Education For The 21st Century Distance Learning

There is an old saying: Time moves on. That is certainly true in the world of education. In the past, higher education was strictly an option for the wealthy and privileged. Beginning in the last century, higher education became a reality for the common person. But the pace of change has not slackened up one bit!

And while the so-called 'experts' argue among themselves about future trends, we know one thing for certain: technology has turned the world of higher education upside-down. It is now the primary delivery channel for millions of students worldwide - in the form of 'Distance Education.' Coupling the power of the home PC with the interconnectivity of the Internet, distance learning is revolutionizing the educational landscape, right before our eyes.

Let's put it in it's most simple form: Distance learning means that a student can participate in class - in India, let's say - when the school is located in Boise, Idaho. Distance is no longer an obstacle - in fact, distance from the school, from the instructor, or from one's fellow-students has become irrelevant. What matters now is receiving the course content, whether one lives down the street or in another continent.

The U.S. has a population that is aging, as is well-known. And an aging population is one with increasing responsibilities - work as well as family - that throw up road-blocks and obstacles in the path of the would-be student. Distance learning is a solution that works for them - as academic assignments and classroom participation can now be completed around work schedules and family activities.

Here's our take on the situation: as more and more schools start distance learning programs, more and more adults will take advantage of them and enroll. And when these students graduate, they will bring their up-to-date skill sets into the workplace. As a result, business will greatly benefit. Overall, we can see the American worker becoming more and more efficient. Our workforce will then be positioned to keep - and retain - better paying jobs, as we compete in the global marketplace.

What is a part of the distance learning experience? Well, after your enrollment is approved (and courses paid for) you will sign in(via your home PC) to a 'virtual campus,' where your course instructor, fellow students and you all interact in a kind of chat room experience. You will be given assignments there, e-mails will be used as a means of communication, and course papers will be uploaded for review. You will often be required to complete assignments in collaboration with other students - just like collaborative projects in the real world.

Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would 'spit out' on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn't look at their book/notes to cheat!

This means that distance learning programs put a premium on 'learning by doing' - not simply spitting out facts that have been memorized. And does this not more accurately mirror the kinds of responsibilities one has in the real world? Graduates of distance learning programs are in fact better prepared to 'hit the ground running' and be productive in their job from the first day of employment.

Distance Learning for Working Professionals

If you are considering starting a distance learning course, the information here will be helpful for you to make that final decision to step into the world of distance learning. If you are already studying by distance learning, this information will reassure you and give you added confidence that you have made the right decision. If you have recently completed a distance course, then you too will be reassured, and you can move forward feeling positive about your achievement. If you are an employer considering how best to further train and develop your key people, this information is valuable to you too.Distance learning is a valid, appropriate, internationally recognised, relatively low cost, convenient, effective, and enjoyable way for a working professional to study for and obtain new qualifications, and learn new tools and techniques.All professional sectors now demand that their internal managers and specialists, and their external consultants and advisors, are appropriately experienced and hold up to date qualifications. This is the world of continuous professional development.

If you are a manager, expert, specialist, working for an organisation, public, private, charity, ngo, family owned, small or large, this is expected of you. If you are an entrepreneur, consultant, independent, freelance, you are expected to be able to demonstrate that you are keeping up to date, that you are continuously developing your background knowledge and your specialist skills. Distance learning is a good first choice for continuous professional development.The growth of distance learning has area has been exponential. The Unesco report, from 2002, highlighted the role that distance learning is playing, and not only in the developing countries, but in the highly developed countries too. It describes distance learning "as a force contributing to social and economic development, open and distance learning is fast becoming an accepted and indispensable part of the mainstream of educational systems in both developed and developing countries" In the USA, distance and open learning is now well established, not only for working, mature, students, but interestingly, for school students also.

In 2003 it was estimated that "more than 30% of schools are offering courses over the internet and through video conferencing." US Education Department analysts predict a doubling of this within 5 years, to over 60% of US schools offering courses by distance learning. In Africa, across the continent, distance learning is rapidly overtaking classroom study, with predictions that by the year 2010 there will be over 10 million working professionals studying by distance learning. In 2004, students enrolled on distance learning courses with the Indira Gandhi Open University, in India, totaled over 400,000. In addition to the evidence provided by the exponential, massive growth that is happening and is forecast to continue, employers around the world are accepting distance learning qualifications as equally credible with classroom ones. In most of the professions, such as accountancy, engineering, teaching, distance learning is already firmly established. In disciplines such as project management, quality management, supply chain management, marketing, distance learning is growing rapidly as a highly credible alternative to classroom delivery. In fact, for professionals in project management, consultancy, quality management, and accountancy, study by distance learning now dominates and is the preferred choice of most professionals.

Examples of how well established the acceptance of employers has become is provided by the global giants, such as Microsoft, Dell, British Airways, General Motors, Reliance, HSBC, and Nissan, all of whom readily recruit those with distance learning qualifications. In Education, most leading universities, on all continents, are now offering courses delivery by classroom and by distance learning. Colleges, universities, business schools, in the private and public sectors, are all accepting distance learning qualifications as satisfying entry requirements for students to move on to higher levels of study (which can often be by distance learning!).How acceptable is distance learning? Totally acceptable. For younger, working, developing managers, specialists, a carefully selected distance learning course is totally appropriate, and totally credible. For older, working, mature, more experienced professionals, a distance learning course and-or qualification, is highly appropriate, often the only option, but totally acceptable.

How to Choose a Distance Learning Program

According to the 2010 report on the state of online learning in the country published by Sloan Consortium, 63% of the institutions surveyed said that online learning formed a critical part of their long term strategy. Clearly, online and distance learning programs have become the present and future of education in the U.S. With so many students jumping on the online education bandwagon, is it time for you to start thinking seriously about distance learning courses? If your answer is yes, then here are certain tips you might find handy in choosing a distance learning program.

Accreditation

The importance of accreditation cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to choosing a distance learning program. Accreditation is the certification or recognition of an educational institution's adherence to quality standards established by an accrediting body.The institution offering distance learning programs must be accredited by a nationally or regionally recognized accrediting agency. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education has a list of accrediting agencies that it recognizes as "reliable authorities" concerning the quality of education disbursed by institutions of higher learning. Remember, you may be able to transfer credits from an online course to another institution only if your college is fully accredited by a recognized agency. Also, your prospective employers will be favorably disposed to distance learning courses that are completed from an accredited institution.

Flexibility

The biggest benefit of distance education is the flexibility it provides to students. When choosing a distance learning program, you should select one that best suits your current lifestyle. There are different types of learning styles when it comes to online programs. Some are self-paced that pretty much leave you free to set your own schedule as far as covering your coursework and class assignments are concerned, while other distance programs may require you to attend online lectures, group discussions, etc. at specified times.

A lot of distance learning courses are actually hybrid programs, which means they include elements of both on-campus and online training.

Instruction Methods

one are the days when distance education meant poorly printed learning material being delivered to your postal address. Modern day distance/online learning courses make use of sophisticated technology to impart education. Online education these days means live lectures via web-cam, coursework available on high quality CD-ROMs, Internet forums, emails and chat sessions to facilitate student-instructor and student-student interaction, and other such high-tech means of studying. Make sure you are comfortable with the instruction method used at your institution. The more advanced technology they use, the better will be your overall education experience.

Support Services

One of the most important factors you need to keep in mind when choosing distance learning programs at a college or university is the type of support services it offers. Just because you're not physically attending school doesn't mean you're not entitled to support in the form of student advisors, tutors or study partners to help you if you're having trouble with the coursework. Your college or university should also be able to help you secure externships or clinical sites if your coursework includes practical training. Other support services you might want to check for are financial planning and employment assistance.

Cost

One of the main reasons for choosing distance education and distance learning programs for many individuals is their affordability. Most online or distance learning courses cost less than their classroom-based counterparts. In addition to the low tuition and fee, students can also save on fuel, books, accommodation etc., if they enroll in a distance learning program. Make sure the degree you enroll for fits your budget and the school of your choice participates in financial aid programs to help you fund your education if you qualify. Many credible online schools also offer in-house performance-related scholarships and tuition grants to help deserving students.

How To Find Distance Learning Universities

Distance Learning Universities

If you have decided to make the proactive step and pursue your educational opportunities through distance learning universities, there are several points to keep in mind as you begin your search. Established colleges and other institutions of higher learning run distance learning universities. They are also growing in numbers via private companies. The former groups of distance learning universities have been in the business of education for a longer amount of time and have established reputations. The latter groups of distance learning universities are younger and may or may not have the credentials possessed by traditional colleges. Before choosing any distance learning university, thoroughly check their accreditation. These should be prominently displayed on the websites of traditional colleges as well as the websites of the private companies operating as distance learning universities.

Once you have determined which distance learning universities possess the correct credentials, you should make a list of those that offer the courses in which you are interested. If you are seeking a degree from distance learning universities, you should check their curriculum programs to see if a degree is offered in your area. This process, while lengthy, can save you time later as you are digging deeper into the details of your top list of distance learning universities. Once you determine which distance learning universities offer your desired degree or certification program, take the next step and read the requirements for admission. This is one area where there can be substantial differences in traditional colleges that offer distance learning university programs and the private companies. Public schools are often much more affordable but require stricter academic requirements. Private institutions are often more expensive but more flexible on the academic requirements for admission.

Distance learning universities should then be eliminated based on your particular situations. For example, if they require you to attend classes on campus at any point and you are not able to do this in the foreseeable future, that school should be eliminated from the list. As you study all the course requirements keep in mind that some of the classes will not transfer to another college should you decide to pursue your education outside of distance learning universities. All these are important factors to consider in the planning stages.

Benefits Of Distance Learning And How To Evaluate An Online University

Are you someone with a full time job that would like to continue your education but think you don’t have the time, money, or resources? If so have you ever considered distance learning?

Distance learning (also known as online education or eLearning) allows anyone to earn a degree online through the internet. Classes are given online as well as tests, and all of your studying can be done at your convenience from your home (or anywhere you prefer if you have a laptop or mobile internet.)

What are the benefits of distance learning?

You might be asking yourself why anyone would choose to get their education online when they could attend classes on campus in a traditional University environment.

Some key benefits of obtaining your degree online that you may wish to consider are:

Flexibility – You can arrange classes around your schedule and choose when you want to study. This is particularly helpful to those with kids and/or hectic work schedules.

Affordability – You can save money on gas and parking by avoiding having to commute to and from classes. Additionally you may spend less money on books, as much or all of your course material will be made available online. You may also save money on other fees normally associated with college.

Availability – Through distance learning you are not limited by your physical location and you can find the school of your choice to attend anywhere in the world. Normally attending an out of state University would require re-location (not to mention higher out-of-state tution).

How to evaluate distance learning colleges and universities

Here are some steps for evaluating a good distance learning University:

1.) Contact the schools you’re interested in directly to request more information or speak with a counselor or recruiter. Many people overlook this simple step but the school is really the best source of information about itself.

2.) Make sure that the college or university is accredited. This can’t be stressed enough. If you obtain your degree from a non-accredited institution future potential employers may not find your degree worth the paper it’s printed on.

3.) Talk to current and former students to get their direct feedback. Ask them about what their experience with the school was like and if they had any regrets. You can also visit UniversityDistanceLearning.com to read the real life stories from distance learning graduates.

4.) Search for the name of the school you are considering in a search engine like Google, and browse through at least the first 10 pages of results, keeping an eye out for any negative publicity.

5.) You can also search for the name of the school on RipOffReport.com and ComplaintsBoard.com. One or even a few complaints may be normal. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone. However if you find dozens of complaints that may be a warning indicator that you need to be careful.

In our fast-paced society, and With the many benefits of distance learning it is really a great option for many working adults. Just remember to take care in evaluating online schools as some are better and more qualified than others. Whatever your decision, always be sure its as informed as possible. Good Luck!

Symbiosis Distance Learning - Without Leaving Home

Some may have discovered this essay via a search on words such as distance learning master degree or even distance learning bachelor degree. Below you will find some good information about getting distance learning and other similar terms such as mba through distance education. Whether you need access to accredited distance learning or whether you know someone who seeks to obtain long distance education, the information presented here will assist.The beauty of distance learning programs is that you can finish the course you are studying any time you want to. If you are a fast learner, a distance learning course can be finished even before the stipulated end time. You are the person who determines the pace of your learning in a distance learning program.Satellite e-learning combines oral interaction and visual systems to give the distance learner an audio-visual effect.

Satellite e-learning makes use of internet protocol which results in clear pictures and sharp sounds. Satellite e-learning isn't a common distance learning media because of the cost involved in setting it up.Teachers and lecturers also appreciate the convenience of distance learning. Although they could have thousands of students to educate, they need only worry about the few hundred that are actually in their lecture rooms for personal edification. Those on distance programs have to find that on their own.After the University of London awarded distance learning degrees in 1858, the University of South Africa followed suit in 1946. It was not too long after, in 1974, that Germany launched its own Open University.

But that was not before that of the UK that was founded in 1969.The distinguishing factor between synchronous and asynchronous technology is time. In the one option, you must be available at the same time as your lecturer is, notwithstanding your being in different locations. In the latter option, you can receive the correspondence at a time convenient for you through various technologies available.A common practice is to have students meet at a variety of designated places for their tests and exams, as in school. The difference with distance learning is that the person who invigilates may not be a lecturer at, just a paid, trusted representative of the school or professor. This way at least, you can be sure that not everyone is cheating.Passive learners in a distance learning setting are those who don't need much interactive materials to pass. Active learners in a distance learning setting only succeed with interactive material. You need to find out the type of learner you are to excel at distance learning.

Distance learning provides worker with an excellent opportunity to enhance their scope of knowledge and keep their jobs. Distance learning programs help you to move up the ladder of success at your workplace. Distance learning enables you to study at your pace.

Distance Learning Essential Tips On How To Succeed In Distance Learning

Distance learning is becoming a popular pathway to higher education for those who want to upgrade themselves. More people nowadays are choosing distance learning to further their education. However, although many people managed to enroll in the course they want, some of them failed to succeed in their study. Among this group, there are some who failed the course, while others opted out of the course without completing it. This shows that distance learning courses are not easy. In fact, these courses may be more demanding than the on-campus courses. Hence, before you decide to embark on one of the distance learning courses, it is best that you familiarize yourself with the factors required for successful study of such a course. Here are some essential tips for you to consider.

- You need to have a strong desire to do the course. This desire should be backed by a strong reason to do the course. It would help you to persevere in the face of difficulties which may arise in the midst of the course.

- As much of the study is done on your own, you need to be self-disciplined and committed to do your best to complete the course.

- You should be comfortable with independence and will not miss the company of other students in a classroom.

- Distance learning course providers make the learning process more student-centered. Hence, the effectiveness of the program depends a lot on the effort of the students themselves. As such, you must be actively involved in the learning process. You must be willing to respond and participate in the course activities. You also need to interact with the course instructor as well as other students. This will enable you to learn from them through exchange of ideas.

- You need to be well-organized and able to manage yourself. Although distance learning gives you more freedom, you still need to make time for learning. How much you learn depends a lot on your own effort. Good time management and prioritization is important.

- You need to ask for assistance whenever you need it. You should not find it difficult to approach your course instructor or course coordinator for help.

- You must have a satisfactory standard in writing skills. All distance learning programs definitely have written components. It is also important that you are able to read competently as well, as all instructions are written.

- You need to possess adequate computer and technical skills to be able to assess your course and liaise with your instructor and other students online.

- You should not expect the course to be easier than an on-campus course. Distance learning courses can be more demanding than on-campus courses.
Some people have the thought that distance learning is faster, cheaper and easier than the traditional classroom courses. These are not totally true. Hence, it is better to find out more about distance learning courses and your suitability for such courses before you embark on any one of them. If you want to find out whether you are suitable to take up a distance learning online course, you can try the self profile tests which some online schools provide for this purpose. Distance learning can give you a positive and rewarding experience. You just need to be prepared for the challenges ahead.