About Distance Learning
The concept of distance learning is not a new initiative. As early as the late 1800s, at the University of Chicago, the first major correspondence program in the United States was established in which the teacher and learner lived at different locations.
In 1873, Anna Ticknor, the daughter of a Harvard Professor founded the Society to Encourage Studies at Home for the purpose of educational opportunities for women of all classes in the society. This initiative provided education for over 10,000 students over a period of 24 years.
After this period, several large universities embraced the idea of offering education through distance learning method. In 1910, University of California embraced this initiative, which eventually metamorphosed into the largest academic correspondence program in the United State.
Interest regarding the effectiveness of distance learning versus traditional study was the subject of debates and discussions for several years. In the heat of such debate, Watkins (1991) in her book cited that Vincent (1885) wrote that, ʺthe day is coming when the work done by correspondence will be greater in amount than that done in the classrooms of our academics and colleges; when the students who shall recite by correspondence will far outnumber those who make oral recitationsʺ. This projection is gradually becoming a reality!
The Encyclopedia Britannica confirmed this development with one of its submission that, “Distance Learning has become an established part of the educational world, with trends pointing to ongoing growth.
Increasing numbers of universities and other tertiary institutions are now providing distance learning opportunities. Presently, distance learning programs are gaining prominence among students who are willing to improve themselves academically and for better career prospects.
Distance learning courses serve as a great alternative for students looking for further education without undergoing more conventional classroom learning. From all indications, online and correspondence courses, offer much liberty and flexibility.
St. Albert’s International College is mindful of the fact that most students enrolling for distance education courses are working full-time and are unable to quit their jobs or businesses for one reason or the other. They need a source of income to run their family’s expenses, etc. Hence, in order to upgrade their educational qualifications while still employed, distance learning comes as a natural option.
Benefits of Distance Learning
1. The student gets an opportunity to learn at his own pace.
2. Classroom learning allows you to listen to any class lesson only once. But with distance courses, the learner has the freedom to re-read a particular module which he/she is not clear about.
3. In classroom learning, the time spent on a particular module depends on the teacher, which is not the case with distance learning. Here, the student can decide the amount of time to be spent on any particular module.
4. Distance programs offer students the flexibility to use time according to their requirements
5. Another added benefit is that students have access to learning anywhere and at any time with no limitations and restrictions of time and location of study. It gives students ample time to spend with their family and work while still actively studying.
6. Above all, distance education saves the time and cost incurred in travelling.
How to Become a Successful Distance Learning Student
Now that you are aware of the benefits of distance learning, make sure you follow these tips to avoid the possible pitfalls of online studies so that you can and successfully complete your studies:
1. Read the course guide and keep track of your lessons/modules: Your course guide or syllabus includes much useful information and you should consider it as a very important and useful tool. In your course guide, you can find information about your professor, lessons, grading system, assignments and a guide that explains how you can access the online forums, libraries and course materials. Read the syllabus thoroughly and if you have any questions, you can always contact the staff for support.
2. Complete your assignments and submit them on time Assignments are an important aspect of assessment in distance education. The recommendation is to check the deadlines and don’t miss out on completing and submitting your papers on time. A penalty could be given for overdue assignments.
4. Stay organized and keep track of your progress. Organization is one of the key-elements in terms of becoming a successful distance learning student. So be very careful about where and how you keep your syllabus, assignments, reading materials or research projects.
Make one big file on your computer, but remember to divide it into sections so that you can easily find what you’re looking for. In addition, it would be useful to have a notebook where you can write down important stuff such as deadlines for your assignments, etc.
5. Avoid procrastination
Many distance learners have the tendency to procrastinate in terms of finishing their assignments. Make a plan with a preferred schedule to “go to class” and respect it. For assignments: if for instance, you have a due date in one week, start researching the topic in the first days; note down the main ideas in the next and then you can start writing it. The day before you have to send it, just give it a final proofread to check misspellings, add or replace anything that you consider relevant.