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What is a distance learner? Could that person be you? Is distance
learning right for you? Look at the following statistics and decide
if you fit into the category. This is a typical profile of a distance
learner. Read along and see if you see characteristics of yourself.
- Majority have dependents
- Average age of 34
- Over 80% employed
- 75% also enrolled in on-campus courses
- Over 50% employed full-time
- 65% have some college experience
- 50% could not have taken course in traditional format
- 25% have difficulty enrolling in traditional in-class format
course
Why students enroll in distance learning
Many of the reasons why students enroll in distance learning courses fall into two categories:
Students are Time-Bound. Therefore, they can not get to the college at a scheduled time and day,
which is how most traditional classes are scheduled. These students usually are employed with shift work,
travel extensively with their job, or have heavy responsibilities at home or work that keep them from being
able to register for traditional classes.
Students are Place-Bound. Therefore, they can not physically get to the campus. For example, they may live
too far from the campus, have no transportation, have an illness or disability which keeps them from commuting,
or they are incarcerated.
Additional reasons cited by students who enroll in distance learning courses include:
Course not offered by institution
Course offered only once per year
Course often canceled due to low enrollment
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