Distance Learning Success - The 7 Keys

Distance Education Online Articles : Distance Learning Success - The 7 Keys by Nic Haffner

Distance learning success doesn't come by itself, it has to be obtained. Distance learning - a method of education where elearning plays a major part - has opened doors for many students, especially for those who cannot afford to pay for the high fees of full-time courses. Although online distance learning education has lots of advantages over on-campus degree courses, many factors come into play in order to make this a success for most of the students. Due to differences in the way that education is being delivered as well as acquired, adjustments and changes in approaches need to be undertaken.

1. Selecting a high quality distance learning school

The first element for success is to choose a good distance learning school. There are many dishonorable "degree mills" around in the market that are only keen to sell their degrees without providing good education and ample student support. As a result, the degrees offered by these institutions may not be notorious, or may sometimes even be regarded as bogus degrees. In order to forefend this, do the proper background check on the institution you are considering with the relevant authorities to verify on their accreditation and authenticity before registering.

2. Perform a Cost-benefit analysis

Some students enroll in an online distance learning course without doing a cost benefit analysis of attending the course in the first place. It is a well known fact that obtaining an education requires a hefty sum of investment. However, this should be compared with the increased income potential that can be generated from the degree that is earned. Only then can the full rewards be reaped from gaining an online degree.

3. Online Degree positioning to employers

There have been several cases where employers were wary of the validity of online degrees. With so many more or less serious online institutions selling degrees, it is justified for employers to exercise caution. Although a distance learning course or degree may be 100% legitimate, it would help if you provide adequate explanation on the accreditation of the degree in order to avoid misunderstanding. By stressing that the accreditation body which accredited your institution or your program is recognized by the US Department of Education as well as CHEA, you can then eliminate any doubts that employers might have about the validity of your degree.

4. Be disciplined, determined and manage your time carefully

In the actual course of study, we see that many students unfortunately lack discipline and focus and therefore are unable to keep up with online lessons and assignments. It is very important for distance learning students to have great determination to succeed, as it is very easy to get de-motivated and distracted when you are studying alone with no peers. Good time management along with regular communication with other students would make excellent measures for success.

5. Make 100 percent use of facilities provided

Many of the distance learning online courses offer online lectures and email correspondence to facilitate communication with lecturers, tutors and other students. These facilities should be utilized as much as possible as it provides a link back to the education institution, a link that is necessary to succeed. Likewise, this would be a great source of motivation in order to keep progressing through the course of study.

6. Fully utilize credit transfers

Most distance learning institutions allow students to transfer their credits from other relevant courses that they had taken from other universities or colleges. Thus, students will not have to repeat what they have already learnt. In order to do this, it is prominent for distance learning students to obtain transcripts and results from their previous schools and send them to their distance learning online university to obtain credit transfers.

7. Utilize technology for education

The final element for distance learning success it the ability to make full use of all the conveniences that technology has to offer. Many online universities provide students with online research resources that are valuable for completing assignments or even producing research papers. The cost of facilities such as virtual libraries and online books has most likely been factored into the fees paid and therefore it makes good sense to utilize these facilities to the fullest.

About the Author
Nic Haffner is a writer and internet publisher who likes to write about elearning and educational issues in general. You can read more at his e-learning news and in depth information website http://www.1-elearning.com

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=381789