Correspondence courses are especially suitable for the geographically isolated, adults with many demands on their time, and the homebound. Business and industry and the armed forces make extensive use of correspondence programs. Correspondence courses are available at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, in a diverse range of areas both academic and practical.
Students’ views on this approach to learning are equally complex-some welcome the convenience of correspondence courses, while others fear losing the face-to-face interaction of the more traditional learning experience.
Students who wish to apply credit earned through correspondence study to a college degree or a high school diploma should consult the resident institution before enrolling in a correspondence study course. Most institutions have limitations on the number and kinds of correspondence study credits they will accept.
Correspondence courses are one solution to the need for educational courses without displacing individuals from the work force and their community setting. Employers are beginning to acknowledge this method of study and valuing employees accordingly within the workplace.
Students need to be proficient in email, internet browsing, chat rooms and other common computer applications. Most correspondence between the student and instructor occurs via the course management system and email. Students are encouraged to email their questions and actively participate.
It is advised that whenever signing up with a college for a correspondence course that you check their credentials and ensure they are an accredited educational institution.