What you should know when determining if distant learning is right for you.

I have attended college on campus, long distance where the instructor was an adjunct of a University from another area, and on-line. Some courses were a mix of on-line and through ITV.

The first thing to understand is that all of my experiences have been very different than that of the other.

The structure of the programs all vary. Breaking down the differences is important in determining what might be your future investment of education.

On Campus Learning:

Professor has the ability to use grading curves based on their discretion if a student is learning, participating, and quality of work.

Professor is able to make arrangements to make up work with students for things such as needing the day off for doctors appointments, illness, bad weather.

Student will be able to learn at a faster pace due to the direct communication with other students and the professor in better comprehension of information.

Student will have lectures and explanations given by the professor where they will take notes, tape record, or remember information.

You will meet people that share common interests with you that you will carry with you for a long time as well as make friends that could last a life time.

Two to three page syllabus.

Professional references from professors and others you meet.

On-line:

Formal structure. A computer system normally "counts" your participation based on your posts.

Hours and hours and hours of reading. Where an in class would have lectures, you get read tons of assignments, still have you assignments with assigned groups, participate in class, and have a 1700 word paper due at the end of the week. Week-ends are completely gone. Most advertise as being flexible around the student's life, there is so much reading that you have no time to hardly go to work with the amount of work load. You are open to when you do the work but with the amount of work you will find yourself always doing homework.

Financial Aid is a big issue with on line Universities. Some places are not eligible for the financial aid lenders that you want to borrow from leaving you limited to who they recommend. Some universities will also not allow for emergency funding and will hold on to the overage to the very last day that they are required to let go of it probably for interest purposes. When you ask for the financial aid overage and they read you their

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Distance learning: What you need to know?
We want to hear your view. Write now!