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Have
you ever dreamed of earning a degree without setting foot
in a classroom? Are you self-motivated and a whiz on the Internet
but lack the time needed to enroll in an on-campus program?
If so, a distance learning program in allied health may be
right for you.
Clearly,
distance learning (or eLearning) is a great option that enables
you to work at your own pace and in your own space. However,
it is not the best choice for everyone. According to Josh
Baron, director of academic technology and eLearning at Marist
College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., there are some important pros
and cons to consider before firing up your laptop and taking
the plunge into the world of cyber-school.
Education
Anytime, Anywhere
One
of the major benefits of distance learning is that it enables
students to participate in quality learning, anytime, anywhere,
Baron states. "For many students, especially adult learners,
one of the most significant Ôpros' is the ability to
learn on your own time instead of having to attend regularly
scheduled classes," he says. For students who are working
full time or are unable to commute to classes at specific
times, distance learning provides an opportunity for flexibility.
Your geographic location will not limit you to local programs,
and you can often save money through lower program costs and
zero commuting expenses.
In
addition, a digital learning experience is more interactive.
The multimedia regularly used in distance learning programs
engages and connects with students in new and unique ways,
and it can often be a more effective teaching tool than traditional
educational aids such as textbooks. Learning is instantaneous;
there is no lost time idly flipping through pages or commuting
to and from school. The learning and the benefits of new knowledge
are immediate.
Furthermore,
distance learning may help take the bias out of the educational
process.
"Distance
learning programs can often be great equalizers, breaking
down stereotypes that often arise in face-to-face courses.
Since you often never see each other, racial and other stereotypes
do not surface as often," Baron offers. This may result
in the grading process being more fair and objective as well.
Challenges of Electronic Education
Despite
all their benefits, distance learning programs are not without
their drawbacks. Students need to be accountable for their
own learning, which can be a formidable task. "The Ôfreedom'
that comes with distance learning also comes with an increase
in responsibilities," says Baron. For students who are
accustomed to a traditional classroom setting, it can be difficult
to stay self-motivated. It's crucial to exercise good time
management. If you crave structure, look elsewhere, but if
you prefer to be on your own timetable, then eLearning plays
to your strengths.
Another
challenge that students may face comes from the reliance on
new technology. It's important to remember that computers
are machines, and like all machines, they can break or malfunction,
cutting into valuable learning time. Furthermore, it is also
necessary for students to be up to speed with their computer
knowledge. This may require more training to obtain new skills
for optimum participation in distance learning.
Some
students may also dislike the lack of face-to-face interaction.
Without students and teachers meeting in person, communication
blunders may arise. Baron adds that without the benefit of
eye contact and other visual cues, statements can be misconstrued
and jokes taken seriously. For successful eLearning, it is
important to develop new communication skills for the electronic
age.
Selecting a Program
Research
is an extremely important step when applying to any type of
higher education program. As you beginto research distance
learning programs, expect to dedicate a considerable amount
of time to exploring programs and learning about your options.
Be sure to visit program Web sites to read about the courses
and curriculum to see if they fit your interests. Talk to
employers and professionals in the field and ask about the
reputations of the particular programs you are considering.
Contact
the admissions or career placement professionals at each school
to see if they can put you in touch with recent graduates.
When you contact the programs' alumni, find out what they
are doing now and how they feel about their educational experience.
Speaking to them will help you ascertain how marketable the
degree is and will give you insight into the pros and cons
of the different programs. Don't overlook this step; it can
be an invaluable part of your decision-making process.
Perusing
an advanced degree—whether at a traditional university
or an online one—is a huge investment of both time and
money, so you want to be sure you will receive a valuable
degree in return. Baron recommends making sure that the institution
is accredited by an official accreditation agency recognized
by the U.S. Department of Education. A degree from a non-accredited
institution is usually not valued by employers and may cause
problems if you ever need to transfer credits. For more information,
take a look at Baron's article on this topic at www.elearners.com/
resources/accreditation.asp.
Once
you've decided that distance learning is right for you, the
process of choosing a program is not different from the criteria
you would use to select any graduate program in allied health;
the programs themselves are oftentimes not so different either.
As Baron states, distance learning is more of an "evolution"
than a "revolution." Although the Web brings major
innovation to the world of learning, it still comes down to
good teachers and motivated students to make the process successful.
Remember, your career goals are only a click away.
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