Distance and correspondence learning offer educational options.
Correspondence and distance learning have both improved the lives of many individuals. These education-based programs allow students to actively learn new information and gain skills in fields of interest without spending time in the classroom or commuting back and forth to a school. Both education options are cost effective if the student is interested in getting a specific vocational education more quickly than with traditional two- and four-year programs.
Identification
Correspondence education offers certificate, diploma and degree programs for people who want to enhance their current career or change careers without spending years to do so and without going to a brick and mortar college. The school sends materials through the mail, and the student uses the information to learn at his own time and pace. There is no time limit for completion of classes or programs. Students access professors via telephone, email or online chat. Distance learning is a more advanced educational program typically conducted via the Internet using school-based programs. Students order materials such as books and use online classrooms and email for communication. Many -- but not all -- distance learning programs are affiliated with actual colleges or universities. It is common for these educational options to offer associate, bachelor's, master's and even Ph.D. programs depending on the school's accreditation.
Schools
A variety of schools offer both correspondence and distance learning programs. A common correspondence program frequently used is the U.S. Career Institute. The school offers certificate programs such as child day care specialist, medical coding, massage therapy, paralegal, home inspection or certified fitness trainer. Students can also choose an associate degree option in accounting, human resources or social work. The U.S. Career Institute has been in service since 1981. An example of a distance learning program is the one offered by the University of Iowa. The school offers both bachelor's and master's programs, including nursing, social work, business and education. The University of Iowa offers both on-campus and distance learning. A school that offers only distance learning options is Capella University. Capella is an accredited school that offers bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. programs in areas such as psychology, business, computers, education and public service.
Facts
Many correspondence schools do not offer government financial aid assistance but have in-house payment options for tuition. A large number of distance learning programs, including the University of Iowa and Capella University, accept federal financial aid. Because correspondence courses typically do not accept financial aid, cost per semester is significantly lower than distance learning or face-to-face coursework. Choose the program that works best for you; consider schools that offer the program you desire, and ask whether you can transfer credits to a different school. Distance learning often offers credit transfer programs and accepts credit transfers other schools.
Considerations
Correspondence and distance education limit face-to-face interaction and hands-on experience. If you are a student who needs motivation and specific time lines, you may have trouble with these types of instruction because many classes are set up to allow you to work at your own pace or attend classes online when you want to. Taking correspondence and distance courses requires self-discipline, motivation and time-management skills.
Tags: distance learning, bachelor master, distance learning programs, learning programs, University Iowa, bachelor master programs, Capella University
