How to initiate a distance education course: a 9 point
mini-guide.
How to initiate a distance education course? Once you've
decided it would be a good idea to improve your knowledge
or qualifications in a particular area, that's the
question that's facing you if you've never done one
before. Here are nine general points to cover:
1. Have a really good think about what it is you want to
achieve. It may sound obvious, but there might be a
temptation to pick a course you don't really need. If,
for example, you just want to visit Shanghai because
you saw the skyline in Mission Impossible 3, you might
decide you need lessons in Chinese. But do you need
Mandarin or Cantonese? Do you want to know a set of
traveler's phrases (enough to ask directions, order
meals and go shopping) or do you want something a
little more involved? The answer to that will determine
the course you need to look for.
2. Search out the program you need to follow. Where to
look for your distance education course? Online is an
obvious contender. Magazines devoted to the subject
you're interested in are another. Such courses will
appear in the classified advertisement section, or, if
they're really popular, somewhere among the editorial.
They'll usually be smallish box ads (though not
necessarily: Linguaphone have been known to take out
much larger display adverts)
3. Ask yourself if accredited distance learning programs
are what you should be considering. Accreditation may
be important, depending on what you're setting out to
achieve.
4. Consider how you'll plan and manage an e-learning
program or correspondence course. You will be making a
commitment of time and money, and on top of that,
you'll be putting in some work. If you're following an
e-learning program, will you have access to a computer
when you need it? These things will need some thought
on your part.
5. Arrange the money. You may have to arrange a loan via
your bank, or, if the course is a long and expensive
one (and depending on your status), a student loan.
6. Arrange the time. This isn't just about deciding you'll
lock yourself in a cupboard for two hours a week to
study: other people are likely to be affected, and want
to impinge on your time. Family members in your
immediate household will need warning.
7. Approach your boss if the course is work-related. If
you're studying to improve your work prospects, let
your boss know and ask if there's any chance of help
with the costs, some free time at work to study (a
couple of hours a week, say), or perhaps a little
leeway in your attendance if you need to be elsewhere
for exams and the like (you'll make the time up later,
obviously)
8. Take the plunge! Sign up for that course!
9. Have some counter measure in place for dips in
enthusiasm. No article on how to initiate a distance
learning course would be complete without mentioning
the fact that after about four weeks of hard work,
you'll hit the occasional dip in enthusiasm. It's
important to have some trick to keep you going. A good
one is to write out your goals (see point 1 above) and
next to each, why it is important to achieve them.
Then, when you feel enthusiasm flagging, get out your
list and remind yourself.
And there you have it: nine tips to get you off to a
flying start in your distance-learning program. Good
luck, and enjoy the journey!
How to initiate a distance education course: a 9 point
mini-guide.
How to initiate a distance education course? Once you've
decided it would be a good idea to improve your knowledge
or qualifications in a particular area, that's the
question that's facing you if you've never done one
before. Here are nine general points to cover:
1. Have a really good think about what it is you want to
achieve. It may sound obvious, but there might be a
temptation to pick a course you don't really need. If,
for example, you just want to visit Shanghai because
you saw the skyline in Mission Impossible 3, you might
decide you need lessons in Chinese. But do you need
Mandarin or Cantonese? Do you want to know a set of
traveler's phrases (enough to ask directions, order
meals and go shopping) or do you want something a
little more involved? The answer to that will determine
the course you need to look for.
2. Search out the program you need to follow. Where to
look for your distance education course? Online is an
obvious contender. Magazines devoted to the subject
you're interested in are another. Such courses will
appear in the classified advertisement section, or, if
they're really popular, somewhere among the editorial.
They'll usually be smallish box ads (though not
necessarily: Linguaphone have been known to take out
much larger display adverts)
3. Ask yourself if accredited distance learning programs
are what you should be considering. Accreditation may
be important, depending on what you're setting out to
achieve.
4. Consider how you'll plan and manage an e-learning
program or correspondence course. You will be making a
commitment of time and money, and on top of that,
you'll be putting in some work. If you're following an
e-learning program, will you have access to a computer
when you need it? These things will need some thought
on your part.
5. Arrange the money. You may have to arrange a loan via
your bank, or, if the course is a long and expensive
one (and depending on your status), a student loan.
6. Arrange the time. This isn't just about deciding you'll
lock yourself in a cupboard for two hours a week to
study: other people are likely to be affected, and want
to impinge on your time. Family members in your
immediate household will need warning.
7. Approach your boss if the course is work-related. If
you're studying to improve your work prospects, let
your boss know and ask if there's any chance of help
with the costs, some free time at work to study (a
couple of hours a week, say), or perhaps a little
leeway in your attendance if you need to be elsewhere
for exams and the like (you'll make the time up later,
obviously)
8. Take the plunge! Sign up for that course!
9. Have some counter measure in place for dips in
enthusiasm. No article on how to initiate a distance
learning course would be complete without mentioning
the fact that after about four weeks of hard work,
you'll hit the occasional dip in enthusiasm. It's
important to have some trick to keep you going. A good
one is to write out your goals (see point 1 above) and
next to each, why it is important to achieve them.
Then, when you feel enthusiasm flagging, get out your
list and remind yourself.
And there you have it: nine tips to get you off to a
flying start in your distance-learning program. Good
luck, and enjoy the journey!
About The Author:
Roger White helps you get clear about the hows, wheres, and whys of learning. For more details about distance learning programs and how to initiate a distance learning course, go to http://www.DistanceLearning4All.com now!
