Agriculture Distance Learning Key Terms

Understand terminology that will help you choose an appropriate distance education program

By Kristina Seleshanko

Whether you want to become a rancher, have a small family farm or run a large scale farming business, you'll find agriculture to be a competitive field. To do your best, you will want a degree in agriculture, which not only gives you the necessary knowledge and science behind farming and ranching, but should also provide you with the strong business knowledge necessary for today's farmers.

As distance education becomes more affordable, adaptable, and common, you might consider choosing a distance program over a traditional college. A properly accredited distance education program for agriculture counts just as much as a traditional classroom program, so if you're motivated and have limited time, distance education might make sense. Not all distance programs offer equal opportunities, so you may want help to determine which program is best for you.

Computer-based training

Computer-based training, or CBT, refers to instruction received under the guidance and feedback of a computer, instead of a human instructor. You usually receive computer-based training via the Internet or a CD-ROM.
Try: National Resources Conservation Services offers a course overview of an agriculture computer-based training course.

Consortium

In distance education, a consortium is two or more distance education schools that create or teach distance education courses together.
Try: American Distance Education Consortium explains their Agricultural Degrees and Programs.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing is when distance learning takes place via satellite. Video conferencing allows students and teachers to see and hear each other, interacting much as they would in a traditional classroom, even though they may be in different cities, states or countries.
Try: North Dakota State University explains the prevalence of video conferencing in their Agriculture program.

E-learning

E-learning, or electronic learning, refers to distance learning via the Internet.
Try: E-Agriculture discusses exactly what e-learning is.

Accredited

A ruling body must approve an accredited agricultural distance learning program, and the program must meet certain standards established by that body.
Try: AcademicInfo discusses whether agriculture distance learning programs are reputable and have accreditation.

Advanced study

Advanced study, sometimes called advanced standing, advanced placement or accelerated study, refers to the ability to bypass beginner classes and go directly into more advanced levels of study. Usually this is possible if placement tests, previous study or past performance indicates the student will thrive in advanced classes.
Try: Delaware State University outlines its natural resources courses, including those classified as advanced study.