Many students are surprised to learn that distance courses require as much time as traditional courses, if not more, depending on how comfortable you are with the technology being used. If you're not self-disciplined enough to carve out enough time each week for your courses, don't even consider taking a distance education course. One of the primary benefits of a distance education program is the ability to work at your own pace on your own schedule. However, this may be an obstacle for some people. If you have a tendency to procrastinate, a program with only a few milestones may not be for you.
Distance education requires a high degree of self-motivation.
If you need to be pushed into studying and doing assignments, distance learning might not be for you. If you're considering an Internet-based course, you should assess your comfort level with the technology being used. You may need to brush up on these skills before registering for an online class. This is the most important factor to consider. Make sure the program you're considering is accredited by a regional accrediting body.