The decision to go back to school can seem a bit daunting, particularly if you belong to Generation X-Y or are a baby boomer. But many people choose to go back to school for a variety of reasons: they may seek a change of career, have experienced job loss, need to improve their current job skills, hope to qualify for a promotion, or even seek personal enrichment. Once you have made the decision to return to school and are certain which degree you would like to pursue, the question remains: do you register for on-campus or distance learning? The method by which you have your education delivered is a very personal choice.

While distance learning sounds very convenient, you may benefit from the experiences that campus life offers. Perhaps you are an introvert yearning to step out of your shell, or perhaps you hope to acquire new friendships with other likeminded people. If this is the case, attending classes on campus is probably the best option for you initially. Attending brick-and-mortar classes can seem a bit intimidating at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone to experience real-life situations can provide you with a wealth of knowledge. You may learn lessons that allow you to blossom to your fullest potential. Not all lessons come from a college textbook; the social environment that college life offers can provide you with an opportunity to interact with a variety of students and to understand how to build relationships. Also, you never know who you might meet. Staying within your comfort zone does not nurture your potential for growth; instead, it diminishes the likelihood of your becoming the best person you can be. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for distance learning as well.

After experiencing college campus for a while, you may decide you’re ready to divide your time between brick-and-mortar classes and distance learning classes. If you do not consider yourself to be a technologically savvy person, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with some tools that can assist you throughout your distance learning journey. Through the BellaOnline – Distance Learning Forum, we discuss topics such as types of distance learning delivery methods, financial aid, degree options available, necessary tools for distance learning, skills used and acquired in distance learning, the importance of health and education, just to name a few. Feel free to join in on the conversation.

Ultimately, your main goal is to learn. Whether you choose to study on campus or through distance learning, going back to school can be a life-changing experience that offers a wealth of knowledge, new skills, new friends, and a degree that can help you through your next chapter in life. The benefits are immeasurable. What are you waiting for?



Distance Learning - Is it Right for You? is available in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com, or pdf version on BellaOnline eBook Store.
Libraries and Academic Institutions please visit Distance Learning Books for discounts on bulk orders.

+Patricia Pedraza-Nafziger