by Hala Monsour

Created on: May 26, 2007

Understanding Common Distance Learning Mistakes

It is imperative that you understand the meaning behind distance learning and realize the implications of committing to such a program. It is not only necessary that you research the program of choice and interest to you, but equally important is finding the school the best fits your needs, meets your expectations and delivers learning content relevant to your career field or your anticipated career of choice.

One of the most common mistakes starts when speaking with an admissions counselor from a prospective university. Instead of getting answers to your questions, you may find some who will try to sell you on a program that may not be the best fit for you avoid falling for this trap. There is nothing against those trying to do their job; but you know yourself more than anyone else does. If the idea seems fishy to you please understand that it is your right to reject the suggestion and focus on your interest.

On the split-end, sometimes talking out your interests with the admissions counselor will help both you and them to get you in the right program but first, ask for the program requirements and take your time reading the information and doing a careful analysis of the content of the program in direct relation to your goals.

Another common mistake about distance learning is that you are in full control of your time. While this concept seems ideal to jump on realize that you are in control of your time means that you decide when you want to study and how but the courses still require ample and just attention they deserve in order for your to succeed in the course. Therefore, it is highly recommended that when it comes to time-management, you are aware that half the battle is won when you review the course materials in its entirety in order to form a schedule for that course.

Yet a third misconception would be to think that a study outline, format, or schedule is a one-size fits all. That is certainly not the case. A recommendation I usually make is to maintain a template schedule of how you tackle your course work, but adjust the template for each course. This not only helps you learn with ease, but it gives the course the necessary time required to understand the concepts in order to fulfill your assignment obligations.

Lastly and the most common mistake, is waiting last minute to do an assignment, because one may have an entire day or two off from work. Do not fall for this method and try your best to avoid it. Think of it as the back-up reserve for emergency cases. Do not assume that in a day's worth, you can actually have the focus necessary to complete the assignment. Unless your phone and TV are off, without children, family, or friends around do not put off your assignment last minute. Try to catch up on the reading assignments early on in the week so you can develop an outline, and start taking notes to help you format the paper as best as you can to earn the highest grade possible.

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