What is distance learning?
Distance learning is a way of studying where
you're not physically in the same place as your tutor. The tuition takes
place over a distance, hence the name.
You often see it called by other names. These include home study, flexible learning and, increasingly, e-learning.
There are three big advantages to distance learning:
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You study at your own convenience, at a time and pace which is convenient to you;
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You study where you want, instead of having to go to a college or classroom;
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It's generally far cheaper.
What is e-learning?
E-learning is where contact between student and teacher takes place over the internet or by email. Quite often, the student downloads the course direct from the internet instead of being sent a printed copy. They then run it off on their printer at home. This makes these courses much cheaper for the student.
The recent popularity of distance learning
These days, the overwhelming majority of the population hold down a full or part time job, or are mothers responsible for young children.
It's hard to find the time to attend college on a regular basis. Even one evening a week can be too much when you have responsibilities.
Going back to college full time simply isn't an option for most people as this would mean a substantial drop in income.
If you want that qualification the only realistic option is to study at home.
Is distance learning new?
No, it's been around for decades. When it was first offered, some colleges offered courses which were low on content and highly priced and for a while, distance learning didn't have a very good reputation. (It's fair to say that there were some very good courses on offer as well, but as with everything you hear more about the negatives than the positives).
Over the last ten years or so, since the internet became a part of our lives, trainers have taken a new look at distance learning and overall the standard has been raised immeasurably.
Trainers can also be more responsive to your needs. There's no need to go through a lengthy committee process in order to launch a course or to rely on government or local authority funding. If there's a need for a course, an experienced trainer can sit down and write that course, and then offer it to you. In other words, you decide what courses you want, and not the local authority or the government.
What about the quality of distance learning courses?
As with any courses on offer, whether through schools, colleges or universities, the quality will vary from college to college depending on who is teaching the course.
Think back to your days at school. Were you ever taught by a teacher who knew their subject but was hopeless at getting it across?
With distance learning, especially those courses run by private colleges, it's quite simple. If a course isn't good, it doesn't sell. Students have the legal right to return the course and ask for their money back. So education providers have a powerful incentive to make sure their courses are as good as possible.
Who provides distance learning?
These days, distance learning is offered by existing state-funded colleges and universities, private colleges and individual trainers. There is a huge range of courses on offer. You can find courses ranging from mini-courses which are highly specific to a full MBA.
What are private colleges
Private colleges are those which aren't funded by the state, whether directly or indirectly. They are set up by individuals or groups of people who want to teach their speciality direct to students, or sometimes they act as "agents", selling courses offered by other trainers.
Some private colleges only offer one or two courses. The trainers are only interested in teaching their subject area.
Other private colleges want to offer students as many choices as possible and offer a wider range of courses.
The advantages of taking a course of study
The obvious one is that you gain the knowledge and qualifications that you need. There can be hidden gains as well, especially the confidence you gain in completing a course of study if you've been out of mainstream education for a while. Distance learning is an excellent way of moving gently back into the employment market, learning a new skill but in your own time.
We hope you've found this helpful.
© Fairfields College 2006.