Distance learning is a unique and innovative form of education that takes study away from the classroom or campus and allows you to work remotely, using online resources
It’s a type of learning you might be unfamiliar with, so you’ll need to take the time to decide if it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
However, the great thing about distance learning is that it’s specifically designed to be inclusive and suit a diverse range of student groups, making it an ideal form of study for people with busy lives and all sorts of commitments and requirements.
Parents
Family commitments such as childcare have long served as an obstacle to higher education for many parents, carers and guardians. However, if you’ve got these responsibilities, distance learning allows you a greater degree of flexibility because most courses don’t require classroom attendance.
Family commitments such as childcare have long served as an obstacle to higher education for many parents, carers and guardians. However, if you’ve got these responsibilities, distance learning allows you a greater degree of flexibility because most courses don’t require classroom attendance.
Meanwhile, smart virtual learning portals mean that reputable universities maintain the same teaching standards for distance learning and campus-based courses – as well as enabling you to stay closely connected to tutors and classmates.
As you can see, all of the factors above make remote learning an excellent option because you can maintain your normal home life and earn a valuable qualification with minimal disruption.
Workers
The drive to top up your education can emerge at any time, but when you’re working and have responsibilities like bills and a mortgage, quitting your job is a luxury you possibly can’t afford.
However, a distance learning course allows you to access all of your learning materials online, which makes it easy for you to fit study sessions around your work.
For example, you can log in and work through part of a module during your lunchbreak, or catch up with emails and correspondence during your commute to work or from the comfort of your living room.
International students
As long as you have internet access and a computer, distance learning enables you to study from anywhere in the world.
In this way, distance learning removes geographical barriers to education by allowing you to study at institutions across the globe, without the need to uproot your family by relocating.
This makes it ideal for international students who are looking for a British education, which is still considered one of the most prestigious worldwide learning options. It’s also well suited for anyone who can’t physically attend their desired learning institution because they live in isolated communities or might suffer from a disability.
The thought of never stepping foot on the campus of your course provider might seem strange. However, as mentioned earlier, switched on universities harness technology to create virtual learning environments that allow you to interact regularly and easily with teachers and students, access learning materials and submit assignments.
Some courses also have short campus-based modules – so you might meet classmates and tutors during these times, or when you travel to attend your graduation ceremony. But even if these options aren’t viable or available, as your course unfolds remotely, you’ll still forge close bonds with fellow students, connect with some of the sharpest minds in your sector and become part of a powerful international network that’s valuable to be part of.
Accessibility, inclusivity and vocational value are core pillars of distance learning – all of which are important for international students.
Career changers
A distance learning course is a great option for people looking to change or advance their career opportunities.
The in-built flexibility of these types of courses means you can continue to earn as you learn – fitting your studies around working hours and family duties in a way that isn’t always possible with more restrictive, campus-based learning options.
Plus, you might be more motivated in your job, knowing that you’re edging closer to exciting new opportunities as your studies progress.
Experienced distance learning providers like ARU offer a good mix of academic and vocational courses that will help you stand out in the job market.
So whether you’re looking to learn something dynamic like digital marketing or you’re a budding entrepreneur that could benefit from an enterprise-focused MBA, a distance learning qualification can help you fulfil your career change goals.
Final thoughts
Distance learning provides people from all walks of life access to access to quality higher education – irrespective of their age, location or other personal circumstances.
So if you’ve got a busy life packed with responsibilities and commitments, it can offer you the opportunity to retrain for a new career in the most comfortable and convenient way possible.
When it comes to learning opportunities that are flexible and accessible to all, distance learning is a brilliant option that’s hard to beat.
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