| Distance learning and elearning are usually linked | | | | That's probably the reason that some very basic |
| withfurthering an education. The technology of | | | | skills,trades and lessons can be learned online - |
| distancelearning, along with the opportunities provided | | | | "elearned." |
| byelearning and online courses, are making it easier | | | | The idea of lifelong learning is not new, though some |
| forthousands of people to learn something new. | | | | ofthe terms generally associated with lifelong learning |
| Busy adults can advance their careers by finishing a | | | | areconstantly being updated. Distance learning, |
| degreeor gaining some special skills, and young | | | | elearning andother such words signify the ability for a |
| students can earncollege credit well before they | | | | person to gainknowledge without sitting in a classroom. |
| graduate high school, oftenthrough distance learning or | | | | Most adults continue to long for knowledge long after |
| elearning opportunities. | | | | theirdays in a classroom are over. Different people set |
| But do you realize that distance learning and elearning | | | | aboutgaining that knowledge in different ways. Some |
| canbe just for fun? Maybe it's always been a dream - | | | | choosetopics and just start reading, gathering |
| to learnto paint with watercolors. But there's no class | | | | whatever books andmaterials they can find. |
| offerednearby. Or maybe you've had a desire to learn | | | | Others seek out the professionals and sign up for |
| to master aforeign language, not because of any | | | | lessonsor classes. Many people are putting technology |
| requirements to do so,but simply because you want to | | | | to work forthem, seeking out online courses for |
| know how. | | | | elearning about amyriad of topics. |
| Perhaps it's even more basic than that - your | | | | It's easy to find colleges, universities and |
| lawnmowercontinually breaks down and you just want | | | | businessesthat offer degrees or specific classes as |
| to be able toimpress your friends by fixing it yourself. | | | | either distancelearning or online courses. Finding those |
| Technology often advances in response to specific | | | | "fun" thingsmight be a little more difficult, but you can |
| needs. | | | | start bytalking to family and friends. |
| People needed a way to finish a degree online | | | | You might find that some of them have even taken |
| sobusinesses, universities and colleges stepped in to | | | | someonline courses. Check with local schools, |
| createthat opportunity. | | | | colleges,universities, community centers and libraries. |
| But as is often the case, the technology exists in a | | | | While thesearen't clearing houses of information about |
| basicformat and users have some control over what | | | | online classes,there may be listings of specific classes |
| happens next. | | | | available. |