Education For The 21st Century: Distance Learning
by John Chaplin
"Time moves on." Have you ever heard that saying? I have - and it's certainly true - and never more true in the educational world. In the distant past, higher education was something that only the rich and powerful could afford. But in the last century, more and more average persons have had this opportunity. But changes are still taking place!
And while the so-called 'experts' argue among themselves about future trends, we know one thing for certain: technology has turned the world of higher education upside-down. It is now the primary delivery channel for millions of students worldwide - in the form of 'Distance Education.' Coupling the power of the home PC with the interconnectivity of the Internet, distance learning is revolutionizing the educational landscape, right before our eyes.
Let's put it in it's most simple form: Distance learning means that a student can participate in class - in India, let's say - when the school is located in Boise, Idaho. Distance is no longer an obstacle - in fact, distance from the school, from the instructor, or from one's fellow-students has become irrelevant. What matters now is receiving the course content, whether one lives down the street or in another continent.
All of this has particular relevance for the United States, of course, as our population is aging. And the older the student, the more life responsibilities she or he has probably taken on - child rearing, full-time jobs, etc. Distance learning is an option - perhaps the only option - that will work for them. Course assignments and projects can now be scheduled around other life activities. A brave new world, indeed!
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.
When you enroll in a distance learning program, your entire academic course of study will be handled via the Internet, using your PC at home. No doubt you will have to purchase handbooks and textbooks for offline study, but usually your class lectures and course assignments will be handled online - either in a chat room environment or through sending e-mails. Completing an assignment with other students is commonplace - and this prepares the student for the kinds of real-world collaboration that is common in many companies today.
Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would 'spit out' on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn't look at their book/notes to cheat!
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.
Author: John Chaplin talks about Distance Education and University of Phoenix. Read about obtaining your college degree at http://www.university-phoenix.com This and other unique content 'university of phoenix' articles are available with free reprint rights.
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