It's not an easy way to go to school, comments Peter Ewell, Senior Associate at the National Center For Higher Education Management Systems in Boulder, Colorado, referring to the significant number of distance learning students who drop out midstream. Mixed with the high praise that many have for distance learning is the frustration that some feel because they are not well suited to deal with its unique requirements. One of the top mistakes people make is assuming distance education is an instant education, observes Pam Dixon, a columnist and author of seven books, one of which is The Virtual College , published by Peterson's in 1996. A huge difference exists between what's expected of participants of degree or certification programs and those taking a course in investing money, warns Kohl. Some programs rigorously challenge students with the amount of reading and writing assignments.
Distance learning demands students who can work independently without a lot of prompting.
Sitting in a classroom with a professor asking questions is a powerful inducement to be prepared. You have to be able to stay on task. She has a passion for the subject and so is able to squeeze in assignments between caring for her three children and starting a business called Sea Wonders, which brings marine education programs to camps and schools. Another distance learner, Dietra Wade, who recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Regents College, is even more adamant about the rigors of distance education. You have to be interested.