| Much has been written about the difference between | | | | much work and effort as your fellow student in the |
| earning a degree online and earning it at a traditional on | | | | dorm on campus. In fact, you might expect to work a |
| campus type of institution. The major advantages of | | | | bit harder. Degree programs online are still dealing with |
| the online method include a lower cost and the ability | | | | a bit of old fashioned and traditional attitudes from |
| to work around your own schedule at your own pace. | | | | educators and employers. The online degree colleges |
| The major advantages of the traditional method | | | | have responded to this by insuring their standards are |
| include the social environment of the campus and the | | | | higher than those of most on campus schools. |
| hands on help of qualified instructors. Cost is often an | | | | You are going to be able to work at your own pace |
| important consideration in the decision to pursue | | | | and at your own schedule, perhaps, but you are still |
| distance learning. There is another factor that should | | | | going to have to work. Even if your schedule is made |
| play an equally important role in the decision making | | | | by you, you still need to make one, and stick by it. |
| process. This is your own personal learning style. | | | | Allow the same proportion of time for reading and |
| Some people thrive with independent learning while | | | | study as you would be expected to do in a dorm |
| others need to personal help of an instructor to | | | | situation. It is also helpful to set aside a specific study |
| maximize their learning success. | | | | area where you are going to be free of distractions |
| Once you have made the decision in favor of online | | | | while working at your computer. Insure that you |
| learning, there are some practical tips that can help you | | | | understand exactly what is expected of you in each |
| along the way. The most important thing is to realize | | | | assignment, and utilize every resource and contact |
| that just because you have opted for distance learning | | | | you are given. Online programs still have instructors |
| does not mean that you have taken the easy way. A | | | | and they are there to help you. Do not hesitate to take |
| great deal of self discipline is going to be required, and | | | | advantage of them. |
| your course of study is going to take every bit as | | | | |