Distance learning, also known as correspondence education, takes place outside the traditional classroom with the instructor and the student geographically distant from each other. First thing one should verify before joining a distance learning program is whether the program and the institution offering the program is accredited by a recognized agency. Accreditation establishes the credentials of the institution and the program.
As against the popular misconception, distance education does not necessarily mean on-line education. Lessons may be imparted through the Internet; but they may also be delivered through regular post, videotapes, audio cassettes, interactive TV sessions, radio or satellite. One should carefully check the mode of delivery of the course before committing to it.
Another misconception is that a distance degree can be obtained absolutely by sitting at home. Studies show that out of all the accredited graduate programs only 75% are completely off-campus. Some programs offer the course on-line but may require the students to attend orientation classes at the beginning of each semester or attend weekend classes. Many public universities deliver distance education through satellite conference which has a restricted delivery area. So the students will have to go to the specially designated reception place nearer to their residence to attend the weekly lectures.
You may need to go to the campus at least once either to present your project work/thesis or to attend a viva-voce at the end of the course. Therefore, one should confirm the residency requirements before joining the program. Frequent travel, lodge and boarding expenses may make the program quite expensive though the tuition fees may be small.
Financial aid available for a distance program might be much lesser compared to an on-campus program because the persons pursuing distance education program are not considered full-time students. While some institutes charge set prices per credit hour or semester, some charge other fees like technology fees, lab fees etc. in addition to the tuition fees which can significantly inflate the cost of the program. Some institutes charge a higher fees for out-state students. Therefore, one should be careful about the cost of the program.
Other factors to be considered before joining the program are the quality of the study material, qualifications and experience of the faculty where attending classes is compulsory, student support system, duration of the course, opportunities available after completion of the program, etc.
