National Court Reporters Association - Earn A College Degree Online!
Distance Learning
We are becoming a society in which continuous learning is central to participating in society as citizens and wage earners. Technology and telecommunications are transforming our ongoing needs for education and training. Distance learning has a long history of serving isolated learners, but online access has now emerged as an effective, accepted method of education and training that is flexible and responsive to learners' needs.
A formal definition of distance learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction. It encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of life-long learning for all. It is used in all areas of education.
In higher education, distance learning is providing undergraduate and advanced degrees to students in offices, at community colleges and at various targeted sites. Students for whom convenience may be a crucial factor in receiving college credit are earning degrees by satellite, audio/video, and over the Internet. Educational materials are delivered primarily through live and interactive classes. It is especially important to realize that the intent of these programs is not necessarily to replicate face-to-face instruction.
Adult Learners
As adult professionals, you are motivated differently than traditional students. You want to:
Make or maintain social relationships
Meet external expectations, i.e. the boss says you have to upgrade your skills to keep your job
Learn to better serve others, i.e. managers often learn basic first aid to protect their employees
Advance professionally
Escape or be stimulated
Indulge your interests
Most online course providers shape their instructional materials with these goals in mind.
On the other hand, adult learners have different barriers than traditional students on their way to learning. Some of these may include:
Many other responsibilities (families, careers, social commitments)
Lack of time
Lack of money
Lack of child care
Scheduling problems
Transportation problems
Insufficient confidence
Having to learn, but not really interested or ready.
Taking courses online helps remove some of these barriers, but you should also be aware how you are impacted by these before committing to pursuing an online degree.