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How Does Distance Education Work?

Author: Shouldice

Distance education is different from conventional classroom-based education in that it allows you as a student to complete courses and programs without attending scheduled group classes in a central location, such as a university campus. As an AU distance education student, you can

work from anywhere, such as your home or workplace
work at your own pace, on a schedule that suits your individual needs
register for a single course or enrol in an undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma or certificate program

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6 Comments

Niagara said – Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:03:17 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

Hi Shoudice,

Enjoyed your comments regarding Distance Education. After teaching educational leadership courses for over 20 years, I have concluded that some form of Distance Learning is the only way to go. Gradually, I am moving in that direction where 40% of my classes are now offered on-line. I have compared the results of 100% face to face to some form of on-line and have found that the combination approach is superior in regards to candidate learning.

Niagara
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1. Shouldice said – Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:53:33 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
  
  Hi Niagara, It’s taken me a bit to get back online, I agree that a blended approach works very well for a majority of people. Learning styles are difficult things to address as they are as individual as finger prints.
  
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dstirton said – Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:06:00 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

This is the first year that I have completed a University course on line. I must say I have really enjoyed this type of learning. My previous thoughts on distanced education were that the courses would be more difficult than face-to-face, simply because you need to do the bulk of the work yourself …. You do not have a live instructor giving lectures, passing out handouts, etc. However, I have enjoyed the freedom of the flexibility to balance work, family and a social life. I’m a night owl by nature, so having the freedom to work late into the morning hours really worked for me. Also having all the assignments laid out ahead was also very helpful for time management. Lastly, I found that this time of learning required me to be more disciplined because I was responsible for more of the learning that took place.
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1. Shouldice said – Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:56:03 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
  
  Hi dstirton. I am completing a distance course right now and agree completly with the increased discipline required. I think that balances with my ability to get more out of the course though as I am working at it during my peek performance times and not those dictated by someone elses peek performance schedule.
  
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hfisher said – Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:32:46 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

Personally, I am a fan of distance learning as it allows the flexibility that I need to balance my personal and professional life. Though, as distance learning becomes more common at all levels of learning, I fear the breakdown of social skills. I worry about many courses being offered online as it takes away human contact. So much of today’s world revolves around technology (emails, PDAs, Blackberries). Are we forgetting how to interact with each other? When Goleman analyzed data on emotional intelligence, social skills was one of the components of an emotionally intelligent person. He goes on to state that one can learn to be emotionally intelligent. Though one can learn how to be emotionally intelligent with coaching in their own schools. I believe that taking leadership courses in person allows one to interact with many different types of leaders and learn from them. Also, it allows one to practise their own leadership skills when in discussions with others. If we take away the valuable collaboration and discussion that occurs during these classes, do we isolate ourselves more and become less emotionally intelligent?
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1. Shouldice said – Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:58:36 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
  
  hfisher you raise a great point. Can there be a replacement for actual human contact in the develoment of emotional intelligence? I think interactions are key to the development of some skills sets and less important in others. That is where the fine balance between mediums comes into play. I like your thought on taking leadership courses in person, gather a foundation online and then find a way to apply it.
  
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roys said – Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:49:28 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

Distance education and learning is the way of the future. In many American states and Canadian povinces, distance education is becoming a mandatory component of education. The new generation of learners are very comfortable on posting on web chats, dicussion blogs etc. Face book, email, MSN and now twittering have become popular modes of communication. Personally, I enjoy the face to face interaction with my peers and colleagues. However, having said this, in my most recent adobe connect the web cam synchronistic conversations provided the face to face conversations. The experience reminded me of the Jetson’s cartoons. I think like any new innovation, my generation is slow to adapt to this change. However, it will be imperative that we begn to move forward with this mode of communication. So…... the big question is how are we thinking about embracing this format of learning to enhance and engage the next generation of learners? Even our at risk student is proficient on e-mail and MSN chat!
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Sureshbala said – Sun, 17 May 2009 23:22:19 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

Well said roys,

The present generation is more tech-centric and they will definitely like to have this type of education…
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margaret01 said – Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:12:53 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Margaret

http://businesseshome.net
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1. Shouldice said – Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:54:06 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
  
  Thanks Margaret, I appreciate it.
  
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