The potential learner should first determine whether or not he or she is willing to undertake independent, self-motivated study.
Distance education requires good time management.
Since the student does not take leave from work, re-programming daily schedules is important, in order to include adequate time for study. This may not be easy to do if the student has been away from school for many years. Distance education also means that the learner must win family support for his or her studies, and their understanding that although much of the studying will be done at home, the student will need a break from some family responsibilities in order to attend to course needs. The distance learner also has to contend with many hours of studying alone, only occasionally interacting with classmates and peers. The student has access to tutors for questions regarding course content, and new technologies are making communication more efficient and cost-effective.