Oregon State Distance Learning Article

Follow These Tips for Student Success with Distance Learning

The Internet has brought many great things to the world, one of them being a more advanced style of distance learning. By enrolling in a distance learning course, students can take classes and earn more diplomas and certifications than ever before, and since it is much more convenient than attending traditional colleges, more and more people are starting to take advantage of it. While taking classes online can be more convenient, you should know that you are still required to complete the work that would normally be assigned with the course, and you still take tests. There are some things that you can do to help you earn a better grade in your distance learning courses, and help keep you on the right study track.

Even though you are taking classes online through a distance learning program, you still need to make time in your schedule to study and do your assignments. It may be difficult to find this time between work and family obligations, but it is something that you must do, if you want to succeed. If you are someone who has a set routine for your day to day life, don’t forget to add studying into that routine. You may have to cutback on some other commitments, but it is necessary!

You will need to find a quiet place to do your studying, as it is much harder to study and learn something when the phone is ringing, the kids are yelling, and the television is blasting. If you can’t find this in your home, then think about spending a couple of nights a week at your local public library, or even just outside somewhere in your yard, weather permitted. It doesn’t really matter where you study at, just as long as you can get the peace and quiet you need.

When you start thinking about distance learning, look for programs that offer either email or telephone assistance, so that if you run into something that you need some extra help with, you can get it. You may find that your distance learning program has a student chat room setup just for this purpose, usually with one instructor present, and then of course other students, all that can help and learn for each other.

If you are a chronic procrastinator, start trying to break the habit now, as it will not get you anywhere with your studies. Since you are doing your courses at home, you may think that it is okay to shove it to the side to watch your favorite television show, etc., but it really isn’t a good idea, especially not if you want to get your degree or diploma anytime in the near future. Once you start procrastinating, it is hard to break the cycle.

Don’t spend money on useless distance learning courses. If you don’t plan to use the knowledge you gain in your current career, or in a new one, then why waste your time and money on the course? Don’t take classes just to amass degrees that you don’t plan to ever use!

Keep in mind that while distance learning is very popular, not everyone accepts it as being a reliable education source. When you do your resume, don’t mention that you got your degree from a distance learning program, unless you are specifically asked.

If you have work or life experience that you might be able to use for course credit, make sure you find out about it, before signing up for your classes. There is no point in spending your time and money to learn something that you already know!