Distance learning, online education, e-education, e-learning … call it what you want

Regardless of what you want to label “home learning” and however you want to define the latest buzzwords for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now, more than 1.2 million people in the US are participating in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.

As you look at this viable and rapidly expanding form of education and training, there are some basic things to consider and some decisions to make to create the environment that best meets your needs. You need to know the what, why, benefits, and how of various forms of distance learning.

Distance learning (correspondence courses) began in Europe in the 19th century and has become a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, Internet-based education, e-education, online education, e-learning, and online learning. The difference between these terms will depend on how the institution defines and labels the programs it offers. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say these terms represent ways of learning outside of a “physical” facility. Some distance and / or online education programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and are not affiliated with any institution.

Distance learning offers a variety of pathways to personal goals including: GED, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, masters, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is pursuing a degree, keeping their professional skills current, or pursuing skills for an area of ​​interest or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.

Why do so many people turn to distance education? What are its advantages? We take a personal look at advantages such as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; allows flexible hours; allows balancing work and family obligations; work at your own pace, go slow, or speed up learning; it can be less expensive; ideal for people confined to the home; without unnecessary trips; without formal attendance to classes; and you can “learn while you win.” These are some of the many things that are causing many people to take a completely different approach to acquiring knowledge / skills and / or obtaining a degree.

Those who advocate against a distance education alternative often find the lack of socialization that is part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone looks for the classroom activities, college events / parties, and interactions that are part of the school campus. Many of the classroom activities, such as discussion and support, can be done online. The other things an online education will reinforce are: reading – e-books, up-to-date

references, current research; listen – through audio readings or clips; see through graphic illustrations and demos; doing – assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and talk / communicate – through email, chats and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be much more than just reading and writing.

What are the requirements to be part of a distance education program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or an entrance exam. Generally, the application process will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements will be. There are a wide variety of answers to these questions. However, what is needed for an online program is the appropriate computer equipment with Internet connection (high speed), word processing capacity; Email; and multimedia player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for hardware and software recommendations.

When choosing a program, there are a few questions to ask as you research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help / support is offered; instructor qualifications; number of years the institution has provided services; Is it an accredited program? details about the curriculum; and multimedia elements of the program. By the way, accreditation is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned entity. However, most schools consider the six regional accrediting agencies listed to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.

The last thing to think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who does not procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you are a good candidate for an alternative educational approach. In this age of global education and today’s need for knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancements straight to your living room instantly. It works for over a million people and it can work for you.

Visit our Distance Learning Resource Center at: http://sbmag.org/distancelearning.html

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