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Some Facts about Distance Learning Just like the traditional classroom setting, with distance learning, you have to enroll for a course in a particular online college or university. But in this case you won’t have to attend the live classes; rather you will receive the instructions at the location of your choice - via the Internet. The courses may include printed, audio and video materials. In the today’s world, distance learning done more via the Internet. Earlier forms of distance learning were correspondence courses, by which the students and the college communicated by mail, but since the advent of Internet, email has become the mode of communication along with other computer technologies. The Internet and computer technologies have enabled the transmission of live lectures, e-demonstrations, and audio-video resource material which are usually interactive in nature. Most of these materials are downloadable from the website of your college or university. The important facet of this system is that you can go through the course materials at anytime, whenever it is convenient for you, and you set the pace of the course. Further, you can attend to these classes from any corner of the world at which you have access to a computer and the Internet. Distance learning course materials prepared by the experts in the field and they are structured in a way that the students can easily grasp the course. Most schools today are offering the same curriculum and courses that they are offering for the same on-campus programs. Most of the schools and colleges provide 24 hour support for its students via the email, chat or direct telephone line. But before you enroll for the distance learning course, make sure that it is recognized by the accredited educational institution. Effectiveness of Distance Learning A Review of the Cotemporary Research on Effectiveness of Distance Learning in Higher Education, titled “What’s the Difference?” was prepared by Ronald Phipps and Jamie Merisotis. As per the descriptive analysis carried out by them the distance learning students have the similar grades or test scores and have similar attitude towards the course. However, for the best results you must maintain persistence and clear focus towards the studies. The students who succeed in distance learning are usually the ones who are self-motivated, have passion for learning, are well-organized, and have strong sense of individual responsibility. If the student lacks commitment, and determination to reach the top level, then no system of education can be effective. Distance learning education has been highly effective for people who don’t have access to the traditional education system due distance, time or financial constraints. Students in rural areas can now take advantage of the benefits of the high quality education offered by the online schools and colleges. Success Rates of Distance Learning System As per the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, the overall success rate of its students enrolled for the distance learning courses from 1998 to 2001 was around 50%. As per the survey carried out by the other institutes also the overall success rate of the students enrolling for the online courses has been between 50 to 65%. Here are five tips to succeed in your distance learning endeavor: • Study regularly: Make a time-table setting out several hours per week for studies and stick to your schedule. During these hours your mind should be fresh and not bothered by any other activities.
• Go for one distance learning course at a time: Sometimes a new comer is so enthused by the concept of the distance learning that they immediately enroll for a number of courses, without thinking of the efforts that need to be given to each course. This is a blunder. It is always advisable to concentrate on single course at a time to get the desirable results.
• Don’t miss the live lectures: From time-to-time your online schools or college organizes live sessions during which important topics are covered. Some live sessions are meant for the interaction between the experts and the students during which they solve a number of their queries.
• Study systematically: You should clearly understand and know when you should study the text material and the audio and visual materials. Following the systematic procedure will help you understand the subject matter thoroughly and make your studies easier.
• Regular communication with your tutor: Keep in regular touch with your instructor via email, chat and even by telephone. Prospects of Employment with Distance Learning Course Most of the distance learning courses are designed for the current needs of the industrial world. Warren National University's programs have been evaluated by hundreds of corporations through their personnel and employee relation departments. They have recognized the degree for advancement, salary increases and entry qualifications for the new positions. Warren National helps busy professionals succeed by giving credit for their past work experience. Many students may earn their degrees in as little as 18 - 24 months. There are certain online institutes that have placement departments that help the successful students find great jobs after completing their degree program. The greatest benefit of the distance learning has been to the working professionals, as they may qualify for promotions and higher salaries after completing their program that they may not have qualified for before.
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