There is an old saying: Time moves on. That is certainly true in the world of education. In the past, higher education was strictly an option for the wealthy and privileged. Beginning in the last century, higher education became a reality for the common person. But the pace of change has not slackened up one bit!
The pundits debate what direction that higher education may take, but one thing is certain: technology has revolutionized how educational programs are being delivered. In particular, the personal computer, harnessing the power of the Internet, has helped to ’shrink’ our planet. What this ’shrinking’ means is that distance is much less of a factor in our life activities. And the importance of distance has shrunk as well in education – ushering in the era of ‘Distance Learning.’
Simply put, distance learning involves participation in classes and academic coursework when one lives and works in a location that is far removed from the school which is offering the course in which you are enrolled. Computer technology makes all of this possible – and the Internet serves as the ‘channel’ of communication and information exchange.
For those of us observing the landscape in the U.S., of course, this has a particular relevance, because of the aging of our population. And an older population means older students – students who have already taken on significant life responsibilities (job and family). Distance learning is the best – and probably only – option for them.
Our prediction: as more and more schools get on the distance learning bandwagon (and they will), more and more US adults will have better educational options. And when these students bring their new skill sets to the workplace, then businesses will benefit as a result. Overall, we can predict that the American workforce will become more effective and efficient. So positioned, we will continue to have access to the best-paying jobs and careers available in the world today.
When you enroll in a distance learning program, your entire academic course of study will be handled via the Internet, using your PC at home. No doubt you will have to purchase handbooks and textbooks for offline study, but usually your class lectures and course assignments will be handled online – either in a chat room environment or through sending e-mails. Completing an assignment with other students is commonplace – and this prepares the student for the kinds of real-world collaboration that is common in many companies today.
Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would ’spit out’ on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn’t look at their book/notes to cheat!
What all this means is that distance learning programs place an emphasis on ‘doing something useful’ with the knowledge that you have gained. You will be required to show mastery of a subject area, not by regurgitating facts but by using what you know. And isn’t that exactly what you and I must do every day, in the real workaday world? In fact, by some measures, graduates of distance learning programs are perhaps better prepared to ‘hit the ground running’ and be productive in their career from day one.
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About the author: John Chaplin Writes about Online Education and University of Phoenix. Read about obtaining online college degrees at www.university-phoenix.com
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