Distance Learning: Is it right for you?

As a previous student of a distance learning program, I would like to highlight some of the things that I feel are most important to keep in mind when deciding to jump into a 'convenience' program. In essence, these are things that I wish someone would have noted to me before I spent the time I did earning my diploma.

1. One of the biggest draws will be the time investment factor. Whether choosing on-cite or on-line schooling you will be committing yourself to a program that will involve setting aside hours a day to satisfy the school's requirements. You can either choose to do these things in a classroom, on a specific day(s) for set times OR you can choose to do it when ever you get around to sitting in front of the computer during the day. Please keep in mind that not all schools are accredited. Not being accredited or recognized by other educational institutions may make any time invested in the program wasted if you ever plan to further your education outside the original institution. For someone like me, with a full-time job, and a small child, the flexibility offered by an accredited on-line school sold the issue. I realized I could get a degree and do it without ever having to leave home.

2. Involvement and motivation. Believe it or not, you will be investing at lease 2-4 hours a day to an on-line program. There is often class involvement (which includes discussion topics) as well as daily assignments. Many programs, a majority of the ones I considered, run seven days a week. This is great for completing a course in the least amount of time possible, but bad for self-motivation. Simply knowing that there are no breaks is enough to overwhelm. Some, not all, of the on-line programs even go year-round. When they advertise 'Get your two year diploma in a year and a half!' it is because you will be expected to take classes back to back, every day for that time. Including holidays, no exceptions. Make sure to go over all of this with a councilor before committing yourself. Have them outline exactly what is expected of you, and what you can expect of your instructors.

3. Instructors. Many college instructors, especially those who teach at community colleges and in on-line programs stretch themselves between more than one job. It is a know fact that teachers, though by far the most deserving, are not the highest paid people in the world. By picking up a class or two during the week in an on-line school,

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