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Is Long Distance Learning For You?
by Francis Y Ireton
http://www.fyilearning.com
If you've decided that getting your degree - or at least
taking a few classes - online is a good choice for you, you
may be concerned about your ability to keep up with the work
and do well.
The advantages to distance learning are many. Depending on
the structure of the courses that you choose, you may be
able to work completely at your own pace and schedule, an
obvious boon to those trying to fit college learning into an
already busy work and home life. In other cases, part of
your schedule may be predetermined by chatroom class
meetings and online lectures, but still save you from the
need to dash across the city - or across the country - to
sit in a classroom.
We've come a long way, baby. I can't imagine what doors
might have been open to my friend Linda had she had today's
tools and technology to back up her determination and
efforts. However, the things that made her a successful long
distance learner are the same qualities that will help you
achieve success in your learning.
There are some disadvantages as well, though those are less
clearly defined. In fact, for some, the seeming
disadvantages may be advantages. They include the less
personal atmosphere, the lack of face to face contact and
the lack of social outlets and contact between classmates
and professors. In addition, you'll miss out on the class
discussions and interaction that often can clarify ideas.
Is distance learning an option for you? The answer to that
question depends a good deal on your motivation, your
personality, your learning style and your comfort level with
various kinds of software and technology. The answers to the
following questions can help you decide.
Are you comfortable using a computer and other technology?
Since you'll be doing almost all tasks associated with your
classes on a computer, your comfort in doing common computer
tasks will be a major determining factor in your decision.
If you have no problem using a word processor or email, can
install software without panicking and can use an instant
messenger or chat room to communicate, you should have all
the skills that you need to take classes online.
4. If you're not comfortable with software like instant
messengers, or search engines - practice. One of the most
valuable things you can do for yourself if you choose long
distance learning is to join an online game or community
based in a text environment. Variously referred to as muds,
mucks, mushes, muxes, mucks and moos, text-centered social
interaction will rapidly increase your typing speed and
accuracy, your skill with the written word and your comfort
with using text to communicate - all skills that are vital
to your success in distance learning.
5. If class meetings are scheduled, make every effort to
attend. As silly as it seems to have to say that, it's
really easy to skip classes when you don't have to haul
yourself out of your way to get to them. Make a point of
being online and available during any class meetings that
are scheduled. You will also find it beneficial to make your
instant messenger id available to instructors and classmates
who can give you a nudge if you forget that a class is
scheduled.
What's your learning style? Do you learn best when someone
explains something to you verbally? If you're someone who
needs visual demonstrations and learns best in face to face
situations where you can pick up on gestures and non-verbal
cues, you may be better off learning in a traditional
classroom setting.
How motivated are you? The more motivated you are, the more
likely it is that you will do well with distance learning.
While that can be said of any course of study, it's
especially true of distance learning, where there's not
scheduled class meetings to keep you on task and on track.
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