How to initiate a distance education course? That's the question you may be asking yourself if you've come to the conclusion it would be a good idea to get qualifications in a particular area, or maybe just increase your knowledge of the subject, but you've no idea how to get started.

Here are nine general points to cover:

1. Have a think about what it is you want to achieve, and make a list.

It's okay if it only consists of a single line, such as Learn to speak enough French to get by on holiday.

The reason for doing this is to avoid choosing a course you don't really need. For example, you might want knowledge on how to sell your house without the help of a realtor. It's unlikely you need a full real estate learning program. But you might want a course that covers how to improve the curb appeal of your house as well as the legalities you need to cover. And it's likely that you'll need something that tackles any local laws that apply, or at least refers you to a place you can find the information you need.

The answer to questions like these will determine the course you need to look for.

2. Research the program you need to follow.

Where to look for your distance education course? Online is an obvious contender. Or try magazines devoted to the subject you're interested in. Such courses will appear in the classified advertisement section, or, if they're really popular, somewhere among the editorial. They'll usually be smallish box ads (though not necessarily: Linguaphone have been known to take out much larger display adverts).

3. Decide whether accredited distance learning programs are what you need to look at.

Accreditation will be of greater or lesser importance depending on what you're aiming to achieve. If it does happen to be important, make sure the accrediting body is well regarded. It may be worth doing a little digging on the internet to establish this.

4. Consider how you'll plan and manage an e-learning program or correspondence course.

You'll be making a commitment of time and money, and on top of that, putting in a fair bit of work. If you're following an e-learning program, will you have access to a computer when you need it? These things will need some thought on your part.

5. Consider how you intend to pay for your classes.

Single modules can seem expensive enough, but if you're embarking on a degree course, the cost will represent a considerable investment. You may have to arrange a loan, perhaps via your bank, or, depending on your status, a student loan. The establishment offering the course your considering may offer details of these things.

6. Arrange the time.

Unless you live alone, following distance learning programs can mean negotiating with family members, rescheduling parts of your life, and possibly making resolutions to get up early or stay up after everyone else has gone to bed so you can study.

7. Try approaching your boss if your course is in any way work-related.

If you're trying to improve your work prospects, ask if there's any chance of help with the costs, some free time at work to study (some employers have a program for these things), and perhaps some flexibility in your attendance if you need to be elsewhere for exams, etc. (Promise, you'll make the time up later, although if you work for a great company, this may not be necessary.)

8. Sign up for the course.

There's a natural human tendency to question whether we're doing the right thing, whether this wouldn't all just be a waste of money, or to imagine that our life is going to be disrupted beyond belief if we start doing something new. Bur none of these things are true.

Or we may wonder what will happen if we fail. Well, you have to be spectacularly bad to fail. Exams assume you aren't going to be 100%, and pass marks in some subjects are as low as 65%. Besides, online colleges aren't out to fail you. They want you to keep coming back for more, and tell your friends.

9. Be prepared for periods where you feel somewhat less than motivated.

No article on how to initiate a distance learning course would be complete without mentioning that after about four weeks of hard work, you'll hit the occasional slump in enthusiasm. It's important to have some mechanism to keep you going.

One strategy is to itemize your goals--or dig out your list from point 1 above--then write next to each why it is vital you achieve them. Keep that image in your head, or repeating your goals to yourself. You may not end up firing on all cylinders, but you will have reminded yourself, as NASA famously said, that failure is not an option. It will be enough to keep you going.

And there you have it: nine tips to get you off to a flying start in your distance-learning program. Good luck!