Distance Education Courses – Viable Option For Professionals

By Author: Samuel Barrett
Total Articles: 25
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Distance education can broadly be categorised in two types – synchronous and asynchronous. In synchronous learning, participants study to a set timetable together, just like a conventional classroom. Asynchronous learning allows students the flexibility of time. More often, the distinction between synchronous and asynchronous distance learning education is blurred.

The advent of distance degrees has been a huge boost for working professionals. There are distance courses that offer quality and flexibility. Getting enrolled in an accredited course is a viable option for professionals who lack the time to join a regular programme.

Distance education offers the students complete control over their academic schedule. Study material can be accessed online at any time. Moreover, they may join online study groups and converse with professors and peers for assistance.

Over the last few years, distance or virtual education has seen a fast and steady rise. Today, millions of students have enrolled for distance education programmes to gain new skill sets and move ahead in their careers. Courses ranging from the most ...
... basic instruction through to masters and doctoral programmes are available.

Anyone looking to join a distance education programme must take into account the levels of accreditation. There are some ‘institutions’ which offer qualifications which are not recognised professionally, so it is important to align your course with your career objectives.

Distance education can broadly be categorised into two groups – synchronous learning technologies and asynchronous learning technologies.

Synchronous Learning indicates conventional classroom teaching where all participants are present at the same time studying to a set timetable. Technologies used include VoIP, live streaming and videoconferencing.

Asynchronous learning allows students to access coursework in their own schedule via the Internet. This allows more flexibility, and as such many professionals prefer asynchronous learning as their work hours do not allow them to work to a rigid timetable.

There are institutions which have blurred the distinction between synchronous and asynchronous distance learning education. They offer programmes which can be accessed any time. However, they may also conduct weekend classes as well as bi-annual or annual face-to-face interactions.

Technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) immersive environments have contributed a lot to the success of distance education system. Students can study while logged in, or they may download information to their local hard disk which allows them to study even when the Internet is not available. Course content is accessible from any Internet enabled device, which makes things easier for the students. Professionals who spend most of their time travelling can still study on the move.

Distance education students are provided access to lectures within hours of these being performed on on-campus to students. They receive the same quality of education even when they are on the other side of the world. The digital libraries can be seen as an improvement on a conventional library, as students do not need to visit a library physically since the information is available online.

Students may receive bachelors, masters or doctoral degree via distance education. Even the diplomas and certificates are available online. You may find a programme which is in sync with your professional goals and get enrolled.

There are institutions which provide cutting edge curriculum designed by experts. Moreover, it allows students who can put in more time to complete the course faster than others, unlike a conventional degree which has a set time for all students.

Author of this article recommends Stafford, which is engaged in offering distance education undergraduate, graduate and doctoral courses. For more information, visit stafford.ae