subject: Distance Learning: Getting Rid of Common Prejudices [print this page] Distance Learning: Getting Rid of Common Prejudices
Narrow-mindedness concerning distance learning Most innovations are met at dagger point at first. Fortunately, present day pioneers are not burnt at the stake. Still, people choosing some extraordinary life paths might become victims of the public opinion. For example, distance learning has been considered less effective than studies at traditional campus for a long time. Despite the fact that online colleges enjoy wide popularity, they are relatively new for the system of education. For this reason opinions concerning its effectiveness and proficiency of distant learners might vary. Perhaps, in the early days of distance learning its programs were not perfect. Students lacked computer skills, multimedia devices were underdeveloped. Coupled with certain faults of program developers, it resulted in inefficiency of distance learning. At the present moment most programs are improved, while the average level of students' computer skills is much higher. It means that only lack of time-management skills or self-motivation might become hindrances for person's inability to develop one's professional skills. At the same time students lacking these personal qualities cannot become good specialists receiving a degree at a traditional college as well. Hints for distant learners In order not to become a victim of this narrow-mindedness, a young specialist has to do one's best and work hard. One day these misconceptions will be left in the past. At the present moment one may only polish up one's practical skills and enhance one's proficiency. Receiving a degree at an online college, it is preferable to find a job in the same sphere. It would be difficult to work in one sphere learning peculiarities of another one. Theoretical and practical parts need to complement one another. Choosing a distance course a person has to be ready for prejudices of recruiters; juggling work with studies; sacrificing one's leisure.
