Getting NetSmart - Distance learning not all about distance

Distance learning not all about distance
Take advantage of what the Internet can offer students

Network World, 09/011/02

Almost 10 years ago - it's hard to believe it has been that long - I began to pursue a graduate degree. I was working full time, but really wanted a master's to add to my portfolio.

I enrolled in a program that claimed it was geared toward working women. I soon found out that that claim was not really accurate.

My course load for the class was intense. I took classes three days a week and then on the other two days, I was expected to do an internship. Luckily, my real job, the one that was paying for all of this, was from 4 p.m. to midnight. As it was, I would get up early, head to class, finish at around 3:30 p.m. and then fight traffic to get to work on time. My supervisor was supportive, but after a few traffic jams became impatient. I didn't blame her and couldn't afford to lose my job so I began cutting out of class a half-hour early.

Needless to say, I began to miss out on a lot regarding my degree. I ended up leaving before critical discussions ended. If work was particularly busy, I would have to miss whole lectures. And sometimes, I just couldn't focus because I was so exhausted.

I eventually got a graduate certificate, but decided to quit before finishing off my master's work. I couldn't see spending another year trying to balance so much and failing so miserably. I imagined my peers who were struggling even more than I as they had children and marriages in the mix.

At that time, distance learning was a term used mostly for programs that catered to overseas students who couldn't get over here to study, but wanted access to the education we offer. Rarely, did you see local students signing up for these courses. For one thing, the Internet, while prevalent was not as ubiquitous as it is today. Not everyone had a computer with a high-speed connection. In fact, I think at that time, I was plugging along on a 14.4K bit/sec modem - not the best situation for large files and unruly video.

Today, distance learning has a different meaning. It still is a great tool for foreign students to pursue an education in the U.S. without incurring all the travel and living expenses. But innovators are using distance learning to help students in their own backyard.

For instance, some Harvard IT students use the technology behind distance learning to reinforce their classwork. If a subject was particularly difficult to grasp, they are able to go online and revisit the subject via video links. They can also access their syllabus, the presentation for the day and homework assignments. It's a great service for students who are committed to their education, but who realistically have other commitments.

Had such a program been around when I was pursuing my degree, I believe I would have a graduate degree on my wall right now. I'm not demeaning the in-class experience in any way. I do believe that you need one-on-one time with teachers, which, by the way, distance learning offers through e-mail, videoconferencing and phone conferences. And you need access to your fellow students, which now can be achieved through online discussion groups, mailing lists and instant messaging. But being able to go back and relearn what you might have missed for reasons out of your control is a very rewarding experience. It takes the frustration and possible failure out of the picture and gives you a chance to learn in a way that is more about the knowledge than the timing.

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