Characteristics of Distance Learners

Distance learning is not for everyone, and the people that are successful at it show certain characteristics that help them thrive in that environment.  Otherwise you may want to consider an on-campus environment.

Recent studies have shown that distance learners do just as well as on campus students.  Distance learners are self motivated.  They are able to do their work without any supervision.  There's no one taking attendance, or seeing if you are late for class.  They just do their work without anyone telling them to do so.  They just know they need to do it.

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Distance learners pace themselves well.  Young students tend to procrastinate and cram at the last minute for exams.  Though distance learning allows students to work at their own pace, that doesn't mean do all the work the night before the deadline.  Since it takes years to earn a degree, distance learners are aware of how precious time is. They tend to pace themselves well throughout a course.  They keep their long term goals in mind.

Distance learners have the ability to learn mostly through reading.  Online schools primarily teach through written material, though video and audio is becoming more available. Teaching is still mostly done through reading.  If you need someone to lecture to you, or you find it difficult to learn just through reading, distance learning may not be appropriate for you.  You should have a high level of reading comprehension, since textbooks will be written on a college level. 

Distance learners prioritize well.  They place their education high on their to do list.  That means they may miss social events, and dinner with friends and family in order to study for their courses.  This isn't the easiest thing to do if you are very socially active.  Studying requires a lot of time and effort, and you will need to go home and study when all your friends are out on a Sunday afternoon.  They are good judgers of the amount of time they have on a weekly basis.