College Degrees via Distance Learning Part I
2007-04-02

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

Distance learning is a growing field. Distance learning is not a new trend or educational option. The internet has increased the popularity and practicality of distance learning. Distance learning makes college possible for working adults or others who would otherwise be unable to attend a traditional school.

Benefits of Doing College from Home

One of the primary benefits of completing a college degree via distance learning is that a college education is available to those who do not live near an institution of higher learning. There are several traditional universities that also offer distance learning programs Grand Canyon University, Liberty University and Central Texas College are examples of traditional universities that also offer on-line programs. Liberty requires students to complete a portion of the degree on campus. Located close to Ft. Hood, Central Texas College has a long history of helping those in the military obtain a college degree regardless of location.

Another advantage of distance learning is that one does not have to disrupt one’s life to purse an education. This is great for those who have jobs or family responsibilities that would make relocating difficult.

Distance learning is a great option for working adults or other non-traditional students. Capella University and the
University of Phoenix are devoted to helping working adults and non-traditional students earn a college degree.

Distance learning is also a good option for those with health problems or physical disabilities that make attending a traditional school difficult. If one has a computer and access to the internet all classes are accessible. During my undergraduate days I had a classmate who had a kidney problem and often missed classes due to illness. One frustration she expressed was that her when she finally got a transplant she would have to miss at least one year of school because the doctors were afraid she would catch something from another student. In distance learning this is not a problem.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning

One major disadvantage is that not all on-line programs are reputable. There are many reputable on-line programs but diploma mills do exist.

The lack of discourse and dialogue that happens in the classroom. Chat-rooms and emails do facilitate communication between students and teacher, it is not the same.

Unless one is extremely disciplined there may be a tendency to procrastination. Procrastination is also a problem in traditional setting but it can be exaggerated when there is no set meeting time for a class.

Another disadvantage is the lack of peer support. It is harder to develop relationships in an on-line setting.

Can Distance Learning Be a Substitute For College

Can distance learning be a substitute for college? Yes and no. Yes it is possible to get a quality education through an on-line institution. In fact the classes may be duplicates of what is taught in a traditional college setting. However it is not possible duplicate the “college experience” on-line. College marks the transition from being a teenager into adulthood. College is time of exploration and discovery. Participating in extra-curricular activities provides an opportunity to try out new things and meet new people. Distance learning programs cannot provide the opportunity to develop relationships with professors, mentors and peers. Some of the most important lessons I learned during college where the ones I learned outside the classroom: talking with professors and other mentors in the student center, participating in community projects, and even just hanging out in the dorm. These experiences cannot be duplicated on-line.