people who are looking to improve themselves, it was inevitable that a large number of colleges, universities and businesses set out to fill that need.

The result is that people are learning new skills, honing talents and reaching goals, all while going on with their lives. For many people, furthering education and attending classes are limited because they are already involved in their adult lives. Jobs, family obligations and other responsibilities limit the amount of time many people have available to devote to their own education.

Distance learning allows thousands of people to achieve degrees from programs hundreds of miles away. In this day of convenient travel options, it might be tempting to say that anyone can attend college or classes anywhere. Despite our mobile economy, many people simply don’t want to move and don’t have the time to travel great distances to attend classes. That means that their opportunities are limited to the programs that are offered nearby. Until distance learning and elearning became so widely available.

Briefly, the difference between distance learning and elearning is a matter of how the course is structured. Distance learning requires that the student attend classes at a prearranged time on a regular basis. An instructor who is actually teaching in another facility (across the state or across the nation) lectures makes assignments and teaches just as normal.

The students in the satellite facility have the opportunity to interact with the teacher through two-way communications. The major advantage is that students are attending class right in their own neighborhoods, at community colleges, universities, schools and even public facilities instead of traveling to the site where the teacher is actually conducting class.

Compared to distance learning, elearning is even less structured. Typically, students work at their own pace through online courses. There may be pre-recorded lectures, worksheets, assignments and tests, all viewed and completed online.

The major advantage here is that students have an even more flexible attendance policy and can choose to work through the material as quickly or as slowly as they want, though some courses do have time limits for completion.

When you add it all up, both distance learning and elearning offer opportunities that simply wouldn’t be available any other way. People who would otherwise be “stuck” with no way to further their educations now have an option. =========================================================== Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/

About the Author

How Distance and Open Learning has Changed my Life

Charlie — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Emma Jones

When I was approached to write a piece on open and distance learning education, I came up with this piece. After reading it through, I have come to the conclusion that my life has changed completely because of it. I didn’t realise how much until I wrote about it, and got half way through proof reading it. This is what I wrote:

‘When I got married I quit my job in the legal profession. Eighteen years on, and three children later, I decided that there had to be more for my future. I had the time to spend on anything I wanted, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I looked through the courses that Oxford College ODL offered by open and distance learning, and realised that this mode of education was a very good place to start. I had picked out the characteristics of education that I didn’t want to bother with, and there were quite a few! Examples of these were not sitting in a classroom with younger students that would show me up, stringent rules and class times that had to be adhered to, and cramming for and worrying about exams that were taken in large halls full of these again, young students. Oxford College ODL through their distance learning and open learning courses was offering me what I wanted, all that was left to do was to choose where I wanted to start.

I decided to start with two courses that were completely different, so I enrolled in one that I thought would help me understand the world around me, and one that would help me with confidence and my relations with my children. The first came in the form of a sociology diploma, and the second in a diploma in life coaching. I knew I was taking a lot on, but this was just for me, and I could take five years to complete them! It hasn’t taken me anywhere near that long to complete them both. I have completed my diploma in sociology with distinction, and I am on my penultimate assignment for my life coaching diploma. I have been able to put a lot of time into my studies, but it has only been shy of two years now and I have accomplished more than I thought I would have been able to.

My plans are to move onto a diploma in psychology next which my background in sociology has given me a deep interest in, and for myself rather selfishly, I am going to enrol on the English Literature program which I believe will give me the confidence to enjoy the writings and works of those that spent their lives composing pure and quality entertainment. I couldn’t have done all this if it wasn’t for the distance learning and open learning courses offered.

Through me, my children have gained confidence. My education in life coaching has given me the ability to support my children without interfering which gives them confidence. My son has since started his own business with my support, and my daughter is studying through distance learning as I am, whilst she trains in distance running. She has realised, as I have, that there are many ways to get a quality education, and it doesn’t have to get in the way of other ambitions.’

Distance learning and open learning have changed our lives greatly, and there are many reasons to study this way. I have come to learn that education is not something to be scared of, it is something for everybody, and it is something that you should be able to take at your own pace. Distance learning has done this for us along with show us that education is not just there for those who want to further their job prospects, but it is also there for people to simply gain knowledge in subjects that they are interested in and through this it is impossible to describe the feeling of confidence that is achieved. I had always thought that further education was for those that had to make more money to support themselves and it was just a tool to further their job prospects. It is much more than that and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of life. It is for me, it is for my children, and it is for everyone. Distance learning doesn’t discriminate. It is a gift. About the Author

Emma Jones is from Chelsea London. She studies at Oxford Distance Learning. For more information on Oxford Distance Learning please see www.oxforddistancelearning.com.

Good Distance Learning Study Habits

Charlie — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:30:41 +0000

Norman Fleming

Learning at home has a great many benefits like the ability to learn whenever and wherever you like. But distance learning is still getting an education and that means paying attention to the course material and presentations you receive online, and also the hard part of studying and doing your homework and assignments.

In order to be successful you will have to learn to avoid the day-to day distractions that exist in your current living arrangements and you will also need to develop good distance learning study habits. You need to create a routine and environment that is conducive to learning and the time and space to study and learn.

The basics of creating good distance learning study habits start with your physical surroundings. Your study space needs to be well-lit and ventilated and it also needs to be as free as possible from outside distractions like people, telephones, loud music and the greatest distraction of all, television. You wouldn’t let your kids do their homework in front of the big, blinking screen, so why do you think that you can learn while you are watching your favorite soap opera or reality show?

Create a special place in your home for your distance learning study program. It can be your kitchen if that is separate from the rest of your house. It can be your rec room or a newly cleaned storage area. It can also be your living room, as long as you turn off the television. As long as it is clean, uncluttered, and quiet it will work for you and your studies.

If you have enough room in your house or apartment then you might wish to consider purchasing a desk and organizing it so that you have everything you need near at hand and all in one place. Then find a good chair with strong support for your back as you listen and learn. It should be comfortable enough to study in, but not too comfortable that you want to take a nap. That comes after you have done your work. Organize all of your supplies and material around you and you are ready to get to work.

You also need to organize your time in order to develop good distance learning study habits. Set aside regular times to go online for your lessons unless they are pre-scheduled and allow for adequate time to study and complete assignments. Stick to your routine religiously unless an emergency happens and tell everyone, especially your friends that you will be unavailable during this period of time. Follow the basics to create a distance learning program that fits your life and your schedule and you will be well on the way to a productive and successful distance learning program. About the Author

This article courtesy of http://www.university-phoenix.com