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Asia and International distance learning programmes and accredited distance learning services.
Distance Learning Articles
Distance Learning Do's and Don'ts
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
Deciding to take an online course or program is a major step.
Distance learning can be both exciting and rewarding to some,
while frustrating and discouraging to others. Distance learning
offers you the greatest flexibility of learning, but eliminates some
of the traditional classroom benefits. Before jumping into a distance
education program, please review these do’s and don’ts (important rules)
of distance learning.
- Do assess your educational and career goals before starting a
distance learning program. And do determine what combination of
skills, programs, or degrees will help you advance toward those goals.
- Do take the time to investigate and evaluate the distance-education
programs you are considering; check accreditation, reputation, student successes, placement, etc.
- Don't be intimidated by the lingo and terminology of distance education.
Use this distance-education glossary
from Degree.net to get a handle on all the key terms.
- Do familiarize yourself with the course syllabus and content -- even
before you register -- to be sure you are ready to master the content online.
And once registered for the course, do keep a copy of the syllabus
and calendar at hand so that you know what the instructor expects of you.
- Don't think you can be anonymous in a distance-learning course;
in fact, do expect more interaction with your professor and your
classmates than in traditional university settings.
- Do be prepared to use and sharpen your communications
skills, especially your writing skills.
- Do develop good online education habits, such as checking
your email at least once a day -- more often if you are working on a
group project.
- Do know the rules
of good netiquette, especially as it relates to
email. And do be prepared to deal with people who misconstrue your
email messages, no matter how carefully you compose them.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are having problems -- with the technology
or with the course -- don't let these problems stop you from completing the course.
- Do plan on using or developing good time-management skills to
enable you to balance course work with your other responsibilities and obligations.
- Don’t take the courses lightly because they are only distance-learning
courses. Distance education courses can be just as rigorous, if not more so, as traditional
classroom courses. Do be prepared to commit the time -- anywhere from
4 to 15 hours a week per course.
- Do be willing to learn new technologies -- hardware and/or software -- that
are sometimes necessary for distance learning.
- Don't expect to be a passive learner; you must be self-directed
and self-motivated to succeed. Do assume your share of the responsibility for learning
the course material.
- Do be assertive in expressing your opinions and ideas in class discussions and via
email, but don't go so far as to send too many emails to the professor or classmates.
- Do share ideas, tips, and questions. With distance education, you
are part of a virtual community in which it's better to share.
- Do evaluate your progress regularly so that you know exactly where you stand in the class.
- Do find a quiet and secluded area (of your house, apartment) to use as a place
to study and complete your coursework so that you don't get interrupted or distracted.
- Don't procrastinate. Procrastination may be the one deadly sin of online
learning. Do set goals and deadlines, and do try and stay current with
your readings and class projects.
- Do respect the rules of academic honesty and integrity.
- Do find rewards and motivators for completing tasks and coursework. And
do take breaks from being online too long; give your eyes a chance to rest.
- Don't get discouraged if distance learning doesn’t work for you; distance
education is not suited for everyone; however, do look into other educational
opportunities to achieve your goals.
Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as
well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine.
He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name,
The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured, associate professor
of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
He is a published career expert -- and has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with
Katharine Hansen, of Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer
and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years.
He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.
Sources from Quintcareers.com
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