Close 2 Home Or At A Distance


College is Convenient
An Excerpt From: Next Indiana: A Guide to Life After High School, Oct 1, 2005; After High School; Page:32
 

Virtual campus


For thousands of Indiana students—including high school students getting a head start on their college courses—distance learning is their way of getting part or all of their higher education.

Last year, about 28,000 people took classes through the Indiana College Network, choosing from among more than 2,000 courses.


Indiana College Network’s course offerings have expanded significantly in the last few years to include not only college-level classes but also high school and Advanced Placement courses. Another growing segment of the network is continuing education programs in such fields as information technology, business, education and public health. More than 130 degrees and certificates are offered through the network, a service of the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications System.


About three-fourths of those taking classes for college credit on the network are undergraduates. Quite often students use distance learning to get a few credits they need for graduation that they haven’t been able to fit into their semester schedules on their home campus. A fast-growing group of long-distance students is enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana campuses. Another large group of distance learners consists of those who have completed an associate’s degree and are seeking a bachelor’s.


Besides Internet-based courses and the original correspondence method, the network offers classes via CD-ROM, interactive videoconferencing and cable television.


Participating schools include Ball State University, the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Indiana State University, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Purdue University, University of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University.


Distance-learning students need to fill out an application from the Indiana College Network—available online at www.icn.org, or through the network hotline, 1-800-429-8899. Distance-learners must designate their “home” school, which will grant their degree as well as handle their records. The network then assigns them an adviser from the school to help them plan their classes, as well as a network campus coordinator who can assist with financial aid. Both experts can help students navigate the system as well as ensure they take the classes they need.


The network’s Learner Tools help students decide if they’re a good fit for distance learning and how to make it work for them. The site offers both quick self-tests and a detailed Merkler Style Preference Inventory to help students explore their learning styles.


If you decide you want to try distance learning, Learner Tools provides links to online tutoring and research aids, as well as sections on improving math skills (including reducing “math anxiety”) and writing and communications skills.


The best part? You get to set your own schedule to do the course work and assignments, even though you’re not leaving your house to attend a class.