Distance Education Strategies for Success

Distance education is defined as: Institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications system are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors. In Schlosser’s and Simonson’s article (as cited in Simonson, Albright, and Zvacek 2012, p. 7). Over 4.6 million students were registered for courses in the fall of 2008 and the field is growing faster than traditional education (Allen & Seaman, 2010). Distance Ed-Success

The following are strategies that help improve students’ chances for successful experiences in online learning. Distance Ed-Success

E-learning/Online Skill The student should learn how to use online tools. Some resources such as posting to discussion forums and bulletin boards may be tasks that are new to the online student. (Simonson, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Have a Workable Schedule Student should schedule time for learning synchronously or asynchronously. They should assume responsibility for their own learning. (Simonson, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Distance Ed-Success

Keep all Deadlines Students are to complete assignments timely. Course syllabus usually will contain due dates, rubrics and other pertinent information to assist correct completion and submitting of assignments. (Simonson, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Communicate The instructor is a valuable resource for guiding students through any difficulty they encounter while taking the course. She/he may be able to anticipate many of the issues students encounter. (Simonson, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Distance Ed-Success

To summarize, several key strategies are needed for students’ success in online distance education: (Think HECK!, I can do this). Have a workable schedule. E-learning: Develop all necessary skills. Communicate with your instructor ( and peers too). Keep all deadlines in mind. Distance Ed-Success

References Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2010). Learning on demand: online education in the United States, 2009. Wellesley, MA: Sloan Consortium. Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at t distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Distance Ed-Success