Why people choose distance learning

Working full-time, looking after the household and possible even your family doesn't leave much spare time to gain new skills. However, this doesn't mean, it is impossible. When I wanted to gain some additional marketing qualifications, I realised quickly that I would never manage to leave work in time to drive to college and to attend the class. So I decided to sign up for a distance learning course.

I am sure there are many reasons why people choose this route, which no illusions there is a hard way to study. But having spoken to some of my study colleagues, the main reason seems to be lack of time, no college close by and unusual working hours and family commitments requiring more flexible study time.

How does it work?

Today there are two forms of distance learning: Online and Offline.

Either way, the course provider breaks the course content down into digestible chunks. And often they will suggest a timescale with you taking into account how many hours you believe you can study every week. Thus the studying becomes flexible and you are expected to complete any assignments within the time that you have available. Be careful though if the exam is being run by external body you should keep the exam date in mind when planning your study timetable.

You are then either sent the study material in one go or you are sent the next chunk in regular intervals - either per post or per email. Either way, you will have study material to work through and exercises will be in-built. It is pretty much like the information a teacher would give you in the classroom and questions you would discuss in the group. The difference is, you "discuss" it on your own and only have a written feedback within your course materials. The responsibility to actually read the information and do the exercises is completely yours. There is no teacher forcing you to stay awake and participate!

At the end of every chapter, chunk or module you usually have an exercise or assignment to complete. These are the bones of the course and are therefore very important. You complete these assignments and send them back to your tutor who will mark them and give you feedback on your progress.

Online distance course providers are now trying to tackle the main weakness that distance courses have in comparison to classroom taught courses: exchange and discussion with other students. They often have chat rooms or forums where questions can be asked

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