What is distance learning and how can it benefit you?
From participating in live seminars with students from around the world to keeping up with your weekly Zoom 1:1 meetings with your personal tutor, distance learning has grown in popularity over the last decade, even more so after the global pandemic temporarily moved classes online. With a growing number of institutions offering online degree programmes, it seems that more and more students are starting to see distance learning as a viable next step.
So, what exactly is distance learning, and more importantly, how can it benefit you? Keep reading to find out.
What is distance learning?
Simply put, distance learning refers to a form of education where students don’t learn
on-site but instead are taught online (and “at a distance”), usually from where they live. While the majority of students grow up attending a primary and secondary school and sixth form college in-person, distance learning offers an alternative route to higher education – one that takes place from wherever you are.
What are the benefits of distance learning?
As you can expect, the world of distance learning comes with its own set of benefits – let’s explore a few of them.
Flexibility
The biggest, and probably the most common benefit of distance learning is its flexibility. Being able to “bring the class to you” transforms the way we think about education, particularly higher education. Distance learning opens up possibilities for all types of learners, including parents, carers, and employees who have other responsibilities that make it nearly impossible to follow traditional routes to higher education that require full-time focus. With flexibility comes the freedom and control that distance learning offers, not only giving you a choice in where you study but also how you study.
Accessibility
Like flexibility, accessibility is another common benefit of distance learning. In a study by Disabled Students UK, 84.5% of disabled students surveyed said that they would benefit from online/distance teaching being an option after the pandemic.
Rightly so, as pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree via distance learning eliminates many concerns around accessibility. Thinking about how to get in and out of a university building, travelling to and from your lectures and seminars and even having the tools to fully make the most of the session are just a few of the things that some students have to think about when learning in-person. Accessibility is just one way that these students get their precious time back to focus on the things that matter.
Affordability
While online university and postgraduate degrees are far from cheap, degrees taught via distance learning typically cost less than in-person degree programmes. Considering the cost of transport, accommodation, physical course materials and general living costs that significantly boost the yearly cost of a degree, learning online offers an alternative, slightly more affordable option.
Are there any drawbacks to distance learning?
While distance learning offers plenty of benefits, it’s not without a few potential disadvantages.
Missing out on the traditional student environment
A common drawback of distance learning can be the lack of a traditional university experience. Particularly for undergraduate students, on-campus learning offers not only an opportunity to achieve a degree, but also make friends, learn new skills and experience new things in an exciting new environment, with others just like you. In comparison, distance learning could feel a bit siloed.
After entering the workforce, there are not as many opportunities to do this (on a regular basis) so some students might find on-campus learning better suited to their current needs.
Lack of extracurricular activities
Similarly, the lack of extracurricular activities that distance learning offers may put students, who want both the social and academic aspects of pursuing a degree, at a disadvantage. Clubs and societies form an integral part of university life so for students studying at this level for the first time, this might not be the ideal choice. However, with video conferencing tools, online clubs are always a possibility. Who knows, an online film club could be just a Google Meet call away.
How does distance learning work?
So, after weighing the pros and cons, and deciding to pursue a degree via distance learning, what now?
The good news is that online degree programmes from universities are just as recognised and accredited as degrees taught on-campus. Students are able to complete undergraduate and postgraduate (such as masters and doctorate degrees) programmes and are usually able to apply to the same loans and grants that would be available on-campus.
Start with your desired degree and begin your search, taking time to consider factors such as how well their online programmes are designed, what modules are offered and how much support they offer distance learners. During this time, explore your financial options, both what is available to you via Student Finance England (if you’re a home student) and your top university choices, as they may also offer scholarships and grants both for home and international students.
From there, applications are relatively straightforward as universities will have student recruitment teams on hand to support you throughout the process.
Learn more about what it is, its benefits, and discover how you can do it with the Roehampton.
