Written by Natalie Boxall, Editorial Team, CSU Ltd..
Although distance learning via post has been around for years, the globalisation of IT has accelerated the process of studying for a long distance qualification. Seventy per cent of all learndirect courses are now entirely online, and the Open University estimates that 160,000 of its 200,000 students have online access, indicating that e-learning is a growth area. Students at all levels can now take tutorials and find library resources on the internet, conversing with tutors via email. Distance learning gives postgraduates a totally different experience to studying on campus. It has also opened up educational opportunities for thousands of people who have been unable to study for a postgraduate qualification, due to their location and their busy lives. ‘Distance learning in all its forms is useful to many people,' explains Clare Sansom of Birkbeck College, University of London, where courses have been available through e-learning since 1993. 'It is suitable for mothers who are returning to work, and for people who have little time to travel to an institution daily. It’s also good for workers whose companies are reluctant to grant them day release to study. In parts of the world where there is little distance learning expertise, it is a lot cheaper and easier for postgrads to take a course from a UK institution by distance rather than having to move here.’ Tim Goudie, who studied for his MBA through a distance learning course at the University of Leicester, found that long distance learning gave him the flexibility to learn whilst on the move. ‘I first decided to take an MBA in Dubai, in the knowledge that I would shortly be emigrating to North America and I felt I would need an MBA to compete in the job market there. My first examination was written in Los Angeles while on business with Neutrogena, my last was taken in Toronto while working for Pillsbury and the majority of my dissertation was written in Dubai while working for Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc.' Tim's constant travelling meant that an online course was ideal for him. But distance learning can also suit those with more fixed commitments. Sandra Harris chose distance learning because she couldn’t afford to give up work to study full-time. She also found it can be an isolating experience. ‘Often with this type of learning, students are drawing on their own work experiences to complete their study so sharing ideas with their peer group is not always appropriate. I think it is the emotional support that is missed by distance learners. Luckily, I have a friend who is also undertaking similar study so we support each other.’ Tim Goudie agrees that support is important, but found that it was available even from a distance: 'Following a distance learning programme while working demanded a disciplined study plan, but the local resource centre in Dubai helped me enormously. I not only had great support from staff but was also able to keep in touch with my fellow Leicester MBA students.’ Learning independently is not an easy option: it demands hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Self-motivation is an important quality for any postgraduate to have, especially if they are studying independently. Academic support varies throughout courses and institutions but most distance learning students will receive basic academic guidance such as written study guides and past examination papers, videos, computer disks, audio tapes and annotated texts, and use them to their own advantage. Students often learn most effectively when they have the opportunity to interact with other students, so it is a good idea to contact other long distance learners to avoid feelings of isolation. Related topics
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