MJ asked:


I need to take for the summer a business course, “Operations Management” and I want to find an institution that offers or supports continuing education credits where I can transfer those credits to the University that I am currently at. I am aware of the well-known schools like Devry and the University of Phoenix, but are there any others (inexpensive)?

M. Jackson asked:


Although distance learning offers more people an opportunity to attain higher education, it is not all advantages and benefits. Distance learning has costs, requires compromises and self-motivation is essential for success. However, when you acknowledge and understand these disadvantages of distance learning, they are easy to overcome.

1. Distance learning requires self-motivation. Because distance learning is flexible, you need good organization, planning and work to make it happen. Academic leaders cited in Growing by Degrees, Online Education in the United States, 2006 , stated, “Students need more discipline to succeed in online courses.” Though the instructor is not seated in front of you, you still need to complete your assignments on time. Like all other forms of learning, there are deadlines to be met, “fixed-time” exams to be taken and assignments to be completed before the “Drop Box” closes. There are no compromises and you can easily get a zero! Distance learning is best suited for mature motivated learners who cannot afford the time to participate in a traditional classroom

2. Distance learning does not give you direct access to your instructor. Some students fear the loss of the personal touch with an instructor, such as asking questions after class. However, distance learning often gives you an opportunity to email your instructor any time or chat online. It is normal to fear the loss of human contact offered in a traditional classroom until you commit yourself to this mode of learning and communication.

3. Distance learning is isolated. Although you are in a virtual classroom full of students, the dynamics of interaction change with online education. You may feel detached or lonely when you pursue a distance learning program but there are opportunities to send emails, post to message boards and engage in online group discussions. At first you might miss face-to-face contact with your instructor and other learners, but web collaboration can fill this void for many students

4. Distance learning requires you to have constant, reliable access to technology. Students need total access to the equipment necessary to fulfill course requirements. For example, online courses require a computer with Internet access. For a course with material on CD or DVD, you need to have a multimedia player. Technical requirement may be difficult to meet for some students who may feel overwhelmed and challenged if they are not completely computer literate. Technical glitches and dealing with an unfamiliar learning environment can cause stress and frustration, but there are many ways to overcome these barriers.

5. Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom setting, a student’s performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing. With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed their work and responded to it.

6. Distance learning does not always offer all the necessary courses online. Students pursuing a specific certificate or degree program may not have all the necessary courses available through distance learning so it is not suited for all subjects. For example, you can study a history lesson completely online but you cannot perform nursing clinicals online. For some courses, physical classroom attendance will be mandatory to complete the course.

7. Distance learning may not be acknowledged by a specific employer. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer’s perspective about online education.

8. Hidden costs. If you work for the military and you are on the ship, learning material may need to be mailed in advance thus incurring extra shipping and handling costs.

9. Distance learning must be accredited. You take a serious risk when you pursue distance learning programs that are not accredited because they may be issuing fraudulent, invalid degrees. Not all distance learning is legitimate - there are many “degree mills” colleges that are not accredited. This is probably the most important factor to check before you enroll in a distance learning institution.

10. Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students.

Numerous studies have found distance learning courses as effective as traditional classroom training - or better. Almost a third of academic leaders recently surveyed felt online education outcomes were superior to those in traditional learning environments. However, there are challenges to be overcome for anyone who opts to learn through distance learning.



Stephen Campbell asked:


Technology has changed the face of distance learning. From the mailbox to the internet, distance learning has gone through transformations that have made it what it is today. The print aspect of distance learning is still ever present because of the need to ensure that the student can read and write.

Instructional media are very important in distance learning, especially online. Instructional media refers to the use of selected media to teach students who are located in remote areas of the country or the world. Satellite e-learning refers to the use of the satellite to transmit educational information to a group of students or to a student. Satellite e-learning dictates to the student so he or she has to be present at the time broadcast is made.

Distance learning or distance education is all about convenience. It is a practice or avenue that gives you the opportunity to school from home without actually going to the school. Many people practice it these days, especially those who are incapable due to a handicap or some other obligation that ties them down to their present location.

After the University of London awarded distance learning degrees in 1858, the University of South Africa followed suit in 1946. It was not too long after, in 1974, that Germany launched its own Open University. But that was not before that of the UK that was founded in 1969.

All over the world, notwithstanding the fact that it is considered obsolete in some several circles, many institutions still use radio broadcasts in distance learning. In India for instance, the FM Channel is still very popular and used by universities to broadcast educational programs. One cannot argue against its effectiveness in this wise because India remains one of the world’s leaders in technology advancements.

The biggest challenge that distance learning faces today is that of writing and monitoring examinations. Since there is no way to be entirely certain that the student is not cheating, many critics argue that there is little integrity in the awards that area awarded.

Distance learning is devoid of the classroom setting. You can partake of a distance learning program in your home or during your lunch break. Distance learning is not determined by your position on the global map.

Good study habits, determination and focus are all ingredients that can help to make you stand out in your distance learning program. Bear in mind that the minute you take distance learning for granted, you will fail.



anonymous asked:


Distance learning is gaining popularity among adults who are keen to upgrade themselves for better career opportunities. Distance learning provides an alternative for people to further their education without having to undergo the traditional classroom learning.

Nowadays, more adults are becoming interested to pursue higher education in order to compete more effectively in the job market. In response to this growing interest in higher education, education providers are creating new courses using new technologies to meet the demand. Many distance learning online courses are developed to meet this increasing need.

Many people choose the distance learning mode of study because of the flexibility and freedom it provides. Some of them enroll in this mode because they are working full-time and could not afford to lose their jobs. They need their income for their own as well as their familys living expenses, and leaving their jobs would bring about financial problems. They have to find a way to fit learning into their schedule of family and job demands.

Some people take up this mode of learning courses because they live far away from the school and attending classes is inconvenient. For some, this problem arises because the program they want to study is not offered by a nearby school and they have to choose a school far away from their residence. Traveling to a campus far away is inconvenient and time-consuming. Some people have family commitments which make attending class difficult. These people may have elderly or kids at home to look after and are not able to attend classes.

Studying through this mode of learning can enable them to look after their family while they study. There are some people who are keen to do a certain course but feel shy about joining a class. Hence, they choose to do distance learning courses because these courses do not require them to attend classes.

Distance learning has several benefits in which the classroom learning lack. One of the benefits is that a learner can learn at his or her own pace. In classroom learning, the faster learners need to wait for the slower learners to catch up with the lesson before the teacher can move on to the next topic.

They have to slow down their pace for the sake of the slower learners. With distance learning, the faster learner can go on to the next topic any time he or she wants. Furthermore, in classroom learning, a learner has only one chance of listening to a class lesson. However, with distance learning, the learner can replay a portion of the audio tape or video, or read again the notes for a particular module.

In classroom learning, each module of the course is given the relative amount of emphasis and time that the teacher deems necessary. In distance learning, students have the flexibility to spend the amount of time they choose for each module. They can spend less time on the modules that they are familiar with and spend more time and attention on modules which are new to them. This mode of study allows the students to use their time according to their needs.

One of the advantages is that the student can have access to learning at any time and any place. There are no restrictions imposed on their study time and location. Students can easily fit learning into their family and work life. They do not need to adjust their family and work commitments in order to attend fixed class schedules. Besides, distance learning enables students to save on travel time and travel costs. They can spend more time and money on other areas.

Distance online learning creates interactions that stimulate understanding and exchange of ideas. Online programs require the student to actively participate in the learning process. Throughout the course, the student is presented with opportunities to interact with the course instructor as well as other students via website forums, chat rooms, Internet conferencing and emails. Online course developers try to get the student to participate and engage as much as possible.

Some research studies have shown that distance learning education can be as effective as campus-based education. These research studies reported that distance students can perform as well as or better than campus-based students. Many students who have succeeded in distance learning education have reported that they have a positive experience with distance learning courses.

We can see from the above that distance learning has many advantages. It provides a great opportunity for people to obtain higher education for their career advancement. If you are interested in taking up a course to upgrade yourself, you can consider a distance learning course. Many schools provide distance learning courses in various disciplines. There is a great variety of courses available to select from.



jason e asked:


Hey friends,
Can anyone tell me about online education? What is it? Who does it? Why people do it? What kind of technology is used for online distance learning? Actually I want to do some courses by distance learning and I don’t have much idea. Please help me in this matter.
Thanks a lot!

Create a video blog
Susu asked:


What’s the difference from giving face-to-face feedback?

juan a asked:


Hi all,
I have a plan to do MBA from an online college, but before taking admission I want to know about the advantages of distance learning education so I can see if it’s best for me. I’ve never done it before and it will be a major decision in my life. Please help if you have any information on this. Thanks for your help.

JD asked:


I want to do an undergraduate course in computer/ aerospace engineering through distance learning from a university in USA. Which university lets me do this ?

phoenixp_snbw asked:


I am interested in professional growth, but want to make sure my hard work (and money) are well spent. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks!

icecat asked:


I’m a diploma holder of interior design right now and want to get the bachelor degree of interior architecture design by distance learning.

jb asked:


I have bachelors degree and over 10 years of work experience. I want to work in international organizations. Will an online degree on MBA (or other) help? No time for attending the classes. Thanks in advance.
I thank all who have taken the time to answer. All answers were of use for me, providing different aspects.

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