Distance learning: FAQs
What is distance learning? How do I get started on an online course? And how can it benefit me? We examine some of the questions and dispel some of the myths surrounding this expanding area of education.
Education, education, education. Under the Labour Government we’ve seen it not just become more talked about in public life, but become more accessible to people than ever before. With schemes such as learndirect and the proposed expansion of universities to include 50 per cent of all 18-30 year-olds by 2010, the demand to be educated is creating new ways of delivering courses – with one of the fastest growth areas being distance learning.Distance learning can seem an odd concept, especially if yo u’re returning to education and your abiding memory is of traditional classrooms and teaching methods. Here, we try and give a wider impression of what it involves, how to get involved and some of the best places to start.
What is distance learn ing?
Distance learning is essentially any course that can be provided and followed outside of the traditional classroom environment. The courses tend to fall into one of three main categories:
- Distance Learning: This is generally defined a s any mode of learning where the study takes place wholly at home but the materials are still ‘physical’ ie books, cassettes, CD-ROMs, videos
- Open Learning: Study takes place off-site the majority of the time, but requires some infrequent attendance at a centre. It includes mediums both physical and electronic
- E-Learning/Online Learning: Study takes place over the internet, either live or via email ‘lessons’ sent to your inbox
You can l earn at your own pace, at a time convenient to you. If you are learning online, there may be online lessons you can go back and repeat until you are happy you have absorbed it all.
What sort of support is available?
When you are doing a c ourse, you can expect to receive regular, structured feedback and criticism on your progress. A tutor is usually available at all times to help with your studies and answer any questions you might have. If you’re pursuing a course on the internet, there a re often discussion groups to compare notes and tips with, providing a sense of a supportive community around you.
How popular is distance learning?
Because of the irregular attendance patterns, it can be difficult to assess exactly how m any people are doing a distance learning course. However figures from the last National Adult Learning Survey (NALS) indicate that around 2.2 million people in the UK did a course with no face-to-face teaching during the three years leading up to 2001. Th is figure is expected to rise by the time of the next survey.
What sort of qualifications are available?
Where can we start? Within reason, most of the qualifications you could pursue in a traditional college are available online, from GC SEs to Postgraduate Qualifications. The only courses that would not be available are those that would have an indispensable practical element, and they may have an open learning option allowing you to do the academic study at home.
How can I fin d a course?
Well, that’s where we come in. This new section of the website contains around 10,000 distance learning courses and our new search engine will allow you to search by mode of delivery. Below you can also find links to some sites that con tain more information about distance learning. Good luck, and remember not to get toast crumbs on your homework if you’re doing it in bed.
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