If they could, many careerists would like to go back to school for various reasons. Some dream of finally earning that long-delayed college diploma and getting a higher-paying job. Others hope the additional certificate or the extra letters after their name would give them the respect and promotion they seek. And still others might eye another degree under their belt as a means to shift fields or careers.

But for different reasons too, many employees hesitate to tread the academic route again. No time. Can’t leave office. Hate the commute. Too tired. Too old. Before junking what you consider a pipe dream, have you given distance learning a thought?

Distance education comes in different forms, but all involve the use of computers, video and various other technologies to link instructors and students outside the traditional campus setting. In e-learning or web-based education, for instance, you can attend credit and non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, and higher learning programs without ever seeing your teachers or classmates in the flesh. Some methods, however, such as the open university system, may require campus time.

Upside, downside

• Convenience, flexibility and accessibility: Learn at your own time and at your own pace just about anywhere you can gain computer access.
• Lower fees: It is often less expensive than traditional college or higher education. Too, there’s practically none of the housing, meal or travel expenses you incur going to a regular school.
• Job/career continuity: Since you attend a virtual classroom, there is no need to resign your job or take a sabbatical.

• No campus spirit or socials: While distance education continues to grow more interactive (through online discussion groups, live chats, videoconferencing, online learning games), don’t expect to find personalized attention from the teachers, or for your peers to hang around for after-school get-togethers.
• Requires tech skills: if you’re a technophobe or your computer skills need serious updating, online education may pose a difficult challenge.
• Minimal support and supervision: Distance learning may not suit those who feel at a loss when given a free hand to do research and complete school requirements on their own.