It has never been easier to achieve the qualifications you have always wanted. Did you know you can earn qualifications like your Matric from the comfort of your home?
With distance learning, not only will you become educated, but you will also learn valuable skills like time management and organisational skills, which is what employers are looking for.
What Are The Advantages Of Distance Learning?
It is clear that distance learning comes with many benefits, but here are the key points that will make your journey a walk in the park.
- Flexibility
- Cost Effective
- Zero Commute
- Work While You Study
- No Distractions
Flexibility
You now have the freedom to study from anywhere at any time. Distance learning allows you to set up a study schedule that works for you. You can complete your studies at a pace that suits you, so there is no need to neglect your responsibilities to achieve your goals.
Cost Effective
Give your wallet a break by choosing from a wide range of courses at a fraction of the cost. You will also be happy to hear that there is no need to spend a fortune on textbooks since your books are sent to you via courier or email. With distance learning, it has never been easier to cut back on costs without cutting back on the quality of education.
Zero Commute
Forget about waking up early only to get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dodge the traffic, early mornings, and sky-high petrol costs by opting for distance learning. Zero commute means convenience like no other.
Work While You Study
Already Employed? You will be able to increase your career opportunities through distance learning while you gain valuable work experience. With commitment, proper time management, and a good study schedule, you will get qualified and set yourself up for success.
Is Distance Learning Better Than Classroom Learning?
The short answer is yes. Distance learning already comes with a handful of benefits. Here’s how it works better than classroom learning.
- Absorb Knowledge Faster
- Learn The Work Faster And Remember It Longer
Absorb Knowledge Faster
Since you determine the pace of your learning, this gives you the control to move quicker through the coursework that you already understand, rather than spend time on sections you are struggling with.
Learn The Work Faster And Remember It Longer
According to The Research Institute of America, Distance Learning can boost a student’s knowledge retention by anywhere from 25-60%. This means that the information learned can be stored in your long-term memory faster.
What Are The Challenges Faced By The Students In Distance Learning?
Although distance learning has its advantages, it may also have some setbacks. Let us have a look at these and how you can overcome them.
| Challenges | How to overcome them |
| Poor time management | Set up a study plan and share it with someone so that they can help you stay on track |
| Being unsure about instructions | Reach out to your institution for assistance |
| Lack of motivation | Reward yourself every time you complete a section of work |
| Not getting the feedback you need | Reach out to peers for help |
What Is The Purpose Of Distance Learning?
The reason why distance learning is made available is so that anyone can have the opportunity to get educated and better their future.
Everyone must have access to education, despite their background or age. People can have the freedom to build their careers or take care of their families while bettering themselves.
What Is The Importance Of Distance Learning?
The purpose of distance learning tells us why there is a need for it, however looking at the importance of distance learning we can see why it is valuable to students.
Distance learning offers a unique educational experience that outshines traditional modes of learning. By using technology and out-of-the-box thinking, we have come up with a method of delivering the class straight to your doorstep.
That means, even if you did not pass matric, you should not give up.
What Do Experts Say About Distance Learning?
Your family and friends might look at you funny when you tell them you want to study using distance learning, but their opinions should not matter. Remember this: your future is in your hands.
Next time your family or friends question your interest in distance learning, tell them what the experts say:
- The importance of distance learning which takes place through the use of the Internet in 21st-century university education is undeniable, particularly for the students of today as digital natives (Bennett et al., 2008; Prensky, 2001)
- Technology makes it easy to learn and interact with your studies. You can focus on study methods that work for you.
- Distance learning has become more common because it gives students the chance to focus on their education even if they have other responsibilities.
What Is The Student’s Role In Distance Learning?
Distance learning puts the student in control of planning their lessons and making sure they study all their work.
Since there is no guidance from a teacher, what roles and responsibilities will you have as a distance learning student?
To make sure you stay on track, you will need to keep yourself motivated, manage your time well, and complete all your projects and assessments.
Here is how distance learning colleges work hand in hand with students to ensure their success.
| Roles And Responsibilities Of The Distance Learning College | Roles And Responsibilities Of The Student |
| Give your project and assessment instructions | Create a study schedule to manage your time better |
| Tell you the deadlines for your assessments and other important dates | Make a note of all your deadlines and important dates |
| Give you all the resources and past papers you need | Take the time to study and make use of these resources to remember the work |
| Tell you about online groups where you can talk to other students | Check these groups so that you can help each other |
What Is An Example Of Distance Learning?
Now that you know your roles and responsibilities as a distance learning student, this is how your learning will take place.
Distance learning combines technology and education to help you finish your studies. Here are the most common methods of distance learning.
- Correspondence Studying
- Webinars
- Virtual Classrooms
Correspondence Studying
Think of this as education delivered to your doorstep. With this mode of distance learning, your study materials get delivered to you and after that, you complete the assignments. There is no fuss about buying textbooks or driving to and from college.
Webinars
What exactly is a webinar? A webinar is like an online class that one person controls. Many people can watch a webinar, but they will only be able to see the person who is hosting. The webinar can be recorded and viewed by students later.
Virtual Classrooms
Almost like a webinar, this is also a video conference, but the people taking part can engage with the host and with each other. It acts as a digital classroom where everyone communicates via their web cameras and microphones.
Who Benefits The Most From Distance Learning?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to rewrite matric?
- Do you want to get your matric but feel like you have no time to study?
- Are you overwhelmed about your future?
- Do you want to increase your career opportunities?
- Are you looking for ways to upskill yourself while you work?
Did you answer yes to any of these questions? Then you can benefit from distance learning and this is how you can start.
Steps To Start Distance Learning
- Ask yourself what your goals are and what qualifications you want. Not sure? That is completely fine, you can look at your options online and go from there.
- Take a look at different distance learning colleges and what they offer. Decide which one is right for you. There are a lot of options out there.
- When you choose your distance learning college, do not waste time, complete the online application and the college will get in touch with you.
So easy right?
As you can see, distance learning can work for everyone no matter their age, background, current situation, or where they stay. Distance learning has made it easy to reach your goals and learn valuable skills at the same time.
Now you have the keys to unlock your potential and give yourself a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer is yes. Employers are looking for people who are job-ready and have specific skills. More importantly, they want you to have the right attitude and skills so that they can train you to meet their standards.
You need to learn to manage your time and stay organised. Remember, to push yourself to never give up. You may find it helpful to set up a study area at home, this will help you stay focused and organised. Lastly, make sure you have access to a computer or laptop.
There are many ways you can succeed; start by writing down all your due dates or exam dates on a calendar. From there, you can set up a study timetable to make sure you complete your assignments on time, and you are ready for your exams. Figure out what your learning style is, this will speed up your study process.
Having internet connection problems and no access to a computer or laptop can be a challenge for some people, which may cause stress. Others may not have family and friends to support them during their studies.
And while these factors might cause stress to those studying through distance learning, maintaining a positive mindset and a drive to succeed will get you through these times.
Author: Angela Mouton
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: September 8, 2023