It seems like everything is online now. College is no exception. Traditional college courses are done in a traditional classroom setting, where you are physically present at the university's brick-and-mortar campus for about 45-120 minutes per class 1-5 times per week. Distance learning (DL) classes are just that, classes that are completed away from the physical campus and do NOT require your physical presence. This includes home, work, vacation, or anywhere in the world.

DL courses vary in delivery (internet/web-based, mail, fax, etc.) and student/teacher involvement (guided/independent study, correspondence course, web-based chat, etc.). In other words, some courses are designed to have minimal teacher involvement: you get a course outline with what topics are covered, a textbook, one or 2 assignments or even just 1 final exam. Some DL classes give you a course outline with an overview, textbook, all the assignments due dates and how to submit them, and an e-mail address/telephone number of a professor to contact if you have questions. Other schools have much more stringent requirements such as requiring that you "attend" (log into) the online course at least once a week or more.

In the interest of time, space, and organization, I have put together the following table of pros and cons of Distance Learning vs traditional in-classroom work.

(scroll down some)
Some people have debated whether or not DL courses were just as good as traditional, in-class courses. Studies that have pitted DL students to traditional students have concluded that DL students learn just as much as traditional students in most cases. Additionally, on the criteria where measurements showed significant inequalities, it usually favored the distance learning student!

Every school uses different types of delivery of their course content (web/internet, CD-ROM, Video,). It is imperative that you check the individual college or university's course catalog or equivilant document for specifics. Speak to the appropriate school official (admissions or academic counselor....some schools have a seperate DL department) and find out how assignments are to be submitted, and where to go if you have questions or need help on the course material.

But perhaps the most important aspect is to ensure that the classes that you are taking will be accepted into your degree plan at whatever school you are attending. This will be explained later.
DL vs. traditional
Pros
Cons
No attendance policy
DL typically uses internet, postal mail, e-mail, and fax to deliver course material and submit assignments. Little personnel interaction.
Some students learn better off or prefer the physical interaction between students in a classroom setting.
Technology usage
Great if you have work, kids, and other responsibilities that prevent you from showing up. Or if you just hate having to show up for class.
Must be comfortable with using various new multimedia to effectively participate in a DL course. Needless to say, one should own a computer and at least have a dial-up internet connection. High-speed recommended.
Flexibility of classes
Worldwide availablility with a computer and phone and/or internet connection. Usually NO full-time load requirement. Take classes at your own pace and own schedule. Very independent.
Isolation: student must be willing to work alone. Very limited personal attention from professor, tutors, or other students.
Difficulty of courses
Usually the same from a content prospective. (the course objectives and outcomes for a DL Intro Psychology and an in-class Intro Psychology course are the same).
Some people have the mistaken belief that DL courses are easier that traditional ones and improperly balance the course load per class.
Time Management
Save time commuting to/from campus, library, and other resources as DL course material is usually all-inclusive; textbooks, online libraries, etc. usually included in enrollment.
Must be committed and motivated to turning in assignments on time with little supervision. Must be able to properly balance school work with family and career tasks. Procrastinators may suffer.
Demographics and Diversity
The typical DL student is older (25-45), mature, self-directed, working full time, has kids, and is a returning student finishing up his/her degree where they left off. However, DL courses will have students from various ages, races, and even locations (international).
For younger students, social interaction with his/her respective peer group may provide a more confortable learning atmosphere.
Source: Introduction to Distance Learning Part 2, distancelearn.about.com. Another similar article here.
Study for the exams:
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