subject: Does Distance Learning Fit You [print this page] A recent study from Project Tomorrow reveals that the number of high school students taking classes online has almost doubled since 2008. While high school students are finding college prep and SAT/ACT prep classes easily accessible, adults are jumping on the distance learning bandwagon, also.
They key reason many people choose distance learning as an option for their education or college prep needs is because of the time factor: there just isnt enough of it. With classes offered through the internet, people who work during the day, or high school students whose days are filled with projects, sports, and other activities, can still find time at night to study.
Adults sometimes find themselves laid off or stuck in a mid-level job in their 40s without any room for growth. Upon review of their life and situation, these adults choose online classes as a means to develop new skills, obtain new degrees, begin technical training, career advancement, or even career shifts altogether.
Learning at a distance is not just for high school students who have fallen behind in a particular subject, looking to make up the credits through a summer-school model. Many states are now seeing their high schools getting involved in distance learning by offering online courses for students wanting to get ahead and qualify for advance placement classes.
Most states offer advance placement tests at the high school level, so that in many high schools across the country, students are entering their freshman year of college with half of their credits already accomplished.
To address the growing need for a consistent educational program for children of military families, distance learning has provided opportunities for these families, many of which travel often. Of course, many children in families with a parent or family star athlete or entertainer also benefit from online courses or online schools, since these children travel often and need the consistency of one curriculum with the flexibility that distance learning lends.
Other children who are hospitalized or simply unable to geographically attend school often opt for these curriculums.
Independent studies are not for the procrastinator, so not just anyone can succeed at it. It takes an above-average self-starter with strong discipline to visit the online curriculum site each day and dedicate a few hours to studying at home in front of the computer.
The traditional classroom model becomes easy in holding one accountable: if you show up to class without having done your assignment, a teacher will most likely will hold you accountable.
With a distance learning course, sometimes there is no one holding you accountable for getting in front of your computer each day or week. With many distant courses, your course review or assessment comes at the end, so if you put off studying or writing papers or homework, by the end of the course procrastination may have buried you too deep a hole to dig free from.
To help working people, many institutions of higher learning have started offering distance learning classes. Because of this, many certifications can be obtained by taking classes on the computer. Several of these certifications can be gained in one to two years time. As a possible distance learner, you must make the decision of whether this is the type of education for you. Consider these items if you are thinking about becoming a distance learner.
In many ways, learning via computer takes more study time than going to class. All assignments, videos, and lectures, must be done on your own. There are more assignments to read because you are learning by yourself. The pupil should be willing to give a minimum of eight to ten hours weekly on these assignments.
How do you learn best? If you learn best when someone is teaching you in person, then you should take traditional classes. This permits you to ask questions and get critiqued quicker on your assignments. On the other hand, if you can investigate and obtain knowledge by lectures, videos, and periodicals, online education is the thing for you.
Stamina is an important part of online education. Once the new wears off, you have a tendency to slack on doing the work. Putting off the work gets easier and easier when your favorite show is on television or your friends want you to go and party. You have to continually devote yourself to learning when you are gain an education via the computer.
A negative aspect of taking computer classes is that you do not have as much contact with your peers. While you may live in Arkansas, your peers may be living in Germany, Ireland, or Kentucky. As a result, this limits your conversations with your peers in the class. Your teacher is likewise only available by email or your academic advisor.
The accreditation for several online institutions is limited. In most cases you will need to get certification in their state and then get certification in your state. States vary in their what they require for transfer credentials. Your best bet is to talk to the certification board where you live to see what they mandate for endorsements.
A multiplicity of universities have begun to offer courses for people who are interested in distance learning. If you are considering distance learning, you have to investigate the online university to decide if this is best for you. You might be able to take online classes via a local university, or you might decide to take these classes from a university not in your state. Maybe you can locate the certification program that is a fit for you.
