Why Is Distance Learning Better?

interview By Linnea Caswell

More and more students are opting for distance learning over traditional college paths. Why should you consider this alternative? Find out why one CollegePlus! student from Ohio chose distance learning and never looked back!

What Really Matters

There are a number of universal reasons why students are trying out distance learning today. Factors like cost, flexibility, speed, and convenience all rank highly in people’s minds. These factors are important, and may play a vital role in making college decisions, but there are deeper issues to consider when making educational choices.

Walk with the Wise

Kristen Thomsen, a 19-year-old CollegePlus! student, feels that while lower costs and less time involved are definite bonuses, that was not the main reason she chose distance learning. “I wanted to avoid peer influence…I didn’t feel I was ready to face that yet.” Most college students today have a peer dependent lifestyle that is highly influenced by popular culture and media – not exactly the place to find wisdom or truth. By taking advantage of distance learning options, students like Kristen can bypass harmful influences and purpose to spend time walking with those who are truly wise.

Seek First God’s Kingdom

Distance learning’s flexible structure can make ministry and service opportunities readily available for those who want to reach out and seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness while in school. Kristen finds that since her parents are very focused on discipleship, she has been challenged to actively participate in multiple outreaches during her CollegePlus! experience. Along with her sisters, she has led a Bright Lights discipleship group for girls over the past year, helping with music, administrative tasks, and more. Kristen and her family have served many families through ministry out of their home including Bible studies, serving as a nanny for kids in the neighborhood, and showing hospitality.

Stay Connected

Another very positive difference between distance learning and traditional college is the increased opportunity to grow close family relationships. During a time when Kristen’s family had less contact with other people, she says they really “forged strong relationships within the family” and became a powerful unit for God to use. These relationships didn’t become strained or separated when Kristen began her college studies – they actually became stronger as Kristen enjoyed the benefits of distance learning.

Take Responsibility

Finally, distance learning, more than any kind of “normal” college route, enables students to take initiative and be responsible for their own education. As Kirsten put it, “Distance learning teaches me to teach myself.” If you don’t have a teacher right beside you, spoon-feeding you information, you must find ways to explore ideas and seek answers. This can lead to a much greater understanding of a subject as well as increase retention. Kristen often talked to her dad about business related questions as she completed her degree in General Business Management.

How to Make the Decision

Distance learning, community colleges, CollegePlus!, brick-and-mortar schools, online courses, credit-by-exam…What to choose? There are so many options it can be bewildering to ponder them all. While the benefits of distance learning include avoiding negative influences, giving freedom for ministry and service, maintaining family relationships, and taking responsibility for your own education, distance learning is not for everyone. Kristen’s advice for any student considering college work consists of one word – PRAY. It is imperative for each of us to seek the Lord directly for His will to be revealed. Focus on your relationship with God and let Him direct your steps. Wisely consider the experiences of students who have used distance learning successfully, and ask whether God could use this educational method in your life.

Linnea Caswell is a CollegePlus! graduate and lives in Illinois with her family. She earned a BA degree from Thomas Edison State College, is a certified paralegal, and teaches piano.

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