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.
Start here
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
7 ways to ruin your distance learning experience
A tongue-in-cheek list of seven ways to ruin your distance learning experience, from taking only easy classes to avoiding a social life.
-
For distance learners: 7 ways to reduce test anxiety
Seven ways to ease test anxiety, from breathing exercises and positive self-talk to exercise, breaks and a good night’s sleep before exams.
-
You don’t need a traditional college campus to find a spouse
Ways distance learners can meet friends and a future spouse without a campus, from church and volunteering to dating apps and Meetup groups.
-
For distance learners: 6 superfoods (and 1 liquid) that will kickstart your brain
Six brain-friendly foods for studying, including dark chocolate, nuts, leafy greens, salmon, berries and citrus, plus why water matters.
-
6 reasons the traditional college experience may not be all it’s cracked up to be
A former campus student’s six reasons the traditional college experience may be overrated, from student debt and dorm life to wasted years.
-
8 great benefits of distance learning
Eight benefits of distance learning, from lower costs and no commute to flexible schedules, self-paced study and preparation for remote work.
-
7 tips for transitioning from in-classroom learning to distance learning
Seven tips for moving from classroom to online learning, including keeping a schedule, a dedicated study space, breaks and time with people.
Browse by topic
- Alternatives to College (6)
- Career (17)
- Colleges (13)
- Earning Credit (8)
- Finances (10)
- Homeschooling (11)
- Online Learning (23)
- Student Life (13)