What To Expect With Distance Learning Courses
   

Distance learning courses can be a wonderful way for anyone with a computer and Internet to pursue a higher degree. These classes are now offered by a variety of different institutions and really cover the gamut as far as study area is concerned.

But, what can students really expect to get out of distance learning courses?

The answer to that is a lot! If the idea is that distance learning is a "free ride," an easy way to go or a snap to finish, get that out of the head right now. The truth is many of these courses are as difficult and challenging as their classroom counterparts and some are even more so.

Students who sign on for distance learning courses will find they are typically handled quite a bit differently than classes attended in person, but that doesn't mean the course requirements are slack. The reality is for accreditation to extend to these classes, professors and students have to walk a very fine line to ensure the teaching is quality and the learning is, too.

Some of the things students taking distance learning courses might be wise to expect include:

* Actual lectures. These might take place during set times in chat rooms or they might be video recorded for watching on the Internet at a students' convenience. Either way, some actual teaching is very often involved in these classes. If it's not, students will be expected to do a whole lot of reading on their own.

* Books. These don't tend to go away just because coursework is turned in online. Most universities still requires students get the books and read them, too.

* Homework. Papers, reports and even special projects will still all be required by these courses. Part of getting a degree is proving the material is understood and even mastered.

* Tests. Yes, these too are part of the online learning experience. Some tests will be taken online, and in some cases, all of them. Some programs might require students travel to a set location for certain tests along the way.

* Discussions, interaction. This is a very big part of college life. To ensure the flow of thoughts and information between students and faculty continues, many of these programs set up online discussion groups to fill this need. This can be vital for ensuring students understand the material, have done the work and get input they might need to take learning to the next level.

* Access to professors. Whether this is online, over the phone or in person, distance learning courses should not cut this factor out. It is vital in many cases for students to be able to ask questions of their professors. Programs that don't provide some avenue for this might not be as good as they sound. Even if it's only through e-mail, some contact should be available.

Distance learning courses can help busy people finish or even earn from start to finish their degrees. Although the setting is very different, students should still expect to actually have to "earn" those degrees.

For more information on distance learning, visit http://www.distancelearningopportunities.com - a website that specializes in distance learning resources including information on distance learning courses

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What’s Behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning?
   

There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms those companies that invest in new and emerging businesses all agree that distance learnings future is very bright, and a good investment opportunity as well.

All this translates into a bright future for anyone looking at distance learning to accomplish their career, educational, and learning objectives. Chances are if there isn't a program in place today for your specific needs, there will be one soon. This article explains how the perfect storm is brewing for distance learning, in a very positive way. Several market factors are presented here, along with research from research and government agencies that show that distance learning is here to stay and may someday surpass traditional classroom attendance approaches to learning.

What's driving Distance Learning growth?

Consider the following statistics from International Data Corporation on the market for distance learning these figures and others are making many traditional colleges and universities re-vamp their courses and degree programs to make them available online.

• There are 133 million U.S. adults or 66% of the adult population, which have Internet access today. That֖s over half the entire U.S. population and serves as a strong incentive for colleges and universities to re-vamp their programs to support this untapped educational market.
  
  
• According to International Data Corporation, over 90% of college students access the Internet, with 50% accessing the Web daily, and this is on a global scale. Colleges and universities have also found that to stay relevant to their traditional students, they have had to create online and distance learning programs quickly to stay up with their learning needs.
  
  
• 87% of four-year colleges will offer distance-learning courses in 2009, up from 62% in 2003. According to International Data Corporation, 25% more colleges and universities added distance learning programs between 1998 and 2004.
  
  
• By 2004, 2.2 million degree-seeking students are enrolled in distributed courses CAGR of 33%. The growth of distance learning on a global scale has the attention of companies as well Җ they plan on spending $272B in the next five years on in-house training and education programs, according to International Data Corporation.
  
  
• 51% of all online courses worldwide have online discussion forms in 2001, growing to 65% in 2005. This is a sign of how quickly the Internets performance is improving around the world. The bandwidth required to support online discussions is great news for distance learning. Now even the most geographically remote student can get the education they want.
  
  Summary
  
  The implications are clear. Distance learning is growing rapidly and has been fortunate that many countries teach English in addition to their own native languages. WhatҒs next on the horizon of distance learning is offering courses and degrees in multiple languages. International Data Corporation predicts that by 2006, 65% of all Internet users will be international.
  
  

Rose is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information at distance learning defined and distance learning benefits

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What's behind the explosive growth in distance learning?