Distance learning students have the same requirements for admissions as traditional on-campus students. Most colleges have an on-line application for distance learners, and students must fill out this application and submit it to the school. After applying, the student will hear from an admissions representative, after which he will need to send high school transcripts or GED scores to the school, as well as any official transcripts from other colleges attended. Students will then receive information about any required placement tests.
Distance learning classes are available on-line, by video telecourses, and through live interactive courses. On-line courses are available through the Internet, requiring students to have computers with Internet access and specific software. Video telecourses allow students to learn from videotaped programs and supplemental materials such as workbooks and textbooks. Live interactive courses allow students to participate in live classes via live video over the Internet or on cable television. Depending on the school, all three may be available, or one of the three. Specific schools may offer one or a variety of these program options to students. The student should contact her school of choice for options.
The advantages of taking correspondence classes include the ability to work on-line, from home or any other convenient location, and usually at a more flexible schedule than on-campus classes. Students can learn at their own pace. Since distance learning does not require commuting, these students save more money in gas than a commuting student would.
Along with the advantages to taking correspondence classes, there are also disadvantages. Students must purchase a reliable computer with access to the Internet, and often have to set up some form of live video communication for some classes, which can also cost, depending on the software program used. Correspondence courses do not offer the immediate feedback and support that attending classes on site would. Students cannot meet face-to-face with the teacher after class to discuss an assignment as they could on campus, usually having to rely on live chat, email or telephone to stay in touch with course instructors.