subject: Strategies For Distance Students [print this page] Distance education has special challengesDistance education has special challenges. You'll probably never meet or see the teacher. You will not have classmates. You do not have a campus that is full of people who study the same thing. And you can succeed! You should plan on it!
1. Set Targets
The major target: "I'll succeed in the course."
When taking a new course, it is recommended to look through all the materials. You should break the assignments/lessons into tractable chunks. You could not have enough time to do a complete lesson during one night, so you need to plan for how much to do, then follow it until you are done.
2. Set a Regular Learning/Study Schedule
Keep a journal or calendar with your study targets and significant dates clearly underlined-and look at it daily (a calendar cannot help you in case it is closed!)
Define what time is good for your study. Is it Sunday mornings when your children are at football? Is it after Wednesday dinner when your partners are at bowling?
Take a rest - stroll around and stretch. You can have a light bite or drink some water. In case you are studying health or nutrition issues, you know how vital it is!
If possible, you should have a set study place and all the supplies that you might need (a computer, paper, calculator, pens, and others.)
Pace yourself. You shouldn't overstrain yourself. There is a reason that it takes some years to graduate from a traditional college. You are in it to learn, not only to receive a certificate, so you must be sure that you learn, not only race through the materials.
3. Speak about It
Inform people what you are doing. You are more likely to follow a course when your co-worker knows what you are doing it. In case you are studying Internet or high-tech development, the person could know a programmer who he can connect you with for tutoring.
Require a friend to investigate you.
Require someone to proof the work before you deliver it.
