Distance Learning is not Your Dad's Correspondence Course by Kaila West

Distance Learning Course : Distance Learning is not Your Dad's Correspondence Course by Kaila West

Distance learning, it seems to be a catch phrase we hear a lot today but what is it exactly? There are certain stereotypes that need to be overcome, but what is called distance learning today is not what might have been considered distance learning in the past. The quality has greatly improved and collegiate level educations are available for anyone who can get access to the Internet.

Correspondence courses may be what readily comes to someone's mind when they hear any discussion about distance learning. Images of Ben and Jerry of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream may come to mind. Two hippies taking the easiest course they could find in an attempt to start a business. Now, do not think for a moment Ben and Jerry did not make the right move or that they are geniuses because of the ice cream empire they created. They did alright for themselves. It is that concept of "easy" that needs to be addressed. Correspondence courses where, generally, viewed to be easy by most folks. Whether this is the truth or not is dependent on the courses and the teaching institution. Like collegiate classes, there some which are very easy to pass while others that are immensely difficult. Ultimately, the question was whether the consumer was happy and they learned something.

That's where most correspondence courses left off. Most of their degrees, unfortunately, were not honored by established institutions and their credits weren't transferable. This made it difficult for the student to progress further in their education - the possibility of having to start all over again or taking remedial classes was a real possibility. Hardly a good situation if you are trying to save a little money but get a good education.

Distance learning today is not the correspondence course of the years past. The Internet has provided a quick and reliable way to overcome the weaknesses of the correspondence class of old and a way to earn online degrees that are respected. Communication is greatly facilitated. Not only can one easily communicate with their professor or instructor, they can discuss things with the other students taking the class. Where the correspondence course student was stuck in a socially sparse landscape, today's distance learning student can experience collegiate level conversations with their fellow students.

Another advantage of Internet-based learning is that there is a great degree of flexibility involved. Suppose one wants to continue their education but they need to continue working their regular job? The possibility of viewing that day's class on line after they got home is there. There may not be a traditional class structure with the course, and the very semester-based time frame for the class may be totally abandoned so that the student can take as little or as much time as they need to complete the material. Do not think that there is a reduction in responsibilities though. There are still assignments, term papers, and the like. Finally, one can really customize their education by picking and choosing classes from multiple institutions from different countries! Such a degree of flexibility used to be unheard of but is now possible via the Internet.

There is an interesting move made by the distance learning community that is worth mentioning. Several prestigious institutions have embraced the free and open sourced movement and it is now possible to view their classes on-line for free! Granted, there are limitations with this model. Most classes are several years old, you can not communicate with the instructor, and you still would need to get their course materials. However, if one was interested in getting involved with distance learning, this might be a way to get your feet wet before diving right in.

Distance learning is now a great way for people, regardless of the location, job, or other factors to get the education they want for themselves. Technology has brought us a long way and, as it continues to improve, Internet-based learning will improve as well.

About the Author
Kaila West is a writer on a variety of topics, including distance learning. If you must go to school while working, online learning is a great option. Visit Study2U.com for more information.

Source: Distance learning program, distance education online, online course education articles at goarticles.com