Distance Learning Degree Program ? How to Study -

Home
>
College & University
>
Distance Learning Degree Program ? How to Study

Distance Learning Degree Program ? How to Study

The format of distance learning courses is different than what most students have experienced. The teaching style is more student directed and you will have to become accustomed to these differences. Distance learning relies heavily on technology. If you aren't computer and internet savvy, you will need to learn new skills, in addition to your coursework. Look for classes or workshops on computers and the internet. These are often available in public libraries or community centers. You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of taking another class, but the time you spend learning to use the technology will save you time in the long run.

Most colleges offer support for new students. Some schools may have orientation sessions at the start of a new semester. If your school offers this, plan on attending. You will gain valuable information about the structure of the course and the technology used. Instructors often give advice for organizing your time at these sessions. In addition, you will get a feel for the teacher's expectations. Most schools offer tutorials to help you learn to use the online classroom and other software used in distance learning programs.

Research papers are common assignments in both traditional and distance learning college courses. Utilize the resources offered by your college to help complete necessary research. If the school is in driving distance from your home, take advantage of the college library. Other colleges may allow you to use their library with a student ID from your school. Many schools offer an online library database. Learn to use the database to save time when researching. Quite a bit of research can be done online, which can save you time as well.

The workload in distance learning courses is similar to traditional college coursework. The basic format of most courses involves studying the text, completing assignments and taking exams. Just about all work will involve reading and writing, so take some time to improve your skills in these areas. You will most likely have a fair amount of reading assigned both in the text and from outside sources. Schedule enough time to complete all reading assignments. Get the textbooks early and read the first few chapters before classes start to become familiar with the material.

Taking non traditional college courses requires commitment and time management skills. The ability to work at your own pace can turn into procrastination. Set goals for yourself and make a schedule that will allow you to reach those goals in a reasonable amount of time. Plan on spending at least nine hours each week for each class you take. Schedule study time and stick to your schedule. It's important not to fall behind and even better to stay a week ahead of the class schedule.

You won't be completely isolated when taking distance learning courses. Stay in contact with your instructor and ask for feedback regularly. Instructors will have office hours when you can call, or you can stay in touch with email. You may be given opportunities to interact with other students through chats, message boards or online study groups. Take advantage of these opportunities, if studying with others is helpful to you. Some colleges offer online tutoring, usually in math and writing. Take advantage of every opportunity for the best experience.

Katie Robbins is a freelance writer for degreeclick.com, a web resource where she regularly publishes informative articles about online education. Some of the topics she covers include online universities, health care degrees, and criminal justice degrees.

In The News:

No anti-smoking lectures so far despite HEC announcement
Daily Times, Pakistan - 12 hours ago
According to the HEC plan, they wanted to conduct anti smoking lectures in the National College of Arts (NCA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU), ...

China Daily
Drinking games prove deadly to college students
The Associated Press - Jul 7, 2008
... said Scott Walters, an assistant professor of behavioral sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health. But college students "tend to save ...
Talk to students about excessive drinking Charlotte Observer
Drunken Fatalities: Getting Drunk to Death CollegeOTR
Binge drinking turns deadly for many college students News & Observer
2TheAdvocate - In-Forumall 246 news articles

Ohio extends resident tuition rates to outside vets, families
Bizjournals.com, NC - 16 hours ago
... benefits for eligible troops and veterans, effectively guaranteeing scholarships and housing stipends for them at any public college or university. ...
Veterans receive new break on college tuition Canton Repository (subscription)
Ohio extends in-state tuition rate to all veterans The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com
Out-of-state vets to pay lower tuition in Ohio The Associated Press
Wilmington News Journal, OH - WHIOtv.comall 101 news articles

Menino and Boston College clash over payments
Boston Globe, United States - 14 hours ago
As part of its $1 billion expansion plan, the college wants to turn the building, about one-third of a mile from the university's Chestnut Hill campus, ...

Autistic students get help navigating college life
USA Today - 16 hours ago
One college that has added services for such students is Marshall University, home to the West Virginia Autism Training Center. Through its College Program ...

School Gets Charter Designation
Hartford Courant, United States - 3 hours ago
The Wethersfield-based association presented $500 college scholarships to Steven Allegro of Willimantic, who will study pre-medicine at the University of ...
CCU education college divided into 2 schools Myrtle Beach Sun News
Pool for MCG dean still is not finalized Augusta Chronicle
all 3 news articles

Death Threats for College Student Who Smuggled ‘Body of Christ’
FOXNews - 14 hours ago
A student at the University of Central Florida claims his life — and afterlife — were threatened by enraged Catholics after he pocketed "the body of Christ" ...

Savannah, Ga., College Paper Editors Editors Sue University
Editor & Publisher - 19 hours ago
Editors of a college newspaper in Savannah are suing Armstrong Atlantic State University, saying administrators cut the paper's budget to punish it for ...

Star Studies an International Course
Washington Post, United States - 8 hours ago
By Zach Berman and Steve Yanda Somewhere, saved in a database at a College Board facility in New Jersey, lies an SAT score that may indicate the future ...
College basketball could be hurt by defections Reuters
Jennings may just be a pioneer for 'student-athletes' FOXSports.com
Brandon Jennings to go pro in Europe Los Angeles Times
International Herald Tribune - Arizona Daily Starall 66 news articles

Georgetown Hosts Summit on Post-Secondary Success with Cristo Rey ...
Media Newswire (press release), NY - 22 hours ago
Participating colleges and universities include: Boston College, Fordham University, Georgetown University, Loras College, Marquette University, ...

college university - Google News

Distance Learning Degree Program ? How to Study

College & University