10 TIPS FOR DISTANCE LEARNERS
1. Read the course introduction materials thoroughly. Distant education courses are often unique in their delivery
formats. The introductory material will explain how the course operates and how to proceed through the course in
the most efficient manner. Do not skip this material. Understand the course requirements.
2. Read the learning objectives for each unit. These help outline the material that is presented in each unit and
presents the “roadmap” for your study.
3. Taking notes while you go through the course can help you retain important points and serve as a review for
courses that require a final exam. Summarize the main points you have learned and make notes on those items you
missed or had difficulty mastering. It is often helpful to go back over the unit and formulate questions based on items
you have identified as important.
4. Asking yourself questions during distance education studies helps you study by active learning. Turning the unit
objectives into questions before you start the unit often helps stimulate active learning.
5. Set time aside on a planned basis for our study. Distance education in many ways requires more personal discipline
than classroom study. Make sure you have certain “times for class” each week. Ensure that your study time is in a
quiet environment where you will not be disturbed. It is easy to procrastinate in distance education.
6. Reward yourself with short breaks. In general, after you have studied for an hour, it is wise to take a break.
Suggestions range from taking a coffee or tea break to some physical activity to keep you alert and stimulated.
7. When you encounter technical difficulties with course operation, make sure you use the specified telephone
number for technical assistance. Contacting your instructor will often result in delays in resolving technical problems.
Remember, in most distance education courses, there is a separate contact for technical support.
8. When you do not understand the material, contact the instructor. When the contact is made via email, you should
expect a reply within a reasonable time frame. In rare cases where an instructor does not reply, you should contact
the provider and explain that you have contacted your instructor and have not received a reply.
9. Know how long you have to complete the course. The time will be stated in the course introduction.
10. Do you own work.
PRINTABLE VERSION OF DISTANCE LEARNING TIPS
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