Distance education or distance learning is a means of acquiring formal education and learning without physically attending regular classes in school campuses. This type of learning is not really new. In fact, the first distance education course started in 1840 by Sir Isaac Pitman. It eventually evolved as new forms of communications developed. The internet allowed a more efficient means to deliver instruction materials to students taking a distance education program.
The advancement of the internet made distance education more popular. More and more students acquire a formal education thru this type of learning. Here are some facts that you want to about distance education programs.
It’s a practical and convenient mode of education
Students enrolling in distance education programs often choose this type learning because it’s practical. It’s also the most convenient way of acquiring a formal education. Students can save time, money, and energy from acquiring formal education, if they attend online classes right in their homes. A student taking the traditional method of education must take daily trips to a school campus to attend scheduled classes. And if the student must miss class for some reason, there is no alternative to reschedule the lecture, unlike online classes where the lectures are often recorded and made available for later viewing.
Credits earned are valid and transferable
Many hesitant students do have this thinking that the credits or the degree earned in online school is not recognized by an education board. However, legitimate online schools do grant a student transferable credits which are transferable in many colleges and universities. A degree earned with an online school is also recognized and accepted by many employers and companies.
Provide an educational opportunity to people who can’t attend traditional classes
Students who are not capable of physically attending regular classes in school campuses will still have an opportunity to finish an educational course. This is very useful to students who are busy working in the workforce and full time parents.