small business - D Small Business

Grant-Sources.com provides you with all the information you need in order to obtain Private Foundation Grants, Government Grants, Small Business Grants, Minority Grants, Education Grants, Housing Grants, etc...

Top 2 to 4 Small Business Picks for .

Mike Silver
Site Editor

... read the rest of the story here.

5 Steps To Successful Long Distance Learning
by Francis Y Ireton
http://www.fyilearning.com

If you've decided that getting your degree - or at least
taking a few classes - online is a good choice for you, you
may be concerned about your ability to keep up with the work
and do well.

Long distance learning has been around for some time - far
longer than most people realize. Back in 1979, a close
friend with cerebral palsy acquired her bachelor of arts and
two masters degrees in different subjects without ever
leaving her bedroom. Back then, her tools were a telephone,
a computer, closed circuit television and a 300 baud modem.

There are disadvantages to distance learning as well. If
your style of learning requires face to face teaching and
input from classmates, you may find it more difficult to
understand the material. In many cases, you'll be mostly on
your own with the material, and your determination and
motivation will be instrumental in getting your work done.
Your writing and reading skills play a large part in how
easily you're able to assimilate the information presented.
In other words, if you're not a motivated self-starter who
can work well on your own, distance learning may not be the
best method of learning for you.

1. Set yourself a schedule to work on classwork. Even if
you've chosen courses that never formally meet, you will
benefit from setting a schedule for yourself and sticking to
it as closely as possible. Structure is one of the most
positive things you can do to make sure that you complete
and hand in your work on time.

Do you have a stable internet connection? You'll need the
ability to access the internet for class meetings, email,
coursework instructions and communicating with your
instructor and other students. A stable internet connection
is a must. If you're relying on accessing the internet
through a library or other public network, chances are
you'll find it impossible to keep up with your learning.

3. Choose classes that fit your learning style. New
technology is constantly changing the way that online
classes are taught. With webcams and videoconferencing so
readily available, even those students who thrive on class
contact can do well with distance learning. Take a look
beyond subject matter when choosing your classes to the
methods of teaching, and choose a class that will give you
what you need to learn well.

Do you have an internet connection that you can rely on?
Again, since you'll be doing most of your work online, a
stable internet connection is an absolute must. If you need
to rely on public access through a library or community
access center, you'll find it difficult to keep up.

5. If class meetings are scheduled, make every effort to
attend. As silly as it seems to have to say that, it's
really easy to skip classes when you don't have to haul
yourself out of your way to get to them. Make a point of
being online and available during any class meetings that
are scheduled. You will also find it beneficial to make your
instant messenger id available to instructors and classmates
who can give you a nudge if you forget that a class is
scheduled.

How well can you communicate through writing and reading?
Good reading comprehension is vital to successful distance
learning. If you have trouble understanding instructions,
your instructor may not be easily available to clarify. The
same applies in reverse - you'll need to be able to clearly
explain your needs and put your knowledge into writing. If
you're not comfortable expressing yourself in writing, then
you'll be more comfortable in a traditional classroom.

The growing availability of long distance learning presents
a wonderful opportunity for those who can't, or prefer not
to attend on campus classes. As time goes on, changes in
technology will make a lot of the requirements above less
important - already, video conferencing software makes it
easier to meet with instructors 'face to face'. In the
meantime, the ability to communicate in writing, work on
your own and maintain your own schedule are the main factors
in determining if distance learning is a good choice for
you.

Submit An Article