Distance Learning Level: expert What is Distance Learning? Before you explore the various websites offering online or distance learning courses, it's important to know what distance learning actually is. In the main, it's pretty self-explanatory, instead of being at a college or university you learn from a distance, often online, in your own home. Many people like this method because they’ve had enough of formal, structured learning, they have a job or family – and want to further their skills and education by learning at their own speed. Many like the fact that you can choose your own hours, thus carrying on with your life as normal. A lot of the distance learning materials are now perfectly accessible, and many institutions will help and assist as much as they can. Most materials will be delivered either online, in the form of downloadable documents, on cd’s or as printed materials. In the case of the latter, you will need to have these in an alternative format, some learning institutions offer this for you, whereas in other cases you’ll have to get them transcribed yourself. Its also important to be aware that dependent upon the course you choose to do, you may be required to travel, for workshops, meetings and exams. What can you learn? Nowadays you can do a wide range of courses via distance learning, from a full on degree to short courses and certificates in animal management, flower arranging and psychology. Obviously, there are certain types of career which require you to be taught in a college or university atmosphere, for instance nursing, veterinary practice and mechanics can not be learnt from a distance. Help In many cases you can still obtain loans, or disabled students’ allowance, via distance learning, and often there will be someone available to help you apply for these. You may also be entitled to help with fees. Its vital you check out what help you’re entitled to before committing to a course, and if you’re claiming benefits be careful, distance learning may affect your eligibility. Distance learning is cheaper and often more convenient for a variety of reasons, so pick your path, check the financial obligations and enjoy the ride! Where to go? Firstly, think of what you’d like to learn, a specific degree may be best sought from one of the universities that offer distance learning, whereas a mixed degree (encompassing a range of chosen interests) and short-courses may be best from the Open University. There are also several other organisations that offer courses, even some specifically for blind and visually impaired people. Always look at various options, you will probably find that you can do the same type of course from more than one place, but there may be a big difference in cost and support – so always check out a few potential companies first. I hope the guides are of some help, obviously we’re unable to test a lot of the actual learning materials, but hopefully the overviews will assist you in your distance learning choices. |