Added: 11/03/2005 |
College level distance learning online programsAdult students frequently cite the difficulty in scheduling and balancing family and work responsibilities as one of the biggest obstacles to continue their education. Distance learning online helps overcome these difficulties by bringing a classroom to wherever a student is, whenever a student needs to study. You can "attend class" in the comfort and convenience of your own home and office. All you have to do is log into your online classroom, when you are good and ready to read your lessons, complete your quizzes and assignments or communicate with your instructor and fellow students.
College level distance learning online programs deliver an equivalent high quality educational experience to what a student would receive if attending school on one of the college's main campuses. Another reason why the distance learning online courses are becoming more and more popular is that students are finding that these courses develop and enhance command of many 21st century communication skills, which are increasingly important for employers. Skills, such as an E-mail use, computer skills, electronic writing, file management activities, electronic collaboration techniques, media handling and other skill sets that are very helpful in the business world, are routinely learned and applied in the "virtual" classroom.
However, the students have to understand that the distance learning online courses are not for everybody. Although you will remain in a constant contact with your instructor and your classmates through the course discussion areas, learning over the Internet is essentially a solitary activity. If you prefer a face-to-face interaction or find it difficult to complete your lessons in a timely manner, you will probably fare better in a classroom environment.
With distance education, textbooks and study materials are mailed to the student's home. Clear, comprehensive instructions make it easy for each student to succeed as an independent learner. You study at your own comfortable pace: there are no commutes to class, no lectures, no pop quizzes and no other classmates to compete with. In a distance learning online course, academic expectations are similar to a classroom course: reading an assigned text, taking quizzes and exams, doing an extra credit if needed, participating in class discussions, watching videos, doing some outside research, writing papers and consulting your instructor if you need help. The difference is that many of these activities can be performed at a distance, in the comfort of your own home and on your own computer. For instance: You may participate in electronic discussion forums (like class discussions- but not in real time), do a research (on the Internet), talk to your instructor (e-mail or a phone), discuss topics with other students (electronic forums), take quizzes (on-line) and submit assignments (electronically).
Coastline Community College has almost a thirty years' experience in distance learning, Coastline offers a variety of college-credit course options to meet students' educational needs. CCC is unique and it serves many communities rather than being affiliated in only one. Founded in 1976, a fully accredited college offers classes at more than sixty sites, located in coastal Orange County. In addition to class sites located in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and Westminster, many students take classes in their homes through the telecourses. As a comprehensive college, Coastline grants a transfer and A.A. degree programs, occupational certificates, and also serves the needs of adults, needing English language skills and remedial education.
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