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Education Update: Distance Learning

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I am reminded often of something that my uncle once told me: "Time moves on." He was right of course - and that's never been more true in the world of higher education. Largely the preserve of the well-to-do in the past, higher education has proven to be a means of upward mobility for millions in our world today.

Where is higher education heading in our century, the 21st century? Perhaps the most fundamental shift has occurred because of the availability of the PC (personal computer) and the Internet. Because of the Internet, our planet is 'shrinking' - and distance is less of a factor in our travel and in our decision-making. It is now possible to carry on all sorts of activities with others physically located all over the globe. In educational circles this has ushered 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.

All of this has particular relevance for the United States, of course, as our population is aging. And the older the student, the more life responsibilities she or he has probably taken on - child rearing, full-time jobs, etc. Distance learning is an option - perhaps the only option - that will work for them. Course assignments and projects can now be scheduled around other life activities. A brave new world, indeed!

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.

One of the great things about most distance learning programs is their approach to testing (exams). It is very difficult to replicate traditional examinations online. That is because those kinds of tests basically ask the student to repeat memorized information on paper. Since the student is offline, it is impossible to keep them from looking at their books and notes - so many schools offering distance learning programs have taken a different approach: completion of projects and research that force the student to take the information that they should have mastered, and use that in some way to complete the assignment.

What all of this means is that distance learning programs put a premium on 'learning by doing', not the rote regurgitation of bare facts. I believe that adults who complete their studies through a good, solid distance learning program will be better prepared to 'hit the ground running' and make a solid contribution as employees in any company.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

About the author: John Chaplin Writes about Distance Learning and University of Phoenix. Read about obtaining your college degree at www.university-phoenix.com

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