The article ‘Distance Learning – How Can You Benefit?’ highlights the advantages of distance learning education and how one can benefit from it. It also discusses how distance education proves to be a convenient and cost effective option to educate ourselves.

1. Distance Learning – How Can You Benefit?
Different forms of distance learning have been in existence for ages now. Course material was
once delivered by mail and an education away from school was always an alternative, albeit not
entirely a popular one at the time. But all this changed with the advent of computers and the
Internet. Thanks to e-mail, multi-media learning tools, video-conferencing and interactive
communication, distance learning has reached an entirely new level of acceptance. Statistics
show that there are nearly 1.6 million students in the U.S. today taking advantage of online
education.
So, what does distance learning imply nowadays? To put it simply, distance learning is a means
of education, which has done away with the traditional format of an educational premise or
establishment. Brick and mortar institutions have given way to degree programs and courses
available round the clock on the Internet and accessible from anywhere in the world. As more and
more schools and colleges include virtual education into their curriculum, the quality of distance
learning also improves. It is however, still imperative to verify that the institution offering the online
degree is fully accredited by the necessary agencies – governmental or non-governmental – so
as to ensure that the quality of training and education meets all the levels required.
There are several advantages to distance learning. Some of them are:
• Distance learning offers flexibility. As long as you have an Internet connection and a
computer, you can study when you want and where you want. It also offers flexibility for
those juggling other commitments such as a job or family responsibilities.
• Online degree programs are a boon for those who have accessibility issues regarding the
school or college of their choice. This could mean that they live too far away to commute
(or even in a different state or country) or are restricted in terms of mobility – they might
be injured, handicapped or elderly.
• There is no waste of resources or time involved through commuting to class, transport
costs and even parking fees.
• As an online student, you will have access to the most current material available as well
as have the opportunity to be taught by faculty from around the world. The Internet has
removed all geographical boundaries and distance learning can help foster a larger
worldview through interaction with students and perspectives from all corners of the
world.
• Distance learning propagates self-paced learning. Students need to learn how to pace
themselves and concentrate on areas that require more attention. The advantage is that
there is no need to wait for slower students in a class to catch up or lag behind the
quicker students as seen in a traditional classroom setting. Students also have the
opportunity to join chat rooms and forums at any point of time to hash out solutions and
discuss problems with the course with other students and faculty online.
Distance education programs can be less expensive than a traditional degree program with lower
tuition fees and costs saved on accommodation, travel, parking, babysitting and the like as
students will be studying from home. Scholarships and financial aid is also available for online
students as they are for on-campus ones.

2. There is no doubt that an online distance learning course can benefit many but before enrolling
for any course, do all your homework about the college or institution. There are a profusion of
‘diploma mills’ out there that offer degrees at ridiculously cheap rates. This is mainly possible as
there is hardly any education involved in such scenarios. Avoid the temptation to cut costs and
choose a college that is recognized as a valid establishment by potential employers and save
time and money in the long run. There are a number of excellent accredited online institutions in
the country today, so go ahead and make full use of the tremendous opportunities available at
your disposal and take that leap into a more successful future.