Distance Learning Degree

Many people dream of continuing their education but many do not have the time or the money to invest in an advanced degree program. The demands of work and family take a heavy toll and many people lose sight of their dream to earn a Master’s Degree. A Master’s Degree can benefit many of us, but it seems nearly impossible, especially those of us who rely on our paychecks to get by. Distance learning programs may be the answer we are looking for when it comes to advancing to a Master’s level education. A distance learning degree from a reputable school carries as much weight as a traditional degree.

Advanced degrees often mean advancement in the workplace. Many of us find ourselves in dead-end jobs and the only hope to move up in our companies is to obtain a Master’s Degree in our field. However, a Master’s program is grueling. Many of us would have to travel to get to class and this commute in addition to the daily commute to work would really dig into our time schedule. A distance learning degree is earned at home. Students do not have to commute to get to class and they can attend class at any time of the day.

The ability to create your own class schedule is one of the most appealing features of earning a distance learning degree. Classes are formed online and each student gains access to the classes he is required to take. These programs are designed for adults who are working at least part time in their field. What is really beneficial about distance education programs is that all of the lectures are in text. The students do not have to take notes and they never have to worry about missing essential information.

You do not have to be a computer wizard to take online courses. Technical support is usually available twenty-four hours a day. The educational institution’s technical support staff is usually professional and efficient. You may learn a few things about computers in general as you take your online education journey.

My experience with Master’s level distance education courses began in 2002. I entered a Master’s Degree program that was to be completed in eighteen months. I loved the classes and the professors were extremely knowledgeable. My classmates were intelligent professionals and I am very glad that the program I entered offered team projects, so I had an opportunity to collaborate on assignments with my peers. With all of the benefits, I did come across a few stumbling blocks.

There are some things to consider when applying for a distance learning degree program. You have to have a reliable computer and a flawless Internet provider. Losing a connection can be detrimental and if your computer crashes, you can lose all of your work in one fell swoop. Make sure to save your class work on discs each time you contribute to your assignments. And be sure to have a back-up Internet provider in case your server fails.

A major obstacle I face in earning my Master’s in Education online is finding placement for my internship. Make sure that you have spoken to someone about placement. You are responsible for finding your own placement for your internship. I should be completing my distance education degree in 2006, but I can not find placement for student teaching. This obstacle is vexing, but my academic advisor is stepping in to help assure that I complete the program.

Two last things to consider: if you don’t like to write and you are not self-motivated, do not pursue a degree online. The programs require a tremendous amount of writing because all class interaction is in text. The programs are also very demanding. You have to motivate yourself to complete assignments promptly. Distance education is not for procrastinators. However, if your are a self-motivated person who likes to read and write and you want to continue your education while you work, a distance learning degree may be ideal for you.