Distance Learning (Online) - Also known as asynchronous learning, online learning, or distance education. Distance learning is an option for earning course credit off campus, usually via the Internet. Some schools offer entire degrees online while some only offer individual courses. Depending on the school you may be able to take courses with an affiliated school.
Distance learning can save money on room and board, the cost of commuting and potentially the cost of a meal plan but, you should also consider the cons.
Disadvantages to Distance Learning -
Peterson's Four Year Colleges (2017) suggests 'that perhaps you shouldn't start your bachelor's degree totally online because distance learning changes how you study, respond to your teachers, participate in class discussions, and take exams. If you're not prepared for the difference you could fall behind in your studies and fail. ...most students who choose distance learning have the self-discipline, maturity and self-motivation demanded for this type of education, are in their mid-30s, have had life experiences, and work full-time.'
Peterson's Four Year Colleges (2017) suggests that a benefit to living in a dormitory, especially during the first year of college, is that it can teach students life skills they may not learn from the classroom setting alone. The dormitory should be considered a supplement to class.
"Attending college isn't just about acquiring knowledge in a particular field in order to get a job. It's also about learning social skills and meeting people with different ideas from diverse backgrounds."
Best Tools for Virtual and Distance Learning [CommonSense.org]
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Blended Learning or Mixed-Mode Classes - Combining face-to-face and online instruction.
This method of teaching is becoming more and more common in college. Students might sit in a classroom on Monday but take the remaining two classes for that week online. Professors routinely post the syllabus, class calendar, or Power Point lectures and media (videos, audio files) online, also referred to as Web-based materials.
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