Think Discipline For Online Learning Success

I had to smile recently while researching a piece about distance learning. Like many people who write articles, I sometimes brainstorm ideas by skimming PLR (Private Label Rights) articles Ive either collected or purchased over the years. I chuckled audibly when one such article announced the impending demise of the "real" brick-and-mortar university in no uncertain, but nevertheless comical terms. In the digital age, surmised the incredulous author, brick-and-mortar learning is like playing solitaire with a real deck of cards!

While considerations like convenience and flexibility have contributed to the extraordinary popularity of online learning, the truth is that earning an online degree isnt necessarily easy. In order to succeed, distance learners need better than average understanding of basic computer skills. While copy-and-paste, familiarity with a word processor and knowing how to access the Internet are easily acquired abilities, other tools in the skill set arent so easy to acquire.

Here's a look at three important points to consider:

1. Topping the list is discipline. Given the fact that online learning is essentially an isolated activity, some students aren't able to focus on their work without the benefit of one-on-one interaction with professors and other students. Many distance learners let assignments slide because theres no real deadline or pressure from an instructor to finish a project on time. This is particularly applicable to working adults or learn-at-home moms who need to integrate online learning with job pressures or the needs of their children.

2. Discipline alone isnt enough. The ability to organize work and stick to a schedule is also important because online learners typically work part-time or care for a family at the same time theyre pursuing a degree. Theres not enough time for online learners to pull an all-nighter before a paper is due or before final exams. So, distance learners need the skills to organize their other activities in order to have enough time for assigments and class preparation.

3. Even distance learners who can rally the discipline and organizational talent to succeed may still fall short when it comes to the learning style that best fits the distance learning environment. Distance learning makes heavy use of visual and auditory materials, either in the form of printed material or audio and video-based instruction. If you need to learn by doing, that is, by examining or even building something, it's possible you may have problems with distance learning.

You can learn more about your online learning aptitude by taking one of several online tests that help pinpoint your particular learning style. Try searching Google, MSN or Yahoo for "learning styles" or "online learning styles" and you should find several different tests. Theyre all easy to complete and they'll give you a much better idea of how well suited you may be for distance learning. Accredited online universities also have counsellors and advisors who can help you assess your prospects of successfully earning an online degree.

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Matt Paolini works from home as a distance learner. Visit University of Phoneix online degrees or University of Pheonix online degrees for free distance learning info.