This guide is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of distance learning and to advise them on the issues that are key to their success as distance learners. Its four sections represent the stages that students pass through as they access distance learning opportunities. Chapter 1 introduces distance learning and discusses new terms and concepts at the core of the distance learning experience. Chapters 2-4 focus on the academic issues essential to distance learners' success: how to choose the institution that best fits one's personal needs, how to ensure that one has the appropriate computer support, and how to access library and other learning resources. Chapters 5-6 cover student support issues extremely important to the success of every distance learner. Chapter 5 identifies those areas related to self that can serve as barriers to successful distance learning and lists questions to be used as tools to help make decisions about priorities, learning needs, and personal health and wellness. Chapter 6 teaches specific learning techniques. Chapter 7, on career planning, moves students from the academic world to the world of work by helping them plan the transition from college to career. The chapter helps students who are ready to explore career options to understand the importance of building a personal life plan and to identify what they have already accomplished, consider what skills are transferable, and evaluate prior learning and strengths. An index is appended. (YLB)