Distance Learning University
A distance learning university will offer all coursework required for a bachelors, masters or doctorate away from campus. Most traditional state universities and community colleges offer distance learning courses but few have programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Because of this distinction, a distance learning university will typically be private, for-profit university and the tuition rates may be higher than a public university. A distance learning university will offer many methods of coursework delivery. Many distance learning universities use online technology and the internet to deliver the coursework. The internet provides students the ability to interact with the instructor and other students through message boards and email. A distance learning university may use other methods of instruction such as textbooks, videocassettes, and closed circuit television. Through these types of course delivery, the communication is one way and there is very little two-way communication.
A distance learning university may not be a good choice for every student. Because there is no classroom time, a learner who needs to hear information to retain it will have a hard time in a distance learning program. The coursework at a distance learning university is typically writing intensive so a potential student should enjoy writing and responding to emails and discussion boards. Exams at a distance learning university are typically administered online with a time limit attached. Even with a time limit, students have their textbooks to look up answers during the tests. Because of the problem that every test is open book and many students can collaborate with each other to take an online test, many professors at distance learning universities have made the courses even more writing intensive and based on fewer exams. A distance learning university is a non-traditional form of education so a person considering a distance program should make sure the degree will be accepted by whatever profession he or she desires.
