Many people are enrolling in distance education programs today for a multitude of reasons. The primary reasons are to increase earnings potential in a current career, change careers, or to increase one’s level of knowledge of interested topics. The convenience of online education using Internet technology brings many advantages to distance education learners, primarily the ability to fit any schedule.
However, finding a path through the distance education maze can be tricky at times. Unfortunately, not all online learners are successful because they fall into several of the well known pitfalls associated with distance education. Avoiding these sticky points makes online learning success possible and the whole online learning experience enjoyable.
Common Distance Learning Mistakes
The following are the 5 common mistakes made by many distance education students:
Choosing the Wrong Online School
Unfortunately not all online schools are legitimate; these illegitimate schools are called diploma mills. If you mistakenly enroll in a diploma mill, then the diploma or certificate received upon completion is worthless. Most employers keep track of diploma mills and will not accept education credits or diplomas from these dishonest institutions.
Avoiding diploma mills provides key indicators and warning signs to look for in online schools that are not appropriately accredited.
Lack of Inner Discipline and Motivation
Being self-motivated and self-disciplined is critical to success in completing a distance education program. Students who do not possess these two qualities tend to drop out of distance education programs early in their studies. Discipline and motivation are required to complete assignments and courses on time.
If self-motivation and discipline are a problem, the best approach is to set goals. For students that fall into this category – setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals is necessary for success in meeting course deadlines. Reading 8 steps to continuing education success will provide additional strategies for overcoming self-discipline and self-motivation problems.
Poor Communication
Failing to establish and maintain communication with professors and fellow classmates typically leads to failure. In online learning, establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with classmates facilitates the exchange of ideas and opinions. This communication also develops a better understanding of course and program materials. Keeping open communication with a course professor is critical for understanding requirements and clearing up any assignment confusions.
Failing to Transfer Credits
This common mistake causes students to retake the same or similar courses over at a new online school. Legitimately accredited online schools accept transfer of college credits completed at other institutions to fill program requirements. Transferring credits is one way to get similar program course requirements waived and completing an online education program quicker.
Not Taking Advantage of Online Resources
Students enrolled in distance education programs tend to limit themselves to only the resources provided by the online school or course. They do not take the time to use all the online resources available to them – such as virtual dictionaries, research resources, and online books that support their program. The effective use of search engines such as Google Scholar, Ask, Dogpile, Yahoo, MSN, and many others provide additional resources to develop an in-depth knowledge of course materials.
Making Connections
Choosing the right distance education school is critical to success, which means during homework in advance about any distance education school prior to enrollment is key to success. Choosing the right continuing education program requires that you need to conduct a self-reflection of education goals and interests. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses leads to the successful navigation of a chosen distance education program to achieve your educational goals and objectives.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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