Distance
Learning Degree
Many people dream of continuing their education but many do not have
the time or the money to invest in an advanced degree program. The
demands of work and family take a heavy toll and many people lose sight
of their dream to earn a Master’s Degree. A
Master’s Degree can benefit many of us, but it seems nearly
impossible, especially those of us who rely on our paychecks to get by.
Distance learning programs may be the answer we are looking for when it
comes to advancing to a Master’s level education. A distance
learning degree from a reputable school carries as much weight as a
traditional degree.
Advanced degrees often mean advancement in the workplace. Many of us
find ourselves in dead-end jobs and the only hope to move up in our
companies is to obtain a Master’s Degree in our field.
However, a Master’s program is grueling. Many of us would
have to travel to get to class and this commute in addition to the
daily commute to work would really dig into our time schedule. A
distance learning degree is earned at home. Students do not have to
commute to get to class and they can attend class at any time of the
day.
The ability to create your own class schedule is one of the most
appealing features of earning a distance learning degree. Classes are
formed online and each student gains access to the classes he is
required to take. These programs are designed for adults who are
working at least part time in their field. What is really beneficial
about distance education programs is that all of the lectures are in
text. The students do not have to take notes and they never have to
worry about missing essential information.
You do not have to be a computer wizard to take online courses.
Technical support is usually available twenty-four hours a day. The
educational institution’s technical support staff is usually
professional and efficient. You may learn a few things about computers
in general as you take your online education journey.
My experience with Master’s level distance education courses
began in 2002. I entered a Master’s Degree program that was
to be completed in eighteen months. I loved the classes and the
professors were extremely knowledgeable. My classmates were intelligent
professionals and I am very glad that the program I entered offered
team projects, so I had an opportunity to collaborate on assignments
with my peers. With all of the benefits, I did come across a
few stumbling blocks.
There are some things to consider when applying for a distance learning
degree program. You have to have a reliable computer and a flawless
Internet provider. Losing a connection can be detrimental and if your
computer crashes, you can lose all of your work in one fell swoop. Make
sure to save your class work on discs each time you contribute to your
assignments. And be sure to have a back-up Internet provider in case
your server fails.
A major obstacle I face in earning my Master’s in Education
online is finding placement for my internship. Make sure that you have
spoken to someone about placement. You are responsible for finding your
own placement for your internship. I should be completing my distance
education degree in 2006, but I can not find placement for student
teaching. This obstacle is vexing, but my academic advisor is stepping
in to help assure that I complete the program.
Two last things to consider: if you don’t like to write and
you are not self-motivated, do not pursue a degree online. The programs
require a tremendous amount of writing because all class interaction is
in text. The programs are also very demanding. You have to motivate
yourself to complete assignments promptly. Distance education is not
for procrastinators. However, if your are a self-motivated person who
likes to read and write and you want to continue your education while
you work, a distance learning degree may be ideal for you.
|
|
