Online Educational Opportunities are Plentiful

Distance learning is nothing new. Since 1890, According to the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), more than 130 million Americans have studied at DETC member institutions.

That includes Franklin D. Roosevelt, Walter P. Chrysler, Walter Cronkite, Barry Goldwater, Charles Schulz, and South African President Nelson Mandella.

These and many other people were too busy or too far from school to get there in person to learn.

What is new in distance learning is explosive growth, thanks to the Internet. DETC reports that in 2001, 488,000 students were taking online courses with its members. More than 4,000 postsecondary institutions were offering distance learning opportunities, ranging from a course or two to entire degree programs. In 1997, fewer than 500 offered distance learning online.

DETC says that online learning is growing by 30% a year. Online enrollments represent more than 4 percent of all postsecondary students in the U.S. Is online learning a good fit for you? Try answering these questions:

Are you...

Able to study 10-15 hours a week?

You're probably already busy. Can you find the time it will take?

Computer able?

Are you comfortable downloading and uploading? Navigating the web?

A good time manager?

Most online learning is asynchronous. That means that the class doesn't have to meet online at the same time. You have the flexibility to study just about any time and anywhere -- as long as you meet the deadlines.

Committed?

When you study on your computer, you're probably close by many distractions. Can you stay on course?

Fortunate to have the support of family and friends?

You'll have less time for family and friends for a while. Can they get behind your goals?

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can benefit greatly from studying online.