Advice on earning a college degree through distance education
Community college, online and distance programs, credit by exam and portfolio, apprenticeships, and getting hired without a traditional four years on campus. Brothers Matthew and David Bass started The Distance Learner in 2006 to share what they learned as distance learners.
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How I earned a computer science degree debt-free, with a job already in hand
Community college, a distance school that didn’t work out, an apprenticeship that changed my plans, and the exams and portfolios that earned a third of my degree. The first post in a series.
Latest posts
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How I earned a computer science degree debt-free, with a job already in hand
Matthew Bass’s path to a 2005 computer science degree with no loans: community college, an apprenticeship, credit by exam and a job at SAS.

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10 of the worst things to include in New Year resolutions
A tongue-in-cheek list of the ten worst New Year’s resolutions for students, from skipping sleep and classes to blaming others for bad grades.

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5 reasons why it’s important for distance learners to read fiction
Five reasons distance learners should read novels: a longer attention span, a love of reading, better writing, a bigger vocabulary and memory.

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6 ways distance learners can stay connected to their school (and show school spirit)
Six ways distance learners can feel part of their school, from getting to know classmates online to campus visits and attending graduation.

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7 ways to help distance learners focus for extended periods of time
Seven ways to focus longer while studying online, including single-tasking, white noise, knowing your best hours and using Do Not Disturb.

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4 blogs and 6 podcasts for distance learners interested in business
Four business blogs and six podcasts for distance learners curious about business, from Seth’s Blog to How I Built This and Business Wars.

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A novel failure: 4 career lessons I learned from my literary flop
Four business lessons a writer learned from his novel’s failure, about target markets, vetting partners, living your values and patience.

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6 tips for becoming comfortable with giving speeches
Six ways to get more comfortable giving speeches, from practicing and filming yourself to deep breathing and a good night’s sleep.

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5 coffee alternatives to help distance learners get going in the morning
Five alternatives to coffee for waking up, spelled NOTES: nuts, time outdoors, tea, exercise and upbeat songs, plus a splash of water.

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7 ways distance learners can be independent despite living with their parents
Seven ways students living at home can build independence, from cleaning up and banking to their own social life and a plan to move out.

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