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5 Steps To Successful Long Distance Learning
by Francis Y Ireton
http://www.fyilearning.com
Not too long ago, the idea of earning your degree over the
internet was viewed with suspicion and ridicule. Few people
believed that one could get as good an education via the web
as one could in a traditional classroom. Few accredited
schools offered distance learning as an option, so a degree
earned online wasn't likely to come from a well-known
college or university.
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.
There are disadvantages to distance learning as well. If
your style of learning requires face to face teaching and
input from classmates, you may find it more difficult to
understand the material. In many cases, you'll be mostly on
your own with the material, and your determination and
motivation will be instrumental in getting your work done.
Your writing and reading skills play a large part in how
easily you're able to assimilate the information presented.
In other words, if you're not a motivated self-starter who
can work well on your own, distance learning may not be the
best method of learning for you.
1. Set yourself a schedule to work on classwork. Even if
you've chosen courses that never formally meet, you will
benefit from setting a schedule for yourself and sticking to
it as closely as possible. Structure is one of the most
positive things you can do to make sure that you complete
and hand in your work on time.
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.
3. Choose classes that fit your learning style. New
technology is constantly changing the way that online
classes are taught. With webcams and videoconferencing so
readily available, even those students who thrive on class
contact can do well with distance learning. Take a look
beyond subject matter when choosing your classes to the
methods of teaching, and choose a class that will give you
what you need to learn well.
How do you learn best? Are you an auditory learner? Do you
learn best by listening to someone explain something, or are
you most comfortable learning on your own through research
and reading? If you're the type of person who could learn to
ski from a book, you'll have a far easier time learning
online than someone who learns best through person to person
interaction.
Can you focus on work despite distractions? Without a
regular schedule of classes, it's tempting to put off work
till the last minute. The students who do best with distance
learning are those who have their own space and the ability
and support to put off distractions and focus on getting
work done. If you're a motivated learner who enjoys getting
to work on your projects, you'll find it easier to keep up
with classwork and complete it on time.
How well can you communicate through writing and reading?
Good reading comprehension is vital to successful distance
learning. If you have trouble understanding instructions,
your instructor may not be easily available to clarify. The
same applies in reverse - you'll need to be able to clearly
explain your needs and put your knowledge into writing. If
you're not comfortable expressing yourself in writing, then
you'll be more comfortable in a traditional classroom.
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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