Distance learning can be challenging because students do not necessarily have face to face interactions with a teacher or because there are no easily accessible classmates. This post provides some background to distance learning and also some guidelines on how to be a successful distance learner.
What is distance learning?
Simply described, distance learning (DL) is when the student is separated from the teacher by either time or physical distance. In DL there is limited contact with an instructor or other students primarily because learning occurs in a different place from the teaching. Perhaps the most common model of DL is when students receive a learning pack which contains various study materials and are required to submit a formative assessment/s for which they receive usually written feedback. Having submitted the required work the student is eligible to sit for the summative assessment, usually an examination, which takes place at a predetermined time and place. The learning experience may be supported by tutoring or other forms of communication including email, telephone and online services (like online forums). Distance learning requires special organisational and administrative arrangements in order to ensure a successful learning experience.
Why distance learning?
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Working adults may not be able to attend classes.
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Family responsibilities may prevent people from leaving their place of residence.
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Some travelling professionals cannot be in one place long enough to attend classes.
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Some people may not be close enough to an institution that offers their qualification of choice.
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Distance learning is often more affordable as enrolment fees and student travel and other expenses either cost less or are not needed.
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Some people prefer to study independently as they do not feel comfortable with classroom interaction (at a particular stage in life).
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People may prefer to pace their studies according to their needs.
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There are people with certain types of physical challenges who may find distance learning more convenient and accommodating.
The next post will focus on the distance learning experience and how it impacts on other commitments in your life.
At least Milpark should increase the support to distance learners in respect of communicating important issues like assignment submission rule of stoping the system exactly on time should be communicated to distance learners through some text sms or emails. I did not know until I missed the deadline with five minutes that deadline meant zero tolerance.
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