Are You Right For Distance Learning?

To learn more about how to be a successful distance learning student sign up for INSTDY 379.

Click here to take our Distance Learning Self-Assessment Quizzes

The online student should possess the following qualities:

1. Be a good reader and enjoy reading. Most lecture material in the online learning environment must be read. Students who are auditory learners (learn better by hearing) may want to consider taking face to face classes or downloading a free screen reader.

2 Be able to communicate clearly and concisely through writing. Since almost all communication is written, the ability to enter text in a reasonably speedy fashion is also of value.

2. Be an independent learner. Must be self-disciplined and self-motivated.

3. Be willing and able to commit 6 to 12 plus hours per week per course. Many successful students say online learning is more time consuming than traditional learning.

4. Have access to a computer and a modem with the following minimum recommended qualifications: A PC with 128megabytes of RAM, 500mhz processor, a 56K Modem, a sound card, Windows 98 or higher, Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape versions 4.0 and up or a Macintosh with 128mb of RAM, and a 400mhz processor. Click here for more technical info.

5. Computer skills including the ability to:
-Use word processing programs
-Cut and paste
-Log onto the Internet from a home, office or college computer
-Navigate the Internet using Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator
-Have an email account and be able to attach a file to an email message
-Download a program from the Internet and install it
-Do research on the web and be able to reference it

Note: Students who do not have these minimum computer skills should consider getting additional computer training and assistance. Talk to your counselor either in person or email your counselor online.

6. Be open to sharing life, work and educational experiences as part of the learning process but exercise caution. Allan Hancock College does not restrict enrollment in distance learning classes any more than it does in on-site classes. The law requires that we admit all qualified students. We encourage you to exercise the same kind of caution in a distance learning class as you would if you were taking an on-site class. Do not share personal information about yourself; do not give a relative stranger or new acquaintance your home phone number, address, etc.