Distance Degree Programs and How They Work
A Look at How the Distance Degree Program Works for College
Jun 30, 2009
As technology has really taken a foothold in the world of education, so too have the opportunities to take advantage of Distance Degree Learning. Many Universities now offer programs where students don’t have to actually be on campus in order to earn a degree from the institution. Instead, a virtual world is created where students can learn through different means of communication, and may never set foot on a campus until they decide to walk at a graduation ceremony.
This is the new wave of education, and it helps that this is a society where many people just don’t have the time or resources to move into a college town and live within walking distance of the university. Many people live far from the college of their choice, and what Distance Degree Programs do is take the education to the homes of those most interested.
The Types of DDP
There are two types of programs that are offered on a university level that work with the DDP: those are the virtual classes where students only meet with an advisor/professor when necessary, and the online/televised classes where students either meet weekly or a couple times a week in a group-like session.
The first type of classes are more of a solo-learning atmosphere, where the parameters of the class are explained, and students are expected to do all of their research and reading on their own time. Usually assignments are given out, and specific due dates are outlined in a syllabus. The work is turned in through e-mail or on a specific message board environment, and then graded periodically by someone in charge of that class. This is a really hands-off approach to the whole learning process, and relies heavily on the student being able to motivate themselves. The class usually culminates with projects that are turned in for final grades.
The other type of class is much more involved, where students would spend time in one of several types of virtual classrooms to learn about the material.
DDP Classrooms
With the term virtual "classroom”, it really applies to any class where the students aren’t physically sitting in a room with many other students learning from the same instructor. Sometimes this can entail being part of a chat room online where everyone is there as the material is gone over, or a message board where items are posted and open discussion is expected. In other instances, students will have to go to a location near where they live and hook up to video feeds that are provided by the main institution.
In the state of Washington, many of the universities have distance degree programs that stretch across the state. One of the presentable options has been to have classrooms on either side of the state, where they receive video feeds of the instructor and where they can interact using microphones and telephones. It is really amazing how much technology has lent itself to helping out the whole education process, and this is just one example of bridging the gap.
DDP Grading
It is understandable that the grading for these types of classes is much different than a normal classroom setting. The expectation is that the student fill in the gaps of learning on their own a majority of the time, and if there are questions for the instructors, it is expected that they will be contacted through phone or e-mail. It is a lot less personal because there aren’t office hours to have something explained face-to-face, but it still provides the opportunity for assistance.
By being able to learn something on their own time, from home, and often times at a comfortable speed of choice, it gives many opportunities that can fit into any schedule. If a student can only study at night, or early in the mornings, so be it, because they are the one who schedules that study time. These freedoms have made college degrees much more accessible to a new generation of learners, and with so many options out there to choose from, the opportunities are just waiting to be undertaken.
If it does sound like an interesting option, be aware that it will involve a lot of computer time, and a lot of self-teaching. Students are going to have to be strong in reading comprehension, and not be shy about asking for help if there is something that doesn’t make sense. Success will lie in the ability to self-motivate, and with the will and the drive to do well in these courses, it is something that is highly recommend.
For those who have always wanted to take college courses but didn’t think they had the time, take a look at DDP courses being offered in a field of interest, and it could become the perfect fit.
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