AllHealthcare

How do you feel about distance learning? Have you or would do take classes online? If you have, was it easier? What did you find difficult?

Actually, I have found it to be considerably easier.  At the same time, let me say if you aren't extremely motivated this might not be for you.  Some folks really need the getting in the car and going to school.  I began a Medical Billing and Coding Program about a month ago and am almost finished with the first part.  I'm also unemployed so in addition to the rat race of trying to find a new job, I have a huge amount of free time on my hands.  I can spend upwards of 8 hours a day working on my studies.

I have been looking into taking either an Anatomy & Physiology or Embryology course online - can anyone recommend a particular school's course for one of these subjects (or both)?

I have looked inot online as well, but almost all of them are for RN's.  I am an LPN.  Indiana University does have a 4 year available, but you have to be able to do clinicals locally, and I think it was around 400 hours!  I am looking into Excellsior home study.  Has anyone been involved with them?

I did my MBA through distance learning and the experience was good. I couldn't attend any regular collge because of my job and other family responsibilities/activities. I always wanted to do MBA but couldn't pursue it because of my father. He wanted me to go for some degree in finance.

As far as my experience is with distance learning, I would say it is better to go for an online degree for higher studies when you can't go for any regular college or university. I don't recommend distance learning for studies at lower level because at most part you have to study on your own.

Some of the benefits of distance learnig according to me are;

- Students can "attend" a course at anytime, from anywhere.



- Because there are no geographic barriers to online learning, students can find a diversity of course material that may not be available to them where they live or work.



- There's no age limit. Everyone can participate in any program without any age restrictions.



- Online learning enables student-centered teaching approaches. Every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. Some learn visually others do better when they "learn by doing."



- Course material is accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students have the ability to read and re read lectures, discussions, explanations and comments.



- Online instructors come with practical knowledge and may be from any location across the globe.



- The online environment makes instructors more approachable. Students can talk openly with their teachers through online chats, email and in newsgroup discussions, without waiting for office hours that may not be convenient.



- Students can access the school's library from their PC's for research articles, ebook content and other material without worries.



- Everyone gets a chance to contribute and participate equally.

But at the same time, some critics believe that distance learning is not at par with the industry requirements.

- It hinders practical learning.

- It affects the quality of education.

- The student teacher interaction has been minimised.

- The group activities (which are a good source of confidence building) are minimised.

I am associated with an organisation which works in the field of distance learning. I believe that their are pros and cons of distance learning and it has to get mature enough. But, it is true that this mode of education is the future and one day it may outnumber the number of students going to regular educational institutions.

I unfortunately had to change to all online classes had trouble keeping my grades up at the on campus college I was attending, but I have found an all online course. It is intense but I find it easier? It is still in the medical field as an HCA, I can stay at the same school and go as far as a Master's. Although I do miss the one on one with the last College.