Earning a Degree by Distance Learning
When someone is ready to attend college but they are not able to attend regular classes, there is another option. Distance learning is one of the most convenient ways to finish high school or attend college. It is for everyone: people with jobs, people with children to raise, those who don’t like to sit in class, those who need flexible schedules, or those who don’t live near a college. Distance learning has given opportunities for further education to persons with disabilities or illnesses which prevent them from attending regular classes. It is a cost-effective way of increasing one’s education. There are many “self-paced” programs which run all year and allow the learner to set his/her own schedule and decide on the length of time to complete the course. The time to complete depends on his/her skills and commitment.
Distance learning goes back to 1728, well before the internet. One of the first distance courses to be offered by mail was Pitman Shorthand. Other courses became popular during the 1930’s. At that time, a certificate or degree could be earned through distance learning via public radio and students mailed their units in to be graded. However, once the internet hit during the early 2000’s, earning an education by distance learning really took off. Now people can sign up for countless programs through many different schools. There are basic, certificate, degree, and doctoral programs, as well as vocational courses available.