Author: Angela Williams
Distance Learning is a priority for most who have already
set their lives out in one way or another in that their responsibilities
have been laid out, and in quite a few cases, would not allow for regular
College schedules. This is taken into consideration when looking for a
place to study, and this shouldn't mean below par education. It should
mean convenience for those interested in education and furthering their
portfolios.
Student Commitment
Distance Learning requires a certain amount of commitment as the student
must schedule the time to study. This is also reflective in their work as
they are not going to afford the time unless genuinely interested in the
subject matter. The work from these students shows a clear interest in
their progression, and therefore their time is not wasted on courses that
they are only taking for UKAS points.
Flexibility
A high standard is reached as there is very little disruption in the
pupil's life, and therefore they find that they are able to concentrate on
the subject matter fully. These courses are not as expensive as those that
have to hire out a classroom, and with the 'email' style of assessment,
the cost to complete their course assignments is inconsequential. There is
no waiting for weeks for their assessments to be returned to them, and
this makes it easier for the student to get on with their work at their
own pace. These courses fit into lifestyles as it is usually humanly
impossible to gauge when a situation will arise that takes a student away
from their studies, but with the Distance Learning option, these students
do not have the worry of catching up, or even having to loose out on their
whole course and fee because there has been a glitch in their schedule.
The course can be put aside, and picked up when the situation is
eradicated. For those who travel for work, their course can be taken with
them, affording them the time to continue on with their studies.
Different options for different lifestyles
This form of education is taking a front seat for those interested in
continuing study after settling into a career, or starting a family. There
are numerous reasons for not being able to put your life on hold to study
a preferred topic, and this option is sometimes the only way people are
able to get the training they need. This should not mean that these people
have to put up with inferior courses, or exorbitant fees. For those who
are unable to leave their homes, or not able to physically enroll on
classroom taught courses, this form of education plays a paramount
importance in their lives. Oxford College ODL and Oxford Distance Learning
have devised a scheme for the visually impaired by designing their courses
specifically for these people's needs, and they are in the process of
setting up a program to fit into those people's lives that have difficulty
in finding a course that caters for their special needs.
Grading
Distance learning courses are not easy. Because the student is not
required to attend classes, it is imperative that a sound assessment of
their absorption of the materials is obtained by the tutor, and this is
only obtained through assignments that are usually more in depth than the
usual grading process that is awarded through classroom taught courses.
This takes it's form by enabling the student into not just learning about
a given subject, but also showing their understanding of each individual
step in essay form which lends to their overall grade. This is
particularly important to the student, as the material is not the only
information that needs to be taught in a given subject.
The student needs to be able to question the material, and use their own
reasoning when it comes to analyzing what they are asked to absorb which
keeps them interested in the course work and sees that they feel more
involved with the process of their learning.
In the words of Mike Tomlinson, former chief inspector of schools,
'Too much time is spent preparing for exams which could be used for
learning.'
About the author:
Written by Angela Williams, Education Standards Reviewer 'UK Education
Today.'
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