If you are considering a career requiring post-secondary education or training, distance learning should be explored. Although not suited for everyone, distance learning (or distance education) can hold advantages over traditional classroom learning. Not only can you take courses part-time while continuing to work, you can often complete the required work from the comfort of your home, at a time that best fits your schedule. Before spending any time seeking courses and schools, determine if you can be successful enrolling in a distance learning program.
Am I compatible?
The best method of effective learning varies from one person to the next. Those who answer "yes" to the following questions are more likely to attain better results through distance education than those who answer "no."
Consider these simple questions:
- Have I ever voluntarily picked up a book to learn something specific?
- Did I learn what I hoped I would?
- Do I work well with minimal supervision?
- Do I know the best way for me to learn new information?
- Am I computer, and Internet literate?
- Am I disciplined enough to set aside sufficient time every day to complete assignments effectively?
For a further analysis of your potential to succeed in distance learning, try this self-assessment. (Self Assessment)
Moving on
As distance learning continues to grow as an effective method for delivering education and training, more professional associations, employers, and other post-secondary institutions will "accept" course work completed via this method. Higher learning is always valued, the trick is ensuring your choices are high quality. So, before signing up for any distance learning opportunity, give this general information additional thought.
Acceptance -- employers
Many employers acknowledge a degree/diploma/certificate obtained through distance education on par with those obtained through traditional methods. These employers believe those who have committed long enough to complete the requirements have the potential to make good employees.
On the other hand, some employers are wary of obtaining education or training via this method. If you have targeted a few specific employers, contact them to determine if they recognize distance learning achievements. For those careers requiring licensing through a professional body, such as engineers, direct contact with that group will help you decide if distance education is a possibility.
Acceptance -- other institutions
Again, this is another some will, some will not scenario. If you are trying to take courses via distance learning from one institution for credit at another institution, make direct inquiries. Do not begin any course in this situation before having a firm answer, just in case the answer is "no." For those considering study abroad, visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
Some institutions may require an assessment of previous courses, or work experience, before offering you credit. This assessment may come in the form of a written test to prove what you have learned.
You may also be asked to send in detailed course descriptions to receive credit for any previous work. There will likely be fees for this type of assessment in the neighborhood of $50 - $100 per course to a set maximum amount of $300 or so for all your courses. The criteria to receive credit, and the requirements to have courses assessed, will vary from place to place.
What's available?
The idea of distance education has been around for years. Now, almost any course, program, or training you can think of is available. Courses or programs requiring mainly reading and writing are widely available through distance learning, however, more technical based training, such as computer programming and some apprenticeship training, are also available.
All that said, numerous other factors have to be considered before rushing off to sign up for the first distance learning course you hear about. Keep in mind the information you uncover during your research before coming up with a final decision on distance education.
Online programming
After determining which career path interests you most, find the institutions offering a related program. If you are not comfortable using computers and the Internet to complete this research, consider re-taking the self-assessment quiz. Visit our page for links to help determine which traditional schools offer which programs and courses. Many private businesses and institutions also offer distance learning opportunities, consider investigating their options as well.
As more and more distance education possibilities come available, be sure the programs you research meet the majority of your needs. Informational interviews with people working in the field you are considering, or talking with employers in your area, will help determine which courses are the right fit for you. Taking an equal amount of time to talk with course or program instructors/administrators will also help determine which distance learning route to take.
When comparing programs and institutions consider:
- the cost -- Is financial assistance available for this course/program? Why is one more than another? What is included in those costs (videos, text books etc.)? What can you afford given your current circumstances?
- the help available -- Are there on-line counsellors? Are there any kind of tutoring/mentorship arrangements possible? Is there a library of resources I can access easily?
- the name -- Do employers or other institutions recognize the institution offering your chosen course/program?
- the instructors -- Who are the instructors? Is information on their qualifications available? Will you have access to them?
- graduate success -- What percentage of people graduate from your chosen program? What percentage of people find related work after graduating from your chosen program?
- institution affiliations -- Are the institutions I am considering affiliated with any distance learning associations? Why, or why not? (Click here to link to Canadian and international distance education organizations.)
With a little bit of hard work exploring distance learning's possibilities, success can soon be yours.
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