Distance learning has become a very popular choice for people who want to finish a degree and for people who have the diligence to study on their own.
Distance education is defined as a form of education delivered on individual basis for people who opt to be physically present in another time and distance different from the regular classroom setting.
The idea of online distance learning enables a student to participate interactively and access openly the web and other technologies for networking. Massive open online courses in the colleges and universities are popular development in distance learning.
Why distance learning?
There are two significant advantages of online learning. What’s great about distance learning is its flexibility. You can learn on your own pace. This means that you can take your courses any time during the day. This is a very important consideration if you are working or just starting to raise a family.
Time is also an important factor. For many who are into the distance learning associate’s program, the degree can be achieved in as short as two years. An associate’s degree is a preparation for future jobs as medical assisting, computer repair, or accounting.
There are different courses to choose from when choosing a distance associate’s program online:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
How to choose an online associate’s degree program?
There will be a lot of colleges and universities offering distance learning associate’s degree. The first thing you should look into is the record of satisfied graduates from that school. Also you must be able to talk with the school counselor about what you intend to take in your studies.
Some information on internship and employment after completing the course must also be available. You can also inquire about their scholarship programs to help you with your goals.
Check the school’s accreditation, too. Accrediting body review schools offering regular programs. The same is also true with distance learning. If the school is accredited to offer online education, then you are guaranteed that your degree will be taken seriously by any employer or company you will apply to.
Who can take an online associate’s degree?
Regular school is most preferred by majority so this means that only a few will be encouraged to take online courses and proceed with it successfully.
An online degree does not follow a structured framework. Students who succeed in distance learning have high levels of self-motivation and hard work. They can be independent and work comfortably with the deadlines set by their mentors. One important skill in online learning is proficiency in reading comprehension and fluency in the English language. It is because most of the assignments and activities in this program are reading and writing instead of the usual lecture and discussion.
Distance learning associate’s degree is a good way to fill many of the general course requirements when you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree program.