"Distance education can help all
Americans—including workers, parents, people in rural communities
and people with disabilities—go to college by removing barriers of
time and place through innovative technology." - Richard Riley, U.S.
Secretary of Education (1993-2001)
Planning to enroll in a distance
learning program requires a great deal of research. Not all students
are right for this type of program. The process takes commitment and
a willingness to overcome some basic differences associated with
this learning style. It's important for interested students to:
Be willing and able to commit 4
to 15 hours per week per course.
Have the right equipment,
including a computer and a modem, high speed Internet connection
(preferable), and a good quality printer.
Be self-motivated and
self-disciplined.
Communicate clearly in writing.
Speak up if problems arise.
Online classes are often very
different than traditional face-to-face classes in terms of how the
material is presented, the nature of the interaction among class
members, and the overall learning experience. Many students report
that they actually learn more in online classes than in face-to-face
classes and find the experience more rewarding. But online classes
aren't right for everyone. Even if you are an excellent student, you
may find that online classes are not compatible with your learning
style. So, before enrolling in your first online class, give some
thought to whether online learning is right for you.
