Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and however you want to define
latest buzz words for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now over 1.2 million people in U.S. participate in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years. In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few basic things you need to consider and some decisions you need to make in order to create environment that will best suit your needs. You need to know what, why, benefits and how of various forms of distance learning.
Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in Europe in 1800’s and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet based education, electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend upon how institution defines and labels programs which they offer. To simplify whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a "brick and mortar" facility. Some distance learning and/or online programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and are not affiliated with any institution.
Distance learning offers a variety of paths to personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a degree, keeping professional skills updated, or pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.
Why are so many people turning to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level look at such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for balancing job and family obligations; working at own pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less expensive; great for homebound individuals; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and can "learn while you earn." These are a few of many things that are causing quite a number of people to take an entirely different approach to attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.
Those who advocate against an alternative of distance learning, often site lack of socialization which is a part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for classroom activities, college events/parties, and interactions that are a part of a school campus. Many of classroom activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading - ebooks, up to date references, current research; listening - through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing - assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking/communication - through email, chats, and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be far more than just reading and writing.
