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Distance Learning: How To Work And Study At The Same Time

The face of schooling is changing.  Once we would see our young children off to their schools and our college aged young people off to college or university and the rest of us would be off to work.  Today, the same is true of our children and young adults, but there are more and more people in the work force who work through the day and go back to school at night and/or weekend online. They upgrade their skills, get degrees and certificates, all from the safety of their own homes, while still interacting with others through distance learning.  The following articles give a clearer picture of why and how this works.                          

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How Distance Learning Offers Flexible Opportunities

 by John Tipton
 

The opportunities for continuing education are incredibly diverse, thanks to the technology of distance learning and elearning. Because of the sheer number of people who are looking to improve themselves, it was inevitable that a large number of colleges, universities and businesses set out to fill that need.

The result is that people are learning new skills, honing talents and reaching goals, all while going on with their lives. For many people, furthering education and attending classes are limited because they are already involved in their adult lives. Jobs, family obligations and other responsibilities limit the amount of time many people have available to devote to their own education.

Distance learning allows thousands of people to achieve degrees from programs hundreds of miles away. In this day of convenient travel options, it might be tempting to say that anyone can attend college or classes anywhere. Despite our mobile economy, many people simply don't want to move and don't have the time to travel great distances to attend classes. That means that their opportunities are limited to the programs that are offered nearby. Until distance learning and elearning became so widely available.

Briefly, the difference between distance learning and elearning is a matter of how the course is structured. Distance learning requires that the student attend classes at a prearranged time on a regular basis. An instructor who is actually teaching in another facility (across the state or across the nation) lectures makes assignments and teaches just as normal.

The students in the satellite facility have the opportunity to interact with the teacher through two-way communications. The major advantage is that students are attending class right in their own neighborhoods, at community colleges, universities, schools and even public facilities instead of traveling to the site where the teacher is actually conducting class.

Compared to distance learning, elearning is even less structured. Typically, students work at their own pace through online courses. There may be pre-recorded lectures, worksheets, assignments and tests, all viewed and completed online.

The major advantage here is that students have an even more flexible attendance policy and can choose to work through the material as quickly or as slowly as they want, though some courses do have time limits for completion.

When you add it all up, both distance learning and elearning offer opportunities that simply wouldn't be available any other way. People who would otherwise be "stuck" with no way to further their educations now have an option.
 

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Find out why distance learning lets anyone go back to school. Discover what you need to look for in a distance learning program, and what you should avoid. Click http://www.distance-learning-exclusive.com/
t of school early, and worked boring jobs for 20 years. Then he discovered 'distance learning' and finally got the education he missed. After lots of different courses at lots of different schools, Peter shares his experience in this series of useful articles.  johntipton_article@yahoo.com

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Distance Learning: How To Work And Study At The Same Time

 by Rose Musyoka
 

Distance learning students seem to enjoy the best of everything. They get their education without actually needing to attend classes, and at the same time are able to keep their jobs and get a paycheck. In fact, this is one of the more prominent distance learning benefits that attract many students to make this their choice of education. In addition to that, distance learning students also gain the advantage of flexibility where they are able to study at their own pace without adhering to class schedules.

However, amidst these perks, distance learning requires a lot of discipline and motivation from students. When we are juggling between a job and studies, it is very easy to lose track of our priorities and fail to keep up to mark. Moreover, distance learning students do not have the advantage of getting their learning drive renewed whenever they interact with lecturers or peers in classes.

Therefore, how can distance learning students then overcome this challenge? The first thing that a student must have is good time management. Everyone has 24 hours and it is up to us to utilize our time in the best way possible. Set up a daily or weekly plan for yourself and ensure that you set aside time for your studies daily. If you have a family, let them know about your schedule so that they know when you should not be disturbed. Divide your time appropriately between your work, your family and your studies. Of course, discipline is important here as any schedule will not do any good if it is not followed.

Getting yourself motivated is also essential towards distance learning success. One of the ways to do this is to stay in contact with your classmates. With the internet today, it is often easy to stay in touch through email, instant messenger as well as internet phone. Discussing projects or assignments with your teammates will help you stay on track and keeps you and your teammates accountable for one another.

Setting goals and rewarding yourself when you attain them are great self- motivating habits. Start by drawing a chart on the milestones that you need to reach in order to complete your course. Strike out each goal as you complete them and reward yourself accordingly. There is a certain satisfaction whenever we see ourselves progressing and this becomes a motivating force for us to face the next hurdle.

Additionally, it is ever essential for a distance learning student to set up a quiet place for study away from home life distractions, such as the television, phone calls or other family members. Organize an off-limits study area or lock yourself in a quiet room to ensure optimum focus. Apart from that, a good chair, a strong table and adequate space are also essential elements in creating a conducive environment.

Finally, although distance learning is a great and effective learning concept, much of its effectiveness is dependent on the habits and determination of the individual. The full advantages of distance learning can only be gained through hard work, discipline and determination for success.

About The Author

Rose Musyoka is an article contributor at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com  where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on distance learning advantages and disadvantages at http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-distance-learning.html  .

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