But, what can students really expect to get out of distance learning courses?
The answer to that is a lot! If the idea is that distance learning is a "free ride," an easy way to go or a snap to finish, get that out of the head right now. The truth is many of these courses are as difficult and challenging as their classroom counterparts and some are even more so.
Students who sign on for distance learning courses will find they are typically handled quite a bit differently than classes attended in person, but that doesn't mean the course requirements are slack. The reality is for accreditation to extend to these classes, professors and students have to walk a very fine line to ensure the teaching is quality and the learning is, too.
Some of the things students taking distance learning courses might be wise to expect include:
* Actual lectures. These might take place during set times in chat rooms or they might be video recorded for watching on the Internet at a students' convenience. Either way, some actual teaching is very often involved in these classes. If it's not, students will be expected to do a whole lot of reading on their own.
* Books. These don't tend to go away just because coursework is turned in online. Most universities still requires students get the books and read them, too.
* Homework. Papers, reports and even special projects will still all be required by these courses. Part of getting a degree is proving the material is understood and even mastered.
* Tests. Yes, these too are part of the online learning experience. Some tests will be taken online, and in some cases, all of them. Some programs might require students travel to a set location for certain tests along the way.
* Discussions, interaction. This is a very big part of college life. To ensure the flow of thoughts and information between students and faculty continues, many of these programs set up online discussion groups to fill this need. This can be vital for ensuring students understand the material, have done the work and get input they might need to take learning to the next level.
* Access to professors. Whether this is online, over the phone or in person, distance learning courses should not cut this factor out. It is vital in many cases for students to be able to ask questions of their professors. Programs that don't provide some avenue for this might not be as good as they sound. Even if it's only through e-mail, some contact should be available.
Distance learning courses can help busy people finish or even earn from start to finish their degrees. Although the setting is very different, students should still expect to actually have to "earn" those degrees.
