Regardless of what you want to label “home learning” and however you want to define the latest buzzwords for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method to suit your needs. Right now, more than 1.2 million people in the US are participating in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.

When looking at this viable and rapidly expanding form of education and training, there are some basic things to consider and some decisions to make to create the environment that best suits your needs. You need to know the what, why, benefits and how of the various forms of distance learning.

Distance learning (correspondence courses) began in Europe in the 19th century and has become a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, Internet-based education, e-education, e-education, e-learning, and e-learning. The difference between these terms will depend on how the institution defines and labels the programs it offers. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a “brick and mortar” facility. Some online and/or distance learning programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and not affiliated with any institution.

Distance learning offers a variety of paths to personal goals including: GED, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, graduate certificates, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is pursuing a degree, keeping their professional skills up to date, or pursuing skills for an area of ​​interest or hobby, there is a program or offer that should work.

Why do so many people turn to distance education? What are its advantages? On a personal level, look at advantages such as: maintaining privacy; provides comfort; allows for flexible hours; allows you to balance work and family obligations; working at your own pace, slowing down or speeding up your learning; it may be less expensive; ideal for homebound people; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and you can “learn while you earn”. These are some of the many things that are causing many people to take a completely different approach to gaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.

Those who advocate against a distance education alternative often point to the lack of socialization that is part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for the classroom activities, college parties/events, and interactions that are part of a school campus. Many of the classroom activities, such as discussion and support, can be done online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading – e-books, up-to-date

references, current research; listen – through audio playbacks or clips; transparent graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing – homework, quizzes, exams, research papers; and talk/communication: through email, chats and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be much more than just reading and writing.

What are the requirements to be part of a distance learning program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or taking an admission test. Typically, the application process will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is a wide range in the answer to these questions. However, what is needed for an online program is the appropriate computer equipment with Internet connection (high speed), word processing ability; Email; and media player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for equipment and software recommendations.

When choosing a program, there are a few questions to ask as you research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help/support is offered; instructor qualifications; number of years that the institution has provided services; is an accredited program; details about the curriculum; and multimedia elements of the program. By the way, accreditation is voluntary as there is no officially sanctioned entity. However, most schools considered the six regional accrediting agencies to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.

The last thing you should think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you’re a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn’t procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you’ll be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right to your living room instantly. It works for over a million people, and it can work for you.

Visit our Distance Learning Resource Center at: http://sbmag.org/distancelearning.html

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