What Is Distance Learning
It used to be that earning a higher degree usually required students to attend classes at a nearby university or community college. Not anymore. Distance learning defined as formal education where the student and instructor are not in the same place has become tremendously popular.
Who can benefit? Distance learning can be a great solution for the working professional who wants to earn a degree but does not have time in the day for a rigorous class schedule. Research shows that modern generations demand flexibility in learning that previous generations did not, as they make room for other priorities like work, family, and social obligations. And distance learning programs also attract many older working students, who may already have higher degrees and are looking for a second degree or further certification.
What are the options? Currently you have many options for distance learning from using a few online courses to finish up your degree, to earning an entire degree online without ever stepping into a classroom.
You may choose to take a few distancelearning courses as part of your traditional degree program. Most 2year and 4year postsecondary institutions now offer distance education courses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 97 percent of public 2year postsecondary schools and 89 percent of public 4year schools offer distance education options.
For students who want to complete their entire degree or certification through distance learning, the educational community has a solution. In 20062007 there were about 11,200 collegelevel programs designed to be completely distanceeducation, and that number is expected to rise throughout the next decade.
How does it work? In some respects, distance learning has been around for many years. Written correspondence between teacher and student paved the way for the higher tech forms of distance learning we have today. Almost all distance learning programs now use internet technology to pass information between student and teacher. Some distance learning programs may use online technology exclusively, while others may use a combination of email, video, audio, or CDROM.
Distance learning instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. With synchronous distance learning, teachers and students log on to the internet at the same time for a simulated classroom experience. With asynchronous distance learning, students can use internetbased class materials whenever their schedule permits and the instructor has no need to be online at the same time.
Earning a degree can be one of the best investments you will ever make. As with any investment, do your research make sure that the school you choose is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.