College Distance Learning
by Emily Burson

Think you are too busy for a traditional college? Distance learning may the exactly what you are looking for! Every year more and more people find themselves too busy to attend traditional school, but still want to further their education and do something to 'better' their lives. There are several different options if you are considering college distance learning.

Traditional College Distance Learning

Traditional college distance learning involves old-fashioned pen and paper, along with stamps. Most large colleges and universities offer distance learning for people who cannot commute to campus. These classes are not done online and do not require and internet connection. At places such as Indiana University (www.iub.edu), they have an entire school dedicated to college distance learning. The School of Continuing Studies offers a wide range of classes, all of which are taken through correspondence.

All you have to do is sign up for the class, pay your fee and you have a year to complete the required assignments and return them to your assigned professor. Some college distance learning opportunities like this require you to visit the main campus one or two times a year in order to take exams, so be sure you know if that is required up front.

Modern College Distance Learning

Modern college distance learning takes distance classes to the internet age. Many modern college distance learning classes are now offered online, which allows you to turn in assignments immediately through the web. There are two kinds of online college distance learning classes that predominate.

1. Classes that require you to be online at a certain time in a 'virtual classroom.' In these classes, you will have real classmates from across the country and around the world that are all reaping the benefits of college distance learning in a modern age. You will interact with classmates and a professor and have a chance to ask questions and learn in real time.

2. Classes that simply offer the option of doing assignments online, without requiring that you be available at a specific day or time. These classes are much like more traditional college distance learning classes, only with the added benefit of the internet. Assignments are due at a specific date and time and can be uploaded to a website. Your professor will most likely communicate with you via email and a website. Classes are offered on a variety of subjects and topics.

Drawbacks to College Distance Learning

One of the big benefits of college is interacting with fellow students and forming network connections that will benefit you later in your career. College distance learning does not always allow for those interactions, so be cautious. If you are furthering your career, college distance learning could be exactly what you are looking for; however, if you are just now beginning your college career, consider attending at least one or two classes on a real campus. You will be surprised how different it is!

Links to distance learning opportunities:

Phoenix University online

All Online Schools Database

Emily Burson is a 2001 graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She worked for a year as a full time copywriter before getting a job at her church, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. She works at the church full time and loves it. She loves to read and write, and believes that children's books and young adult literature contain some of the most powerful lessons and messages that the written word has to offer. She is an avid scrapbooker and loves to travel, having been to Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Honduras, as well as many states.

If you would like to contact her about her writing, craft ideas, or book reviews, email her at erburson@ gmail.com. Also, read her personal thoughts on God, faith, life, culture, and more.