My nephew recently decided that he would like to enlist in the armed services and joined up with the Navy. However, he also wanted to continue his education and work towards his degree in computer science which he had started a few years back. At first he was unsure if he would be able to work on his degree because the college he had attended required that classes be taken on campus. That is when he discovered distance learning through our local state University.

Distance learning is the process by which he can continue to take classes during his enlistment in the Navy from anywhere in the world. As long as he has access to a computer and email he can participate in online classes, take his exams online and discuss problems and topics with fellow classmates and the teacher in an online forum. It was an excellent solution for my nephew, and elearning may be an excellent solution for you as well.

Education is the key to success, but with our busy lives and families none of really has the time or financial ability to stop working and go back to college full-time. It seemed the only opportunities for many people to further their education for the longest time was to take night classes which could drag out a degree for years because of the infrequency of classes offered through such programs. However, today many colleges and Universities are offering distance learning and e-learning programs to help those who live in the same town, or thousands of miles away, to earn their degree without ever sitting foot in a classroom.

Distance learning allows you to continue working on a degree, or start your work towards a new degree, from the comfort of your home or anywhere else you may be located. Traditionally most e-learning classes tend to be driven by the students themselves. Because there is not a traditional classroom and a teacher, the students must use their own determination and drive to learn the material as it is presented. Most often material is presented either electronically or through interactive slideshows that let the students practice along as the lesson plays out. If you get stuck on a concept or need assistance the teacher and fellow students are just a click away through the use of email and online discussion forums.

My nephew is working towards his degree and has only two classes left to take. He expects to have graduated before his enlistment is up and we are all proud of the work he has done and thankful that distance education allowed him to pursue his dream while he was helping protect our freedoms.