How can you adapt your personal style of learning to function best in a distant learning environment?

Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses as a student are. If you get distracted or procrastinate, as many of us do, set up a schedule for yourself to study. If you like interaction with other students to help you learn, see if there are bulletin boards and discussion groups for the class. This has been the case with all the online courses I have seen lately. Use this interaction to keep up your interest and learn new things, and stay on track.

The freedom is great!!

Distance ed. is great for someone with a busy schedule, and as long as you find the resources you need like utilizing online connectivity, you can do fine, even if you think you have trouble staying motivated without a real class.

I guess that depends upon your style of learning. Distance Learning is self paced. The most important thing I've found is to stay connected with the instructor and plan your time on a daily basis to keep up preferably stay ahead of the due dates. Discipline is the key. At this point if you are just starting out - jump in with both feet and you'll figure out your own style. Just remember the instructor is there to help, so utilize them.