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!
The pundits debate what direction that higher education may take, but one thing is certain: technology has revolutionized how educational programs are being delivered. In particular, the personal computer, harnessing the power of the Internet, has helped to 'shrink' our planet. What this 'shrinking' means is that distance is much less of a factor in our life activities. And the importance of distance has shrunk as well in education - ushering 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.
Here's our take on the situation: as more and more schools start distance learning programs, more and more adults will take advantage of them and enroll. And when these students graduate, they will bring their up-to-date skill sets into the workplace. As a result, business will greatly benefit. Overall, we can see the American worker becoming more and more efficient. Our workforce will then be positioned to keep - and retain - better paying jobs, as we compete in the global marketplace.
What happens when you enroll in a distance learning program? Well, imagine a world where your entire academic program of study is handled via the Internet, using your PC at home. You will have to complete some assignments offline, of course (primarily the reading of required texts), but typically your class assignments and course (instructor) lectures will take place in an online environment. You will sign in to 'virtual classrooms' - a kind of chat room - to hear (and see!) your instructor. Communications not handled in-class will be taken care of through e-mails.
One way in which distance learning programs differ from more traditional approaches is in the area of testing. The old approach, which stressed a kind of 'regurgitation' of all the course content in writing the exam, is typically not possible online as the student is not physically present in a classroom. This means that the student could look at their notes and text without impunity. So in distance learning programs you will instead complete research projects and collaborate with others on assignments. These types of activities actually force the student to take what they have (supposedly) learned and put it to good use - completing their research and course projects.
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.
