by Kelly Sharp

Created on: October 20, 2010

Distance learning is creating an entirely new educational environment and for many adults provides an opportunity to enhance job skills, get a degree or even take a class for pleasure at the time that works for them. But distance learning comes with it's own challenges that need to be planned for before starting the class. While a traditional student leaves home and goes to pre-designated place, a distance student needs to create a time and place for learning. Being a successful distance student is all about the Where, When and How. 

Where: 

Where will you study? A traditional student leaves home and goes to the place they will learn the daily lesson, engage in discussions with the teacher and interact with fellow students. The distance student, on the other hand, does all of this from the comfort of the living room. More comfortable? You bet. But it is also more open to distractions, like kids running in and out, blaring TVs and ringing phones.

Creating a place to study is vital to being a successful student. The best option is somewhere you can shut the door, like a bedroom or home office. Think carefully about what you need to be comfortable while you study. You know you will need a computer, but where will you put it? Do you want to sit at a table or are you more comfortable with the computer on your lap? Do you have room for pen and paper in case you need to take notes? Take a good look at the lighting near where you study, to make sure it provides enough light to see your computer and notes.

Your study space should be off limits to the rest of the family if possible. This saves you from the accidental deletions of that term paper you worked on all night or the helpful rearranging of all your research papers by a child. When you will study is just as important. Think about a typical college class for, say, history. The class itself would meet twice a week for one to two hours in the classroom followed by time earmarked for homework. Just because you are now studying at home doesn't mean you don't have the same time commitment. It just means you can choose the timeframe you want to use. This is where many people attending distance classes get in trouble. They don't plan for enough time to be successful.

When:

Before you even sign up for the class, ask yourself, "When will I study?"  For some people, it is in 30 minute increments, two or three times day. Others study for three hours every few days. This is the luxury of distance learning. But you have to stay on top of it. If you are a busy mom with three kids, your may have to study when they do, and create a family homework time. If you are working, you may want to plan on studying during your lunch hour. The best distance students plan for specific times to study and write it in the calendar just like any other meeting or appointment.

How:

How you will study is the next challenge. If you are like many returning adults, the last time you went to school all you needed were Pee Chees and note cards. Today's students are all about laptops, e-mail, webcams and I-Pods. If you are not familiar these technologies, find yourself a kid who can teach you or think about signing up for a basic computer course prior to the distance class.

Distance learning is rapidly becoming a viable option for those who want to go back to school but may not have the ability to go to a traditional classroom. Taking the time to prepare is just one of the ways to ensure you will be successful.

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