distance/online learning, is it any good?

I would like to find out peoples opinions on distance learning or online learning, or combined, blended learning.

i suppose what i really want to know is are the qualifications worth it, will they stand up against "proper" qualifications?

also if they are indeed a good alternative to attending day classes, or evening classes, where would be the best to enquire?

thanks in advance.

please accept apologies, i should have done a search first. sorry again.

bubbles61999 said:

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i suppose what i really want to know is are the qualifications worth it, will they stand up against "proper" qualifications?
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The stigma of distance/online learning (DL) is slowly changing. Many universities now provide alot of e-learning courses that are "proper" i.e. they are just as relevant and recognised as an on-campus got qualification. Depending on what area you want to work in, just check that whatever course you take is recognised in that industry e.g. i did a postgraduate cert in biomedical science which has only recently been recognised by the AMLS in ireland.
A DL course is no easier than any other course to complete..in fact i found it alot harder than getting my orginal degree on campus. It requires a huge amount of motivation on your part.As you can study in your own time, as relaxing as it may sound, the distractions of home, tv, bed...anythin at all was tougher to overcome than getting on a bus and going to a lecture where you have no choice but to listen and study! It can be v boring sitting at home completing lectures and assignments by yourself and only interacting with other students 'virtually"! I also found it difficult learning something new by myself that wasnt verbally taught to me! But, i perservered and got the cert...worth it but hard work!!

As with any course by any provider, you should check to see whether the qualification offered is accepted or recognised by the types of industry you're in or would like to get into. This is potentially very important as some "education providers" aren't necessarily recognised as being serious. Perhaps get in touch with the NQAI to see whether the qualification is nationally recognised or accredited. http://www.nqai.ie

from speaking with friends who've tried it, studying through open courses requires high levels of personal motivation and persevereance. Personally, from having attended evening classes, I found the support and empathy of fellow students very valuable, particularly leading up to exams. It was useful to know others were in the same boat, experiencing the same anxieties.

Equally, though, the location of the college is important. If it's going to be a drag to physically get there, it'll make it tougher to keep going.

At the end though, it all pays off and looking back, the effort will have been worth it. Best of luck.

wile it can be hard to get motivated the benefits of studying in your own time , in any place out weigh it. I cant devote a specific evening to attending a course so distance learning really suits me. It does also show employers that you can work on your own, motivate yourself etc.

its such a shame that some people still view the courses as "not really at university level" . Im doing an arts degree with open university and it is not easy !

I don't dispute that its possible to have a high quality e-learning or distance learning course. But...from my own experiences and what I've heard from colleagues, there's a lot of poor quality courses out there, poorly mentored. So choose wisely. One of the courses I did the workload was far too high, for a part-time course. They were expecting more hours from you than if you were a full time student. Which wasn't practical. There was a drop out rate of about 75%. I'm a bit cynical of courses that do this.

I would suggest get a break down of the workload and hours expected. Also any facilities they have for extending the term of the course, like take 2 modules per term instead of 3 if you fall behind. Or take a 2 yr course over 3yrs etc. The module course of the Open University seem better designed from this point of view.

I'll also agree with what has already been posted. That some people, work better in class than at home alone. So bear that in mind.

I did a distance learning for one subject of my course as i was unable to attend classes and i found it extremely difficult, The notes were very vague and my so called mentor didnt correspond with me at all, this was with a reputable place in dublin.

I think it most definately takes a lot of personal control to be able to do it. I only managed to suceed by contacting a person, who was doing the same course in class and getting the notes from her!

But best of luck! Im a big follower of continued learning!

The subject matter may have a bearing on how beneficial the course is (as well as a recognised qualification, mentioned earlier). If the subject is a "fast-changing" area module notes/topics may be out of date before you begin your year.

I did the B.Sc in IT with Oscail (DCU), completing it in 1997, and the courseware fell behind the rapidly changing IT landscape at the time - for example, there was no mention of the internet, and the programming language was BASIC (I know that has changed now, but it took a while!).

I'd second the other posters on the commitment required - it's tough to come in from a day's work (and commuting) and get stuck into study.

As one tutor described it to us - "As a distance student, you are trying to teach yourself something you don't already know". If you think you can crack this, then by all means do, and good luck, whatever you decide!

I have recently started a course and just some suggestions - as per above make sure it is recognised by all the bodies required - maybe ask a person in the profession you are thinking of looking at. Personally I am very happy with the online discussion board (very important for distance as students can help each other), the notes, the additional books and materials and web set-up. The course also organises face to face weekends too.

Other suggestions would be do you have 15 - 20 hours a week to do this? Remember this has to be done on top of parties, weddings, sporting activities, cleaning the house, cooking dinner etc!
What help is your employer going to give? Even if related to your work they may not help out. Not only talking about study time but know I am getting none while others on the course are getting the course paid for, all expenses to face to faces plus leave, exam time leave, exam time expenses and time off working week.
What support will your family, partner give? They may have to pick up the slack or financially may be impacted.
Financially is it viable? Courses are costly and tax is up to 20% back at the end of the year the costs were paid excluding registration fees.
What set-up do you have - where will you study? Do you have a laptop/ PC and broadband plus a quiet place?
Your location and choice of course may also factor into what type of course you do - based in Dublin may have more options than Galway but again certain courses may not be available in Ireland as evening or distance and you may need to try the UK.