Distance Learning
The information age has also given rise to another phenomenon I like to describe as "give a hip-sounding name to every possible concept under the sun". With words like "e-commerce" and "B2B" having become household terms, it seems as if "distance learning" has also been accepted as a routine part of life right there with toasters and bed linen. It sounds easy - sign up online for a distance learning program, study at your own convenience and *voila* - you now hold a masters degree. But is distance learning as easy as it sounds? And is it as convenient as distance learning ads claim? Maybe. But before you decide, you must keep in mind that accessibility and convenience do not necessarily mean easy. Some people find distance learning harder than "regular" school because there are no schedules, no classrooms and no glaring looks from teachers to push you along. You have to make a great effort to discpline yourself and exercise control over your study routine. Kay Kohl, Executive Director of the University Continuing Education Association in Washington, D.C., argues that distance learning is just not meant for everybody. Not all students are comfortable with online instructions, others can
Students have to discipline themselves and keep a check on themselves - sitting alone with a pile of assignments with no students and teachers in sight is an environment which enhances the urge to keep putting off work and assignments. Distance learning students have to organize and arrange all facets of their personal, professional and academic lives. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Your primary motivation should not be the perception that "distance learning is easy and instant learning". This simply can't be done in distance learning programs. In short, it's just as bad as real school! ;) Can you keep yourself disciplined?A classroom full of students, an angry professor and daily quizzes can be good motivation to stay prepared and do all assignments on time. The truth of the matter is that many students have learning styles/preferences that clash with the way distance learning is administered. There's no reason to put yourself through this unless you absolutely want to do it. Can you keep yourself motivated?You can succeed in regular school even if you're studying something which doesn't particularly fascinate or inspire you. These questions will go a long way in helping you decide whether distance learning is the thing for you. "If you have a tendency to put things off until tomorrow, you don't have time for distance courses. Do you have the required skills?Distance learning requires certain skills which may vary from case to case, but the most common ones are the ability to skim quickly through text, good note-taking ability, and the ability to think critically without input from teachers or students. If after answering these questions you still feel that way, then by all means go for it! . You must be disciplined enough to commit a substantial amount of time each week to do the necessary work," says Mary Beth Almeda, Director of the Center for Media and Independent Learning at the University of California, Extension in Berkeley. 't study until they physically attend a class every day. Most programs worth their salt challenge their students with extensive reading and writing assignments.
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