The distance learning program has been a growing phenomenon in the present scenario. The growth in the area of Computers and the Internet has created new mode of study that is online courses. While earlier also, there existed the distance learning programs but only the medium of study has changed. Earlier it being restricted paper and pencil learning, but now being the online programs. Even though the medium of study has changed there is no decrease in the number of distance learning courses.

Distance learning has nowadays become a growing phenomenon. Presently a large number of colleges have come about with the distance learning courses not only in areas of graduation but also in case of post graduate courses. It’s a usual phenomenon that a college combines with certain universities for offering certain graduate or post graduate level programs in general. In spite of all the heavy claims, still such a mode of study is regarded as a correspondence course. Hence there is a need to check about the quality of the institute that offers such programs. This factor seems to be crucial which relates to the ultimate objective of the program that’s been studied. The candidates should carefully choose or take extra effort in choosing the type of program and the institute offering such programs also.

Quality check is important

One of the predominant requirements is that the candidates have to ensure that the institution that they have chosen is worth enough with regard to the quality of education. It must be ensured that the distanceeducation program one selects comes under the Distance Education Council of India (DEC). This is a factor which is crucial in terms of the higher studies as well as the employment opportunities also.

A clear cut comparison must be made between the several educational programs offered by the educational institution in general. It is always safe on the part of the candidates to analyze the course details regarding a particular program which he has chosen as correspondence degree. The same may be offered by the institute as a full time course. Hence the candidates should find in the major differences between these two. This factor should be analyzed from all ways and the decision to pursue the course should be taken accordingly.

Perception among the Employers!

Even though the trend of distance learning programs have been increasing day by day a prominent factor need to be determined. There is a growing perception among the employers of different organizations regarding the method in which the course is done by the candidates. There is a general perception among the employers that the candidates who have taken their degree through distance programs are those who are less efficient in the area of studies. Hence many of the institutes are reluctant to offer jobs for these graduates in their respective organizations. Often while a position is vacant in an organization regarding, it may be sometimes mentioned in the notification that the graduation or the post graduation should be done as a full time course and preference will be given to these programs.

The candidates should try to find out the relative perceptions about the employers regarding the distance learning courses. After all if the course is not respected by the employers there is no meaning in pursuing that course. The candidates should take time to enquire among the students who have undergone similar programs about the advantages regarding the distance programs. Their experiences while going for the different jobs should be clearly verified and decisions should be taken accordingly. Hence the relative benefits of the distance programs in specific situations should be reviewed.

Course Structure – Important!

Apart from the distance education programs, information regarding the structure and pattern of the program also seems to be important. The course structure should typically involve all the important contents which will be delivered relative to a full time education program. The knowledge one may receive during the course time will only build a foundation regarding the concepts studied. This is an important factor because the knowledge that the candidates receives will be based on this. This will in turn be applied practically by the candidates while entering in to a particular job in a company.

The common area where the students commit mistakes is regarding the expectations from a particular course at the time of joining. The candidates need to check whether the time schedule in case of distance programs will be in accordance with his/her convenience. If not so, the candidates will generally lose interest in pursuing such a course. The idea that tougher the course better will be the value is totally a misconception. A course should be selected based on the interests of the candidates and capacity to study that and not on any other factors.

Generally the distance programs should be undertaken only after careful analysis otherwise it will not be easy to go further. The course should be supported by the university or college which provides them in terms of the study material, classes, online learning or classes etc. In case of courses which involve the instructions and assistance should be provided by the institutions with regard to the project completion. In most cases of distance programs at least one or two compulsory classes will be available in a month or so in certain study centers where in the attendance to these classes will be mandatory for the fulfillment of the courses.

Hence all these important information’s should be collected before joining the classes. Otherwise there is no pint in attending such programs. Generally the exam date will be directly communicated to the students. The course will be valued only if it is conducted by the University rather than the coaching institute or college. Hence only those types of degrees should only be obtained by the students which are accredited to certain universities. Fee structure is also important in any courses. Candidates should ensure whether the fee structure will be according to his/her budget and also according to the value of the course that is offered. Thus, distance learning programs are simple and convenient methods of acquiring the academic qualifications from institutes which are recognized. This is a program which ensures flexibility both in areas of time and level of studies.