Distance learning has been with us for many years but was mostly confined to study within national borders. The cost of international communications, and the time taken for mailed queries to be answered, and assignments submitted and returned, limited its appeal to international students. The internet has changed all that. Snail mail has given way to email and now students can choose colleges as far apart as the UK, US, South Africa, and Australia, without wondering about the factors that may have previously deterred them.
On this site, we'll deal with three aspects of distance-learning: its advantages, criminals who exploit unsuspecting students, and how to avoid distance-learning scams.
One reason is cost, though distance-learning at Stanford, for example, does not come cheap. Most distance-learning programmes are, however, very cost-effective. Unless, that is, you fall for a scam (more about that later).
Some mature students, who haven’t studied for years, lack self-confidence and
feel ‘out of place’ in a class of 18-year olds. Yet, numerous surveys have shown that, in mixed-age classes, mature students frequently outperform their younger colleagues. Life experience does have its advantages. Despite this, many mature students, who could attend traditional classes, prefer to study at home or in local study groups organized by some distance-learning providers.
You may have a totally different reason for considering distance-learning. Your work may require much travel or you may live far from a college. The great thing about distance-learning is that it doesn't recognize national boundaries and colleges in many countries accept international students.
You may be ill or disabled, or serving a term behind bars (not the drinks variety), or you may have small children or other dependents to look after. Whatever the reason, provided that you’re motivated and committed to succeed, distance-learning can help you to achieve your goals.
One other reason for choosing distance-learning is the flexibility it offers. Many colleges only set time limits for the completion of a course or program, but not for the submission of specific assignments. This is ideal if you need a break in your studies, be it for a vacation, emergency, or whatever.
That covers the good points. Now for the not-so-good ones. Click on the Next Page link for details of how criminals exploit distance-learning students.
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2000 by Ronald M. Isaacs. The text may be copied, in whole or part, for
non-profit use, provided that the source is credited.
Introduction
Distance-learning now plays a hugely important role in education, particularly in the education of mature students. What constitutes a mature student depends on whose definition is adopted. Some authorities and colleges set a minimum age (usually around 21 to 23) and apply special regulations regarding grants and college admission requirements to students of qualifying age. For the purpose of this web site, let's define a mature student as one without a continuous record of formal study beyond 18.
Why Distance-Learning?
More than any other mode of education, distance-learning has helped mature students to turn dreams into academic achievements. For some, enhanced job prospects are sufficient reward for their commitment and effort but, for all, their enhanced self-esteem is a far greater reward. Make no mistake, the easier path to academic success is a traditional campus-based programme. Faculty, fellow students, library, and other support services are all at hand to motivate and guide the student. Studying at home is much more demanding, especially if family or friends are not supportive. So why do people choose the more difficult path?