Education For The 21st Century: Distance Learning

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!

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.

The U.S. has a population that is aging, as is well-known. And an aging population is one with increasing responsibilities - work as well as family - that throw up road-blocks and obstacles in the path of the would-be student. Distance learning is a solution that works for them - as academic assignments and classroom participation can now be completed around work schedules and family activities.

As more and more schools get on the distance learning bandwagon, and revamp their academic programs, this will, in turn, make it possible for an ever-widening circle of adults to take courses and eventually secure college and university degrees. As a result - and just one example - employers will gain access to a workforce that is more educated and better trained. This will pay huge dividends in employee efficiency and effectiveness on the job, and will keep our workforce equipped to pursue the best-paying jobs and careers available.

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://mylilpeanut.com

Author: John Chaplin talks about Distance Learning and University of Phoenix. Learn more about obtaining your college degree at www.university-phoenix.com
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