The evolution of distance learning

In the past, some employers saw distance learning as a poor relative of face-to-face on-campus learning. Not any more, if the proliferation of distance learning courses and the increasing number of students worldwide taking on the challenge are anything to go by. Ross Geraghty looks into how the industry has quietly evolved into an education that is making students and employers sit up and take notice.

Distance learning, the catch-all term used to describe any of a number of educational courses offered off-campus, from the recent innovations in web-based education to videos, DVDs, correspondence courses by snail-mail and by TV, has entered an advanced phase. The education style, which started off principally through snail-mail correspondence courses, has been going on for a long time. The pioneering Open University in the UK opened its doors in 1969 and, since then, a number of very advanced courses with a good deal of integrity have enabled people to earn life-changing or career-enhancing degree courses from the convenience of their own home.

The distance learning method suits a variety of people, those with families, who don't wish to relocate, those perhaps with disabilities, people for whom it is simply not affordable to attend full-time classroom degree courses or for any number of other reasons. One respondent says: It also depends on which industry you are looking at. For example for hiring an auditor, it would not make much of a difference if the candidate has completed an online or on-campus postgrad degree.

As with any kind of education, distance learning has its pros and cons, its supporters and its detractors, especially among the crucial ingredient at the end of the line in most education, the opinion of employers.

During its early stages, according to Richard Wheatcroft, Master's Programme Director at Open University in the UK, employers didn't take distance learning seriously. When we started in 1969 there was a lot of scepticism because employers didn't have access to information about the courses. But through the 70s and 80s it became demonstrable that graduates were as well educated as those from face-to-face universities.

Recruitment expert Damir Latte, of global-workplace.com, agrees: In the past, distance learning courses didn't achieve high recognition. The courses were seen as the poorer cousins of the on-campus method and, in some cases, perhaps they were. The overall experience of attending university was seen by employers, who probably went through the on-campus education system themselves, to provide a rounded experience of networking and communication that distance learning courses couldn't provide.

Is Distance Learning for you?

With more recent technological advancements such as the Internet, audio-visual technology such as CDs and DVDs and telephony, distance learning has developed into a viable alternative to the quality face-to-face learning universities have to offer. It is as far from the realm of reams of dusty correspondence-courses packages landing on your doorstep as modern universities are from Dickens.

Richard Wheatcroft says, We call it structured open learning as it's a complete package of carefully produced materials away from a base, with provision of all the support that would be expected from a face-to-face course. There are some great advantages. There is only a 15:1 ratio student:faculty ratio on Masters programs. There are face-to-face seminars every few weeks, a large electronic backup and electronic support from the library. You need a very strong infrastructure for distance learning and it's hard to do it well on a small scale to enable students to be self-directed learners.

This self-motivation, or the lack of it, is what keeps some students from considering a distance-learning course. Some doubt their ability to get up and actually do the work, to force themselves to the books or the computer when TV or other distractions seem far more appealing. Those people may function better with external motivators, such as lecturers or peers and if they are honest self-assessors, distance learning may not be for them.

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Top 10 tips for distance learning success

The advantages of distance learning are quite clear. There are many reasons why you might not want or be able to leave your country, city, or home. Distance learning is more affordable than attending a top university, as you don't have to worry about costs of moving house, travel, or finding somewhere to live. And, as long as you stay focused, motivated, and keep the studies at the forefront of your mind, you can do all of the work you need for a good degree from the comfort of your own home.
Studies have revealed the distance learning drop-out rate to be approximately 15 per cent higher than the drop-out rate associated with traditional universities, so QS Top Universities has put together some tips to make sure you succeed if you choose to do distance learning.

Become familiar and ready with course materials

Whether you are taking a single class via distance learning or will complete your bachelor degree online you should be ready to use your materials in advance. Obviously you will have regular access to a computer. Familiarize yourself with electronic programs used for the course and purchase books listed in your first reading lists.

Make sure internet access is sufficient

Nothing is worse than spending the first year of your online degree trying to get consistent internet access. If your internet provider is unreliable, switch before courses start.

Set a study schedule and stick to it

You will know, from looking at your course load, whether this means four hours per week or 35. Stick to your schedule in order to keep up with the pace, meet deadlines, and ultimately succeed.

Create a workspace

Believe it or not, your environment plays a big part in learning. Make a clutter-free, comfortable space with adequate light. Make this space your learning space and nothing else.

Set goals

And meet them. Your first goal may just be to organise your workload and that's a great place to start when you first begin studying for your undergraduate degree. But set even bigger goals for yourself as you move on, like aiming to complete your bachelors degree!

Don't wait til the last minute

As with any course it is more than wise not to procrastinate completing your coursework. With distance learning, you have to remember that you are relying on technology to submit work. Don't wait until the last minute to finish and submit a project, because you never know what glitches technology will have in store for you.

Contact your instructor regularly

Keep in touch with your instructor and regularly contact him or her with any questions you may have. It is also a good idea to discuss your progress with a real person.

Take practice exams

Practice makes perfect. Time yourself while taking practice exams so you know whether or not you are assessing an exam within the allotted time.

Make or join a study group

Two heads are often better than one. Many distance learning online programs can link you up with your classmates. If not, contact your instructor and ask to be put into contact with a few classmates. Your group can then meet in the real world or via email (or another electronic method) or telephone. Such groups can also keep you motivated. Of course, this won't compare to organically choosing your study mates, as one does in traditional universities, but it can still be worthwhile, both academically and socially.

Reward yourself

You're never too old for a reward. Say to yourself that if you meet your learning goals within the time you have set you will buy yourself that sweater you wanted or a ticket to the theatre. Motivation usually comes easier when you have something to look forward to. Long-term you can look forward to graduating from your degree course, but short-term rewards are very helpful. Always having something to look forward to will most likely help you stay dedicated.