by Cheryl O'Brien

Created on: May 12, 2007   Last Updated: May 22, 2007

Making Your Distance Learning Experience A Good One

Distance learning can be a brilliant way to achieve new learning goals, learn new and interesting topics, and gain the education that you need to improve your job opportunities. It can also be a total disaster and waste of time. To make your distance learning a good experience follow these few steps and avoid some common mistakes.

When deciding on which distance learning facility to use you need to do some research. Check with your training and education authority to see that the institiute is accredited and the course you are considering is recognised. This ensures that the certificate or diploma you receive is recognised and will be accepted within the industry you work or hope to work.

Choosing a course of study can be daunting. Long lists of subjects and topics in the subjects can become confusing. Ask the institute offering the course about the details of the course and if it meets your learning needs. You can ask to speak to the tutor directly or someone in charge of that particular department.

Once you have happily enrolled in the right course of study for you and your first package of materials arrives in the mail you need to sit down and read right through the whole package. There will be helpful information and contact numbers in the package as well as detailed instructions on how to return your completed work to the right address. Highlight information you will need over again to make it eeasier to find in future.

Distance learning takes a lot of planning. Use a course planner to keep track of when your assignments are due. Mark the due date on the top of assignments. Ensure your due date allows the time it takes to mail your assignments back.

Plan your week to include time for reading as well as the time it takes to write course assignments. Doing some of your course work every day is usually a more realistic way of managing distance learning than trying to cram it all in on the weekend.

Use time wisely. If you are stuck on a train or bus going to work each day, or spend time waiting for appointments, take some of your course reading with you and a highlighter. Read and highlight the important points. Time will move faster.

Self discipline is perhaps the number one requirement for distance learning. It is all too easy to make excuses and keep pushing your work into the background. Be disciplined about completing your work.

Ask questions when you have them. All too often distance learners decide to give up a course for reasons that could have been avoided if they had only asked some questions. If your workload for the course does feel too heavy right now contact the institute and ask them for advice. If you don't understand the requirements of the course ask the tutor. Get on the phone, drop them an email, and ask. You will find that they are only too happy to help you get through the course. It has been often said that the only dumb question in the unasked question.

Reward yourself for completing assignments. Reward yourself for sticking to your study plan. Reward yourself for having the tenacity to do the course! Rewards don't need to be costly they can be simple rewards that justmake you feel good about yourself. Give yourself some time and attention as a reward for your discipline.

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