Whether you’re a high schooler, a college student, or a working adult, distance learning is a quick and easy way to earn college credits around a busy schedule. We all like to save a little time whenever possible, don’t we? With distance learning methods, you can study a subject that interests you at your own pace and earn credits towards the degree of your choosing.
One of the basic ways to earn college credit is by taking credit-by-examination tests. A couple different kinds are CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). With these tests, you study a certain subject on your own, and then take a test covering the material. If you pass you earn the credits, and if you don’t pass, you don’t earn the credits. It’s that simple.
CLEP tests are multiple choice and computer based. The material they cover is what a typical college student would learn in a semester-long college course (over 15-16 weeks on average). Because you can take them on the computer, you’ll be able to get your scores immediately after taking them. Yes it can somewhat nerve-wracking clicking the “Submit” button when you think you’ve finished and answered all the questions as well as you could have, but I personally found that the 90 minute time limit for each test was more than enough time for me to answer the questions and go back and review all my answers.
DANTES tests are similar to CLEPs. They are multiple choice, only there is no time limit. Most take about 90 minutes, but more time is available to students who need it. Like with CLEP tests, many study guides, fact sheets, and practice tests are available to help students be informed about what each test covers.
Another way to earn college credit through distance learning is by taking correspondence courses. Procedures for these courses vary with each school that offers them. Typically you have to enroll as a distance learning student for the class you want to take. Then you will have to get the required materials for the class, like the textbook and study guide. Usually weekly homework assignments, a midterm, and final are required to be submitted to the professor for grading. Correspondence courses are convenient because you can work at your own pace without having to take the time out of your schedule to attend classes on a college campus.
Portfolio assessment can be a great way to earn college credit for life experience. If you’re knowledgeable about a certain subject, you may be able to earn credit for what you’re an expert in. This method usually requires you to put together a package of material exhibiting your knowledge and displaying the way you obtained that information in your life. Again, the specific requirements will depend on the school you want to earn credits from, but portfolio assessment can be very convenient for the distance learning student.
As you can see, the typical college route is not the only way in the world that someone can earn college credit. If you simply do a little research and throw in some creativity, you can easily find a way to fit college around your schedule, saving you both time and effort.
