Is Distance Learning for Me?
Distance learning can be a wonderful alternative for many students including those who work shift work or who live too far away from a four year institution to complete a degree program. You will need access to a computer and the Internet. You also need to have basic computers skills.
On-line courses are asynchronous meaning that students complete their work at different times throughout the day and week. For the most part, all students are not on-line at the same time. On-line courses are NOT independent study courses. They are NOT self-paced. They require a daily and/or weekly time commitment which includes on-line interaction with faculty and other students in the class.
Online courses require at least as much, if not more, time and commitment than traditional face to face courses. Students who enjoy working independently and who have good time management skills often excel in on-line courses, but this delivery method is not for everyone.
There are several assessment instruments that will allow you to reflect upon your ability to excel in an on-line format.
http://utconline.utc.edu/online/onlineforme.php
http://www.cod.edu/dept/CIL/CIL_Surv.htm
http://cdl.senecac.on.ca/Prospective/SelfAssessment
http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/ts/style.html
