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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 enrol 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 analysing 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'.
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About
The Author
Written
by Angela Williams, Education Standards
Reviewer ‘UK Education Today’.
Distance Learning Courses can be enrolled
via http://www.oxforddistancelearning.com.
This online college has been recognised in
the UK for offering the “best tutoring
program to date”. |
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