Distance Learning, Online Education, Electronic Education, Electronic Learning?Call It What You Want

Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and however you want to define the latest buzz words for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now over 1.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.

In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few basic things you need to consider and some decisions you need to make in order to create the environment that will best suit your needs. You need to know the what, the why, the benefits and the how of the various forms of distance learning.

Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in Europe in the 1800's and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet based education, electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend upon how the institution defines and labels the programs which they offer. To simplify the whole concept, let's say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a "brick and mortar" facility. Some distance learning and/or online 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 paths to personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a degree, keeping professional skills updated, or pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.

Why are so many people turning to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level look at such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for balancing job and family obligations; working at own pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less expensive; great for homebound individuals; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and can "learn while you earn." These are a few of the many things that are causing quite a number of people to take an entirely different approach to attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.

Those who advocate against an alternative of distance learning, often site the lack of socialization which is a part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for the classroom activities, college events/parties, and the interactions that are a part of a school campus. Many of the classroom activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading - ebooks, up to date references, current research; listening - through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing - assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking/communication - through email, chats, and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be far more than just reading and writing.

What are the requirements for becoming a part of a distance learning program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or taking an admissions test. Usually, the process for applying will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is a wide range in answering this questions. However, what is necessary for an online program is the right computer equipment with the internet connection (high speed), word processing capability; email; and multimedia player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for recommendation about equipment and software.

In choosing a program there some questions to ask as you do your research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help/support is offered; qualifications of the instructors; 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 in existence. However, most schools considered the six regional accrediting agencies listings to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.

The last thing you need to think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn't procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right into your living room instantaneously. It works for more than a million people, and it can work for you.

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

Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About the Author statement must remain in tact. We also request notification of where the article is being used so reciprocal links can be considered. mailto:barb@sbmag.org

About the Author
Barbara Snyder is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently the publisher of http://EducationResourcesNetwork.com, co-publisher of Strictly Business Magazine, http://www.sbmag.org.

---

Distance Learning : Get an education while you work!

Distance Learning Makes the GradeDistance Learning might make all the... Read More

Outstanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 2

Stratford Douglas enrolled at the University of North Carolina in... Read More

Online Degree Education - Advantages

Distance education has been getting a lot of attention lately,... Read More

How to Survive with As

Attend ClassGo to class, every class, every time. It is... Read More

How to Save Money While at College

Still struggling to pay off the college loan? Have you... Read More

Online Education and Digital Divide

Digital Education is really coming along thanks to the US... Read More

How to Give Yourself a Raise with an Online College Degree

There are many people today from all walks of life... Read More

Graduation Quotations - Top 35

"Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn... Read More

Why You Should Choose an Accredited Online Degree

An accredited online degree is a college degree that is... Read More

Why Students Turn To Custom Writing Services

Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts,... Read More

Saving For College ? Your Number Two Priority

In today's highly competitive college admissions process, families must never... Read More

Thinking of Dropping Out of College?

If rising tuition costs or personal concerns have made you... Read More

Online Education: 57 Leading Institutions

Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before... Read More

Acing the SAT Exam

Don't cheat. This goes without saying for 999 out of... Read More

Online Nursing Degree For Busy Nurses

Many who work in the healthcare or nursing industry know... Read More

Student Moans and the Quarterlife Crisis

It's that time of year again when global issues take... Read More

Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School

In case you hadn't noticed, career colleges aren't just for... Read More

Oustanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 1

Paula Bone is a marketing professor who teaches "Consumer Behavior"... Read More

Marketing Students: 5 Guidelines For Your Final Paper

Get motivated! ('Why do I write this paper?")This is a... Read More

Academic Research on the Internet : There Is a Better Way

Students nowadays start their research projects by looking up information... Read More

Surviving School

Well, I finally finished my 1st semester of college and... Read More

Revolt of the Scholars

Scindex's Instant Publishing Service is about empowerment. The price of... Read More

Researching the Pros and Cons of Getting Your Degree Online

Are you considering getting your bachelor's or master's or other... Read More

How to Choose the Right School For You

Now that the admission committees have handed you their decisions,... Read More

What Are Online Masters Degrees?

Online masters degrees are higher education college degrees that are... Read More

Chiropractic Schools

Before CHIROPRACTIC SCHOOLS accept one into their educational system, it... Read More

How To Pass Exams

In modern society passing educational examinations becomes an increasingly important... Read More

Pre-Bachelor

The program should be one term, two terms or three... Read More

IMT College - Full Online

IMT College - full online* Ensure Your Future* Immediate Use... Read More

Online Education

I always dreamed of going to school and getting a... Read More

Tips On College Selection

It is highly recommended that early in the college selection... Read More

The College-Bound Students Early Bird Menu

Many parents and students I counsel confuse Early Admission, Early... Read More

Online Degree Tips - Your Guide To Online Degree Programs

Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?Deciding if an... Read More