Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you?

Distance education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you?

Part 4 of 4

Emphasis on the Written Word

Most of all communication, as well as the course work, in distance learning classes is written. That’s a plus, because the focus on the written word gives you the opportunity to develop as a write—and strong writing skills are essential to academic success. However, if writing is a serious weakness for you, virtual learning may not be the best educational option until you improve your skills. Yes, most of distance education is the written word; therefore, you need to be a good reader, love to read, and love writing also. Most of your assignments will be written and submitted to the instructor in the written format. Your penmanship needs to be excellent, spelling great, sentence structure above average, vocabulary extraordinary. You need to have online access with reliable equipment. If your Internet communications at home isn’t working, you can’t do online education from home and will need to go to someplace where you do have access to the internet.

Decide Whether It’s Right for You

Distance education isn’t for everyone, but it just might be for you. You should really seek it out and give it a try. You never know until you try. You might even fall in love with distance education. While distance education may be the perfect alternative for some students, it’s not the right choice for everyone. So carefully consider the needs and interests and give distance education a try; then decide if it’s right for you.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

DIstance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for you?

Part 3

Challenging Aspects of Distance Education

·         Lack of in-person interaction: Some educators argue that both teacher-student and student teacher contact are essential to learning. In a distance-learning classroom, you may be able to participate in class discussions online in chat rooms, message boards or Web conferences—but it’s not the same as being with other students in a classroom.

·         Different levels f quality: Many distance-education programs supply an excellent learning experience, but others may not. Research any program before signing on to make sure its rigorous enough. If you are choosing your own program, look into its accreditation before enrolling.

·         The need to self-start: Distance education lets you make your own schedules. If you have a hard time getting motivated, this might not be the ideal educational setting for you.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Distance Education: Is a Virtual Classroom for You?

Part-1

http://www.collegebaord.com/student/plan/high-school/47337.html

You may want to take a class that your high school doesn’t offer. Under some circumstances, you can still enroll in the class- through distance learning.

Distance education means taking a class without being physically present where it is being taught. Internet-based technology lets students participate in lectures and class sessions online from almost anywhere.

Some high schools agree to recognize distance-learning credits when they don’t have the resources to offer a course themselves. Distance education is often used to increase options in rural areas and for AP courses.

For you, it might mean doing self-tutorial at home in the evening, or participating in a class that is 1,000 miles away, along with other high school students. Check with your school counselor to see what’s available.

 CHOOSE THE RIGHT