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Distance learners need not be distant from their classmates.

Many distance learning students have reported stronger relationships and more connections made with classmates in online courses as compared to face to face classes. As an educator who teaches both traditional and distance learning courses, I have seen many rich friendships built among students who meet for the first time in an online course or use online communication tools to expand on their face to face contacts.

Technology makes interaction with your classmates much easier in online courses than in face to face classes, enabling you to gain friends, learn from others, and help your peers. Education is not only about acquiring knowledge and professional skills; education is about gaining social connections and experiences that can enrich your personal and professional life.
Most online course systems employ chat rooms, discussion boards, and email. As a student in a course, you can use those tools to interact with your classmates. Many instructors set up a discussion area just for their students; sometimes called class caf' this discussion area is available for informal student discussions, socializing, and getting help from classmates. Chat rooms may be available for informal student discussions that occur in real time unlike discussions and email which are asynchronous. Email is another tool students can use to communicate directly and more privately with each other. Ask your instructor what collaboration tools are available in his/her class and then learn how to use them to make connections with your classmates. If you are unfamiliar with these tools, remember that you are not alone and seek assistance from one of your peers or the instructor; don't let anything prevent your active engagement and acquisition of new skills.

Your options for connecting with classmates are not limited to online course tools. The WorldWideWeb offers tools that students can use to collaborate and interact outside of the online classroom. Messaging programs offered by companies such as Skype, Yahoo!, Google, and MSN provide real time communication using text, voice, or video (webcam). These are great services - imagine being able to have a voice conversation using the internet and if you have a webcam, you can also see the person you are talking to! These programs and services are generally free; charges are incurred if you want to call' a friend's telephone instead of his/her computer.

Students in a distance learning course are among the most important resources for other students. While the instructor possesses knowledge and expertise, he or she is only one individual with limited time available for students. If you have a quick question, concern, or are confused about course material, your classmates represent a collective body of knowledge, experience, and support who you can go to for help in addition to the instructor.
Distance learning provides students opportunities to gain new knowledge, skills, and connections with others. Interact with your instructor and classmates.

Technology provides the tools you need to convey your personality and create a presence in the distance learning classroom; use the tools and reach out to others; the experience of interacting with your classmates can enrich your life!

Learn more about this author, Mary Therese.
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