Published by Susan Atkinson on 07 May 2008 at 02:48 am
Private Study by Way of Correspondence Courses
Correspondence courses are designed for students studying at a distance. Each course can be completed from home and includes a variety of learning assignments. Students generally communicate with their instructor via phone, mail, or email.
Students’ views on this approach to learning are equally complex-some welcome the convenience of correspondence courses, while others fear losing the face-to-face interaction of the more traditional learning experience.
Correspondence courses can be a complementing option for homeschooling; parents may take advantage of specific course offerings, in order to address insufficiencies in learning areas which the parent or guardian cannot properly manage by themselves. In this sense, distance learning is a step above the homeschooling alternative, as it can provide solutions in aid to the specific needs of the latter.
Correspondence courses are one solution to the need for educational courses without displacing individuals from the work force and their community setting. Employers are beginning to acknowledge this method of study and valuing employees accordingly within the workplace.
Distance learning using correspondence courses, can contribute to the homeschooling process, if the guardian or parent deems it necessary that the student needs formal, albeit non-traditional instruction, in areas where specific skills and knowledge are required.
Students who are enrolled in eligible programs of study at eligible institutions may qualify for student aid benefits from federally-funded programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and its amendments. Students who enroll in correspondence courses only will be considered as halftime per federal regulation.