Are distance learning
courses for you?
There are many advantages and disadvantages which
students should be aware of before selecting a distance
course.
Advantages:
- Distance learning
courses allow students to work on their own time
rather than report to class at a particular time.
- Travel time and expense
is greatly reduced .
- Distance learning courses
allow students to work from home or office.
- Students who
prefer written communication may do well in distance
learning
courses.
- Students may get
to know faculty and other students on a deeper level
in an online course since many are more inhibited in
a classroom setting.
Disadvantages:
- Distance learning students may miss the face-to-face
interaction with students and instructor.
- Students who are
not disciplined and self-motivated may find it a
challenge to keep up in a distance course.
- Students who are
poor typists or who are lacking in technical skills
may be at a disadvantage in a distance course.
- Distance learning
courses may actually take more time than a
traditional course.
- Students may
experience occasional difficulty to immediately
reach other classmates and/or instructor through
technology.
What skills do I
need to succeed in a distance learning course?
There are two categories of skills that you should
possess, technical and study skills. As for technical
skills, you should know basic word processing, how to
send and receive emails, how to send and receive
attachments, navigate the Web, and basic knowledge of
Windows or Macintosh operating systems. As for study
skills, you should be self-motivated, manage your time
well, have good communication skills and be diligent.
Patience and a sense of humor are also helpful.
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Contact us:
Libbie McPhaul-Moore
336-599-1181, ext. 445
mcphaul@piedmontcc.edu
Angela Vaughn
336-599-1181, ext. 246
vaughna@piedmontcc.edu |
