What's Better About Distance Education?
For those who choose to attend college, the next question is whether distance education is better than tried-and-true alternatives. After all, why should students forfeit the chance to get "the college experience"? Why should parents shelter their children and prevent them from wetting their feet in the real-world atmosphere of the college campus? Why should families forfeit the opportunity to be salt and light on a secular campus?

There are a number of reasons, but we will touch on three main areas of benefit: vocational, financial, and spiritual.

Vocational
Homeschoolers recognize the importance of self-motivation. While teachers in a classroom setting often baby-step students through the learning process, homeschool students, especially those in high school, must cultivate discipline and perseverance in order to learn. That's one of the many benefits home education offers.

Distance education fosters this same attitude of self-motivation in learning. Instructors are typically hundreds of miles away. Students are responsible for effectively managing their study schedules without the structure of a classroom. This system more accurately reflects a real job. Employees are responsible for time management and must take initiative to avoid a pink slip.

Another vocational benefit of distance education is more free time that can be used to pursue an apprenticeship or internship. Online study provides the flexibility to arrange your schedule around other activities that will further your career and life goals. A traditional college setting, with its inconvenient class schedules, shuts down many of these avenues. Gaining real world experience is a big plus after graduation, since most hiring managers place a premium on it. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 38 percent of college students who interned at a company while in school ended up working full-time at the same company after they graduated.(National Association of College Employers. "Internships, Co-op Experience Valuable to College Graduates." Online at www.naceweb.org/press/display.asp?year=2004&prid=188)

In our experience, combining school and the right mix of job opportunities can help jump-start a career. While Matthew was enrolled in a distance education program at Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, he began an apprenticeship at a local software development studio called RoleModel Software (www.rolemodelsoftware.com) headed by a Christian homeschool father. Over the following year, Matthew gained on-the job experience in software development while studying in the evenings. During his sophomore year in college, Matthew joined a much larger company, SAS Institute, and was hired as a full-time developer before graduating from college.

Similarly, David is currently pursuing a degree in communications while being a contributing editor to two statewide public policy organizations. A flexible schedule allows him to pursue various freelance writing opportunities and learn about the world of journalism by actually participating in the field rather than simply studying about it. This tactic has also allowed David to develop an extensive portfolio of published work.