Whatever you want to call “learning at home” and however you want to define the latest buzzword for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. More than 1.2 million people in the United States are now participating in some form of distance learning, with an expected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.
When looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind and some decisions you need to make in order to create the environment that best suits your needs. You need to know what, why, benefits and how the different forms of distance learning are.
Distance learning (correspondence courses) began in Europe in the 19th century and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet-based education, e-learning, e-learning, e-learning, e-learning. How these terms differ depends on how the institution defines and categorizes the programs it offers. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent learning methods away from a “brick and mortar” facility. Some distance and/or online learning programs may or may not be affiliated with a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and not affiliated with any institution.
Distance learning offers a variety of paths to achieving personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, unaccredited courses, and others. Whether a person is pursuing a degree, keeping professional skills up-to-date, or pursuing skills in an area of interest or hobby, there is a program or offer that should work.
Why do so many people turn to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level, see positives such as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; Allows balancing of work and family obligations; work at their own pace, slowly progressing or accelerating learning; Less expensive can be great for individuals residing in the home; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; It can “learn while you earn”. These are some of the many things that cause a large number of people to take a completely different approach to acquiring knowledge/skills and/or obtaining a degree.
Those who advocate an alternative to distance learning often see a lack of socialization as part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for classroom activities, college events/parties, and interactions that are part of a school campus. Many class activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. Other things that online education will enhance are: Reading – modern e-books
References and current research. listening – through audio lectures or clips; see- through illustrations and presentations; doing – assignments, tests, exams, and research papers; and talk/contact – through email, chats and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be about much more than just reading and writing.
What are the requirements to become part of a distance learning programme? Many programs require at least a GED or admission test score. Typically, the application process will include: Transcripts. Essay test scores and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is ample scope for answering these questions. However, what is necessary for an online program is a suitable computer with an internet connection (high speed), word processing capability; e-mail; and multimedia player. The software you choose will provide more specific details of equipment and software recommendation.
When choosing a program, there are a few questions to ask while doing your research and making your choice. Ask if: help/support is offered; Qualifications of trainers. the number of years the organization has provided services; Is it an accredited program? Details about the curriculum. and multimedia components of the program. Incidentally, accreditation is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned entity. However, most schools considered the lists of the six regional accrediting agencies to be legitimate. Ask if they are 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 does not procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this era of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is an express delivery system that will bring all the technological advances straight to your living room instantly. It works with 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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