by Hans-Gustav Schwartz

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

I was told that if I wanted to keep my job as a lecturer, I was going to have to improve my qualifications. I like my job and my lifestyle, so it was back to school.

It's been nearly twenty years since I last entered a classroom as a student, and the world has changed a great deal. Now instead of sitting in chairs that are too small for me (I'm a big man) I have the option of learning in the comfort of my own home. Introducing...distance learning. I remember a scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail when King Arthur says to Sir Bedemere, "This new learning amazes me!" And so it is with distance learning.

I paid my tuition to become a Diplomate in TESOL and I received my course materials on a CD in the mail. I was instructed to inform my tutor when I had completed the first assignment. I got right to work, ran around to innumerable bookstores in search of the volumes I would need, but, unfortunately, where I live, getting English language books can be a challenge. My first assignment was completed reading what was available, but not all of what was assigned. I spent one to two hours every other day and the extra workload was barely noticeable. In fact, it was challenging and fun.

I carefully crafted my answers to the essay questions, and emailed my first assignment in. I didn't have to wait long. Within 48 hours I had my reply and my grade. My disappointment was visible to anyone who saw me that day as I learned that for all my efforts I had received a lowly grade of B. So what went wrong this time?

My tutor/mentor/instructor was very kind and explained how she had arrived at my grade. Her critique was clear and the result was inescapable. I had turned in a "B" assignment and it was graded accordingly.

I found the other books I needed in the local library and committed the mortal sin of photocopying it. The things we do in pursuit of higher education. Upon reading my ill-gotten tome, my shortcomings were immediately clear to me. The bottom line was, don't submit an assignment until you have done all the work, and that includes all of the reading.

My second effort made me smile. For my two essays I received an "A" and "A-". I beamed with pride. This was more like it.

Distance learning is great. However, you must be disciplined, follow the instructions given, and complete assignments.

This new learning amazes me!

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