There are many pages and articles on the web that talk about all the great things about ICB Distance Learning courses. They talk about the flexibility of self-study and being able to study in your own time. While all of this is true, the fact is that with all the advantages of Distance Learning when studying ICB courses there are also challenges and disadvantages. Luckily, there are solutions to these challenges. This article will look at three of the biggest Distance Learning challenges and their solutions.
Distance Learning Challenge 1: Losing Track of Deadlines
While studying in your own time is great one of the biggest problems is time management. Maybe you had a rough day today, so you skip studying today. Next week you have a birthday party to go to. Suddenly, before you know it, your deadline is a week away and you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to so you rush through it.
Solution: It is important to keep track of your deadlines and know how much time you have left. A good idea is to go and get a big desk calendar. Put it up on your wall where you will see it often and mark your deadlines on it. These are things like your ICB exams and the date you’ll get your results. You can also things like birthdays or anything else which might take time away from your studies. This way you can plan your time better.
Distance Learning Challenge 2: Work Overload
When you study ICB courses through Distance Learning, you are sent all your work at once. This huge stack of books, papers, and assignments can seem scary. You might suddenly feel that there is no way that you could possibly finish it all. This can make you feel stressed and demotivated.
Solution: We’ve all heard the phrase “baby steps” before. The best way to deal with your workload is by taking baby steps. Instead of looking at the work as one big task, break it up into smaller goals. reaching these smaller goals helps you to feel motivated and it makes the work easier. You can even add these smaller goals to your calendar to help you keep track and see exactly how far you are. Reward yourself when you reach these goals. Go to a movie, go out for dinner. Doing something to celebrate these smaller goals helps to keep you motivated.
Distance Learning Challenge 3: You’re all Alone
Since you are doing Distance Learning, you don’t sit in a classroom with other students. This makes it easy for you to feel that you are all on your own with no one to help you.
Solution: Whether it is help with your ICB registration or questions about your study programme, ask for help. This might seem strange but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Not only do you have your family and friends to help you, but there are other students like yourself. If you search online you will find online study groups and Facebook pages. Here you can connect with other students who are doing the same thing you are. Also, don’t forget that your college has lecturers and staff who are there to help you. You might feel alone but you are not, so ask for help.
Wrap Up
No matter how difficult or hopeless things seem, there is always hope and help. Distance Learning can feel scary but if you approach it the right way you will succeed. Rely on those around you, find the tools that will help you. You are not alone but no one can help you unless you let them.
Written by: Clifford Ekron
Last Updated: April 16, 2019