Is Pursuing A Degree Online Really For You? Who Should And Who Should Not?

Stanford University's Online Lessons Learned

Stanford University's Center for Professional Development has recently completed a survey of those that have been successful in completing online degree programs globally. The results of their research provide useful guidance for anyone considering an online program. The findings of their research are summarized here:

• Best for motivated, self-directed students who have a definite goal. The Stanford survey confirms that the best students are those that don't need constant attention and guidance, and most importantly, have a clear goal for their educational degree.
  
  
• Online learning attracts students who would not otherwise have taken courses.The survey shows that it is definitely an either-or situation for many students ? many don't take classes at all unless they are offered online.
  
  
• Need for recognition and achievement.Stanford has found that the most effective students for online programs like to compete for high marks online and eventually earn a degree that is delivered to them anywhere in the world.
  
  
• High need for autonomy. Stanford's results show that any student who prizes their autonomy over being overly socially involved excels at online learning programs.
  
  
• Ability to commit up to 10 hours a week to the course. Stanford's study show that the best students don't necessarily put in the longest hours; they are the ones that make the most of the hours they commit. The minimum amount of time Stanford found students could spend per week on entry-level courses was 4 hours per week; for graduate-level courses, 15 hours or more.
  
  
• Confidence in sharing their own experiences. Many of the respondents to the Stanford said that the best classes were marked by other students sharing their own experiences. The willingness to share experiences makes for the best online classes, and this is substantiated by the Stanford study.
  
  
• Like to write. Stanford found this as a definite requirement, but critical to the success of anyone in an online program. Writing is the primary means by which student's interaction with each other and their instructors is achieved, so this is also important to keep in mind.
  
  

Bottom Line:

The Stanford survey shows that the more independent and focused a student is, the more successful they will be in distance learning programs. Writing is also important, as is the willingness to contribute to classes.

Rose Musyoka is the editor of http://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 distance learning benefits and advantage and disadvantage of distance learning

---

Five Steps To Choosing A College

My name is Debbie Ross. The information I have about... Read More

How Parents Can Help Allieviate The Stress of Getting Into College

Getting into college is a stressful experience for most high... Read More

Getting Into College No Longer A Numbers Game!

Sending your kids to college has never been more difficult... Read More

Who Should Earn an Online Associate Degree?

An online associate degree is a two-year general studies degree... Read More

Online Nursing Degree For Busy Nurses

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

College Roommate Personality Clashes: How to Survive

Are you living with your total opposite? It's amazing how... Read More

Accredited Life Experience Degrees ? Accelerate Your Progress Online

Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap... Read More

Outstanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 2

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

Exam Guides One: 5 Great Tips To Improve Your Strategy

In order to do well on a exam, you must... Read More

Thinking of Dropping Out of College?

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

Is Pursuing A Degree Online Really For You? Who Should And Who Should Not?

Stanford University's Online Lessons Learned Stanford University's Center for... Read More

Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote

The problem with student and any small move comes when... Read More

Consolidate Student Loans and Shop Online

If you run a home business, you know that budgets... Read More

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Degree Program

Choosing an online education program should be exciting and fun.... Read More

Online Education: 57 Leading Institutions

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

Secrets Of Successfully Sitting Exams

Many people work hard studying various subjects to sit for... Read More

Why are Some Online Degree Colleges Better than Others?

Any student who is on the lookout for online degree... Read More

How to Save Money While at College

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

Government Research Procurement Fails to Bring Efficient Bidders

Many have complained of the Government's procurement process for research... Read More

The Family University Network: Unplugging Institutional Higher Education

Why not build a Christian family enterprise with the energy,... Read More

Internetworking and Security Multiple Choice Test

Personally, I dislike Multiple Choice Tests. Because they do not... Read More

College Is Way More Than Higher Education

The first day of college begins with hopes and dreams... Read More

Federal PLUS Loans

As a student entering college, it is very unlikely that... Read More

Student Loans ? Ensuring a Brighter Future Ahead

Higher education in the university gives students a chance to... Read More

Choose the Delivery Mode for your e-Learning Course

There are so many ways to deliver instruction online that... Read More

Most Colleges Require Letters Of Recommendation

I cannot overemphasize the importance of developing strong relationships with... Read More

Parents: Take the SAT Challenge!

I keep a box of tissues on the table where... Read More

IMT College - Full Online

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

How To Pass Exams

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

The Distance Learning Explosion!

A generation ago few would have given much thought to... Read More

College Low Expectations Game Cost Students, Parents, & Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars

During a recent conversation with a client, he shared with... Read More

Prepping for the new SAT I

On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country... Read More