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Is distance learning right for you?

Is Distance Learning Right For You?

Going back to school in a poor economy is a strategic move for many working adults.

But how do you know if an online degree is a good choice for you?

Before losing valuable time or wasting money in an online course, ask yourself the following six questions to honestly determine if distance learning will, in fact, work for you.

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you might want to seriously reconsider online education.

1. Do you find self-motivation and self-discipline difficult?

Online courses require self-motivation. Can you set your own deadlines and stick to them?

If you need a specific time every week to get you through the class and complete the course work, then you might want to look for a class at a local campus university. In an online class, you will still have deadlines; however, there is no face-to-face time. You need to work on your own and complete your work on time.

If you aren't sure of what factors keep you motivated, find a non-credit online course to see if online learning suits you. Some colleges, universities, state and local education agencies, and museums offer free online courses. If you find that you need the environmental motivation of the classroom, that's okay. Just recognize your needs before you end up frustrated in your online class.

2. Does the thought of spending 10 —or more— hours every week on the computer bother you?

Online learning requires you to work on your computer and via the Internet at least 10 hours a week for each class you take.

If working on a computer is the farthest thing on your mind and does not interest you, then you might want to reconsider taking an online course. You can learn about computers, but learning the tool and a new subject area can be overwhelming.

Most courses don't require you to have a degree in computer science to engage in online learning, but at a minimum, you should be able to:

• use word processing software like Microsoft Word®,
• access the Internet comfortably,
• and have an e-mail account.

And you should have a desire to learn how to use new software tools and applications. If using these tools or learning new programs and applications is too much for you, you might want to consider taking a computer class at a local university or working on your own to learn more about computers before you tackle online education.

3. Do you need new information explained to you by a person?

Distance learning requires you to read, think, and express your thoughts independently and on your own.

Although your teacher will provide you with the materials and assignment guidelines and is available to answer questions, most teachers are not available to explain complex topics for you. There is no "lecture" time where you can ask questions for clarification.

If you have never tried to learn something on your own, use the Internet to research a topic of interest and find a blog to post your research. If that works for you, online learning may work for you. If it doesn't and you are truly an independent learner, distance learning is probably not for you.

4. Do you need one on one communication in real time?

With online learning, if you contact your teacher with a question or inquiry, s/he will generally respond to you within 24-48 hours.

Knowing that your instructor may not be able to provide an immediate reply, you need to decide if you are comfortable working in an environment where the answers you need may not be provided right way. Some people need to be able to ask a question, visit their professor, or call them when they run into an issue and can't continue without the answer.

Immediate contact is not generally available if you are taking an online class. You should probably not take an online course if you aren't able to wait for answer and continue to makesome progress on your own while you wait for feedback.

5. Are you taking an online course to save time?

Distance learning courses usually require more time from your schedule than campus courses, especially the first time you take an online class.

If you are taking the course online because your schedule does not permit you to attend or commute to a class, that's one thing. However, if you are taking the course online because you just don't have time in your schedule, that's a whole different story.

You will need to commit between 10-12 hours a week to each 3-credit online course you take. If you look at your schedule and would not be able to accommodate this kind of time commitment right now, then you might want to reconsider distance learning.

6. Does writing your thoughts and ideas in a discussion post to share with everyone in class, even people you don't know scare you?

One of the key communication tools in any distance learning class is the discussion board. Here you and your classmates will share thoughts and ideas both directed by the facilitator and by your peers.

To see if you can clearly articulate your thoughts and ideas in writing, find a public online forum, such as eLearners's Online Education and Distance Learning Discussion Forums & Blogs, and trying posting your thoughts and ideas. If you are comfortable there, discussion postings should not be a problem. If it left you bored and uncomfortable — and you prefer your conversations face-to-face — then distance learning might not be right for you.

So… Is distance learning the right choice for you?

If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions, you will likely find an online course to be a safe choice for you. However, be mindful of the challenges presented above!

If you answered "yes" to more than one of the above questions, you should consider finding an alternative way to pursue your degree. If online learning is your only option, try the suggestions and recommendations in the answers to help you meet the challenges. Good luck to you!

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Dr. Renee Aitken, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Instructional Technology and e-Learning at Ohio Dominican University. She is also the author of Surviving the New Learning Landscape: A Guide for e-Learners.

We welcome all comments directed to: recession [at] elearners [dot] com.