Distance learning courses offer convenient alternatives to students who want to earn college credit but are not able to attend traditional classes. Taking courses in a distance learning format is a viable option for students who have scheduling conflicts, work or family commitments, or live too far away from a college campus. Most distance learning courses have the same content as traditional courses and are equivalent to their classroom counterparts.
Distance learning courses differ from traditional classroom courses in three major ways: time and place, delivery, and interaction with faculty and other students.
In traditional classroom courses, students attend class at a set time and place. The instructor delivers the course content primarily in classroom discussions. Students supplement this by reading the textbook and completing assignments. Distance learning courses are “asynchronous” which means that students can do the coursework any time and place they wish, as long as they keep up with homework and testing assignments.
Regular class attendance keeps students on track with their course work in classroom courses. Distance learning courses do not have regular class meetings, so students must be self-disciplined enough to keep up with their studies.
Traditional classroom courses inherently become learning communities in which regularly attending students benefit from peer support and classroom discussions. Students also have ready access to their instructors if they have questions. Online courses have some level of community activity through e-mail and bulletin boards, but the other formats do not. Distance learning instructors are accessible by e-mail or phone, but response time will not be as immediate as in the classroom.
How Distance Learning Works
Distance learning courses are offered in a variety of formats. Popular formats include online, videotape, CD-ROM, and print.
Online courses are the most interactive of the distance learning courses in that the student has the opportunity to interact online with other students and the instructor. Course lectures are given online and much of the student’s work is done online. Textbooks supplement course content.
In videotape courses, content is obtained by watching videotapes. Assigned textbook readings and a study guide supplement the videotapes. This is an ideal medium for students who like to review course lectures.
CD-ROM courses are similar to the online courses because the lecture portion of the course is viewed on the computer using the CD-ROM drive. However, students do not connect with the course, the instructor, or other students online. Students use textbooks and other supplements to complete the course.
Print-based courses are the least complex of all distance learning formats and typically have just a course syllabus, a booklet of study materials and lectures, and a textbook. The student reads the material and does other work outlined on the syllabus.
Can I Do This?
Distance learning can work for students who have the desire to succeed and who are able to work independently. The courses are not “one size fits all”, and not every student is suited to take a distance course. The successful student must be:
* Motivated and able to learn outside the structure of a classroom. While not having to go to class may sound appealing, it has its drawbacks. Distance students do not have the support of classmates or access to classroom discussions, so they need to be self-motivated to keep on task with the coursework.
* Self-disciplined and able to manage time well. Students who are prone to procrastination or need a great deal of routine in their lives will find distance classes a challenge. The only scheduled events in distance learning courses are homework assignments and tests. Distance courses typically take more time than traditional classroom courses. The typical course requires around 12 hours of study time per week.
* A good reader. Nearly all content in distance learning courses is delivered by some form of reading, whether it is online, in a book, or in a syllabus. Students who do not enjoy reading will struggle with the delivery of these courses.
* A good student. Studies have shown that successful distance learning students have at least a 2.0 grade-point average, are enrolled for no more than two distance courses, and have taken other college courses.
* Willing to take initiative. Students should be proactive in assuming responsibility for completing their coursework, contacting instructors, asking questions, and accessing other help as needed. Distance learning courses give students more freedom, but they involve more responsibility.
http://www.thehighschoolgraduate.com/editorial/BO/BOdistancelearning.htm
