Learning About Learning - Distance Education - What's Right For You?
If you have a busy or unpredictable schedule or limited transportation options or you simply don’t live near a school that offers a program you’re interested in, an online education can be a great solution! But before you take that step, make sure you do your research and consider the following questions:
Do you have all of the equipment you’ll need?When taking an online class, it’s important to make sure that your computer and Internet access meet the minimum requirements! Find out if you’ll need to run any special programs or software, and if they suggest a broadband connection to the Internet or if dial-up is sufficient. If you’re planning on doing your coursework from a library or other public space, make sure that you’ll have both sufficient access and the time that you’ll need and that you allow enough time.
Is the program you’re interested in available online?Some schools offer a mixture of online and face-to-face classes. Some schools even offer the bulk of classes online, but might require one or two weeks in person or want you to take tests at an official testing center. For instance, are you interested in personal training schools? Accounting courses? Court reporting or business online classes? All of these programs might have different schedules, so make sure the program you’re interested in fits your schedule!
Do you have a clear idea of how classes and discussions will be conducted?Every online program has its own methods of dealing with the issue of how to present material in a non-traditional setting. Whether it’s through streaming video, downloadable lectures, written material or real-time chats, each method has its own strengths and works well for different people. Find out how material is presented and in what ways you’ll be expected to interact with your classmates – and use that information to find a program that’s most comfortable for you and your learning style.
Achieving an education online is not only possible – it’s probably easier than you think! The important thing is to make sure that the education and program you choose is one that’s right for you!
MJ Joesph is a freehand contributor to many online resources. He frequently writes on Wikipedia and Digg, and focuses on new ways for people to get an education at business schools, online schools and personal training schools.
Do you have all of the equipment you’ll need?When taking an online class, it’s important to make sure that your computer and Internet access meet the minimum requirements! Find out if you’ll need to run any special programs or software, and if they suggest a broadband connection to the Internet or if dial-up is sufficient. If you’re planning on doing your coursework from a library or other public space, make sure that you’ll have both sufficient access and the time that you’ll need and that you allow enough time.
Is the program you’re interested in available online?Some schools offer a mixture of online and face-to-face classes. Some schools even offer the bulk of classes online, but might require one or two weeks in person or want you to take tests at an official testing center. For instance, are you interested in personal training schools? Accounting courses? Court reporting or business online classes? All of these programs might have different schedules, so make sure the program you’re interested in fits your schedule!
Do you have a clear idea of how classes and discussions will be conducted?Every online program has its own methods of dealing with the issue of how to present material in a non-traditional setting. Whether it’s through streaming video, downloadable lectures, written material or real-time chats, each method has its own strengths and works well for different people. Find out how material is presented and in what ways you’ll be expected to interact with your classmates – and use that information to find a program that’s most comfortable for you and your learning style.
Achieving an education online is not only possible – it’s probably easier than you think! The important thing is to make sure that the education and program you choose is one that’s right for you!
MJ Joesph is a freehand contributor to many online resources. He frequently writes on Wikipedia and Digg, and focuses on new ways for people to get an education at business schools, online schools and personal training schools.
posted by Degree at
10:29 PM
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