Temple College

Distance Education

Tips to be a Successful Distance Learner

Is the course a subject that you are strong in?

If the subject is one that you dislike or are not proficient in, you probably will want to take a traditional class.

Do you ask questions immediately if you don't understand something or do you get frustrated before asking for help?

In a distance education course you must take the initiative to contact your instructor to ask a question.

Will you miss the interaction with your teacher and peers?

Some students feel isolated in a distance education course. There is a need to have face-to-face interaction.

Do you have sufficient time to complete the course?

If you are trying to squeeze this course into an already hectic schedule, then you might have a tendency to give your distance education course last priority.

PLAN A SCHEDULE

Plan your schedule very carefully and try to stick to it. A campus course that meets three times a week will take an average of six hours of preparation per week. Since you are not meeting a traditional class, you can expect to spend an average of nine hours per week on your course work. Look carefully at your work schedule, school schedule, and family obligations and allow plenty of time for each.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR

When taking a distance education course you must take the initiative to ask your instructor questions if you do not understand the material. You may have to communicate with your instructor with an E-mail message or post a question on the class bulletin board, or you may have to call the instructor and leave a message on an answering machine. Either way, the response from the instructor might not be instantaneous. You must learn to move on to other material and wait for your instructor to respond.