All About Distance Education

If you are shopping around for a post secondary education, one of the options on your top list of schools might be an online school through distance education. Distance education is a method by that a student does not have to go to a school or any specific educational location to learn or gain knowledge. Technology instead allows communication between a subject area and a student. The student only has to go to class for exams.

1. How It Works

Instead of being taught hands-on by a professor, you will do the bulk of your studying alone in the comfort of your own home. Through educational materials and sources you will do the same activities that other students would be required to do. Some more expensive programs allow you to video conference with the instructor or at least download recordings of each of their lessons.

2. Check Your Mailbox

As a student enrolled in distance education you will receive quite a lot of mail. Everything from workbooks to videos, audiotapes, and CD-ROMs and books will be included for you to study.

3. Part Time Or Full Time?

It really is up to you how you structure your studies, although most students go part-time because they are busy with other activities. It is also possible to do a research study. This type of education is being offered at any level. Usually, it is given to university level studies.

4. Essential Distance Education Tips

- Manage your time effectively
- Don't fall behind on your studies
- Keep studying and play separate
- Ask questions via email or phone to your professors
- It won't be easier than a normal program - you still have to work hard

5. Disadvantages To Online Learning

Online learning sounds great! The hours are flexible, you don't need to commute, you can even spend all day at home in your pajamas. Or you can work full-time, and then do your courses in the evening. All of those are excellent advantages to online learning. But there are a few disadvantages that you should know about before making your decision.

1. You do a lot of leaning on your own

If you're one of those people that finds they learn the best by listening to a professor and attending a class, online courses will be difficult for you. A lot of the learning is strait out of a textbook.

2. You need to be self motivated

A lot of online courses let you choose your own pace. That's great! But if you're one of those people that need specific deadlines to get anything done, online learning might not be the best course. If you're a procrastinator, you might find it difficult to study online.

So, if you're a motivated self-learner, an online program would be perfect for you.