by T. Jay Kane

Created on: January 27, 2008

Distance learning is not necessarily a new idea, but it is definitely gaining a lot of momentum towards the mainstream. Distance learning allows working adults the ability to attend college level courses from anywhere they can get an Internet connection. Reasons for wanting to attend distance learning institutions vary, but it usually revolves around the schedule of the working adult being too full for traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Whether it's the already established junior executive going for the Master's degree or the deployed military member just trying to keep up with his or her civilian college buddies, distance learning exists to give options to those who otherwise would not have had very many.

To begin, allow us to examine the two different types of instruction that will take place in a distance learning format towards a distance learning degree:

"Synchronous" means that while the classes may be taught at a distance, the student is required to "log on" or be present in the virtual class room at various times required by the instructor in order to take part in on line discussions, debates, or lectures.

"Asynchronous" means that there are no required "log on" times for students at any point doing the course. This would be the most convenient choice for the working adult. Usually, a student is given a list of assignments and course material and told to have the work done by a given due date, the rest is up to the student.

The types of degrees offered in distance learning programs are as follows:

Associate degrees awarded include the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree which will give the student a broad liberal arts and sciences background. The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree gives students the foundation they need to pursue a Bachelor degree by requiring certain lower level degree required courses be taken. The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is geared towards preparing students for immediate employment, similar to a career diploma mixed with general education courses.

Distance Learning Bachelor degrees include the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree that gives students a broad liberal arts and sciences background while emphasizing intellectual skill. The Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.) degree is generally identified by more courses being taken relating to the student's declared major.

The distance learning Master's degree is usually meant to further a person's knowledge of a certain subject, attempting to make that person a master at the given subject.

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