4 Key Things to Look For in Distance Education

Facts About Distance Education

Distance education has been with us for some time. Since its introduction more than a decade ago, many students are availing of the system for convenience and accessibility. Other students are not carved out for distance education. They have a hard time adjusting to the program, including its schedule and instructors at times. But let us examine facts about distance education.

They Are Everywhere
It is fast becoming the thing for modern education. In fact, the percentage at times of availing of these said programs outweigh the conventional ones. Modern living is life on a fast lane, and that is quite fitting with distance education.

They Vary
Even nursing courses are into distance education. This is unheard of in the past. Not only that, platforms of this type of education vary depending on the preference of the student.

They Offer Better Results
Distance education can be a surprise. The results of state exams prove that despite being enrolled in a distance education program, students still excel compared to their classroom counterparts.

They’re Perfect for Adults, Too
A significant number of senior students are doing well with distance education. And besides, this makes for easy access on education since older students are working most of the time.

They are Cheaper (not with fees)
Yes, distance education is cheaper than the conventional one. The amount of expenses you have with distance education is quite minimal compared to the costs when attending a traditional classroom.

They’re Not a Threat at All
There are students who have techno phobias. They should not worry with distance education. The subjects discussed in it are quite the same as in a classroom, but with a difference. You can study, take the exam and go over your assignment from a distance.

Distance Education

The origins of distance education can be traced to mid-19^th century Europe and the United States. The postal system was the best technology that pioneers could use in their day. It was started to open educational opportunities to people who wanted to learn but were not able to attend conventional schools. Those with physical disabilities, women who were not allowed to enroll in institutions open only to men, people who had jobs during normal school hours, and those who lived in remote regions where schools did not exist are the people who most benefitted from distance education.

In 1872, American university level distance education began at Illinois Wesleyan University. Bachelor and graduate degrees could be obtained in absentia. The Chautauqua movement in about 1882 gave the popular push to correspondence education.

In 1915, accreditation of college and university distance programs fell to the National University Extension Association. And in 1926, the National Home Study Council (NHSC) was formed to address the issues of quality and ethical practice that arose due to the popularity of the teaching of academic and vocation courses by correspondence in 1900.

Distance Education has developed as technology changed. The invention of education radio in the 1920s and the advent of television in the 1940s created important new forms of communication for use in distance education. The development of reliable long-distance telephone company in the early 1900s also increased the capacity of distance educators to reach new student population. But telephone systems only played a prominent role in distance education with the development of teleconferencing technologies in the 1980s and 1990s. And, with the spread of computer-network communication in the 1980s and 1990s, it allowed teachers to communicate in conferences through computers.

Today, distance education makes use of the internet where teachers and students present text, pictures, audio, and video. File sharing and communications tools like email, chats, and audio and video conferencing are integral part of the internet setup.

Distance Education: Another Way of Learning

It would surprise you that distance education started as early as mid-19^th century Europe and the United States. During those times, the best technology that the distance education pioneers can use was the postal system. Today, distance education has become increasingly popular and one of the reasons is the technology we have available, the internet.

To open educational opportunities to people who wanted to learn but are not able to attend conventional schools, distance education was established. Geographical or time concerns are mainly the reasons that prevent the student from attending an on-campus course. This gap is bridged by electronic means and by distributing educational materials through distance learning programs using printed and mailed materials.

Today, most distance education takes place using the internet because it is the vastly accessible means for majority of the students. Through the internet, the learning materials can be distributed, students can keep in touch with teachers, and provide access to communication between students. Other technological formats are also used in distance learning like television, DVDs, teleconferencing, and printable material. However, distance education through the web is the first choice for many learners.

Distance education makes it much easier for a student to complete a degree or get additional job-training while balancing work and family commitments because class work hours are flexible. Most distance education programs allow their students to work at their own pace and on their own time. Distance learning is also great for students who do not have readily available access to educational facilities or those who want to explore opportunities not offered by their local schools.

In the past decade, distance education has become an increasingly popular way for students to learn about topics and get degrees they might not otherwise be able to pursue. And this allow students to enhance career prospects wherever they may be.

Here are the 4 things you need to look for in distance education.

Decide your major. This should be the first filter in deciding. This research should be along with information about a college’s academic popularity. The organization should be domestically approved to guarantee that applications will transfer and that the levels earned will be recognized by all other organizations of college. Other essential concerns are graduation prices, internship opportunities, positioning prices and assistance for technology.
Be sure there is participation from regular, full-time staff. The dedication of full-time staff contributes validity and reliability to your degree while also enhancing your fulfillment and achievements. Knowing how the program in distance education is developed and evaluated will help you create an informed choice about programs. Preferably, faculty who design and provide programs online are well-connected with the organization, are devoted to its objective and educate in its conventional types. Heavy dependency on adjunct staff, who provide applications designed by others, makes a detachment in the studying and educating process. The accessibility to services that support student learning such as exclusive work hours, on the internet training and help desk assistance is vital to guaranteeing college student achievements in online programs.
Examine guidelines and methods. Take a good look at guidelines, particularly those, which illustrate the dedication of the organization to the achievements of its online learners. Versatility and knowing about the circumstances of life that occur and guidelines that illustrate this understanding are critical! What happens when you need to get rid of your studies to attend a sick child?
Seek universities that definitely motivate participation. Engaging on the internet learners in essential customs, events and festivities improves your overall academic experience. Nothing better shows the importance of online learners to the objective and future of an organization than including them in the events that make up its material and tell its story!