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"Can distance learning be a substitute for college?" It depends on the student. A distance learner would tend to be either a younger or non-traditional student. By younger, I mean the more young, the more likely: kids seem to be most comfortable with new technology and therefore would not feel out of place. Non-traditional students have bosses to answer to and kids to feed, more often than not. So the article's title seems to imply, can distance learning (over the internet, presumably, or perhaps television or even radio) be as effective as attending classes in a traditional setting.

Yes and no. No matter how technically savvy a student is and no matter how disciplined they might be, I have noticed (as a teacher) that one-on-one interaction and in-person instruction is best. But it can also depend on the teacher. A dry lecture is not really more effective in person than over the TV or internet. A lecture that gets students involved in true learning is more effective than some electronic medium.

Occasionally, you will run into a person who is autodidactic - those who learn by being self-taught. In those cases an instructor often serves to interfere with their learning process. I should know, since I am an autodidact. Those who learn best by themselves may find that distance learning is easily as good as attending classes in person.

Those who are highly self-motivated will also notice a minimal difference in classroom versus distance learning. Why waste the extra time and gas driving to class when the same learning takes place at home? Those who need some type of outside discipline to stay focused on learning should certainly choose a traditional classroom setting, however.

Institutional quality and certification should certainly be considered. Depending on career objectives, a traditional school in a traditional setting may be better for the student. The student should also pay careful attention to avoiding fraudulent or marginal "schools" if they decide to use online or distance learning. Online or distance learning shouldn't cost a lot of money (much more than several thousand dollars for a degree is outrageous, in my opinion). Highly specialized fields demand much more than a diploma, despite where the degree is from, and distance learning may present more pitfalls in this area as well.

So overall, generally speaking, "college" in the traditional setting may present better opportunities than distance learning, although a well-priced, reputable college that offers distance learning should be considered for the right students.

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