Distance Learning VS Regular Learning
Distance learning vs traditional education; which really is the best of the two? It is completely down to you as an individual, but in general distance learning gives you much more freedom and flexibility. Any qualification, whether it be from a bricks-and-mortar training provider or an accredited distance learning provider, carries the same weight. You won’t be any more qualified by attending classes as opposed to learning from home. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning for you to have a read through.
Advantages of Distance Learning
Hundreds of people decide to take up distance learning each year, but what makes it so popular? One of the main benefits is that there are no physical classes to attend. This saves on travel time, and makes distance learning much easier to fit around a busy schedule. It gives you the chance to focus on your learning, rather than worrying about getting to a class on time, or being back for the children’s bedtime.
There is no specific ‘term-time’ for distance learning either. This means that you could literally start one of our Assessor courses tomorrow if you wish. So rather than having to wait for the next intake in September, you can strike while the iron is hot and your motivation levels are high.
With traditional learning, you are stuck with a set start and end date, and ever-looming deadlines in-between. If you miss a class because of another commitment, you will find yourself chasing your tail in order to try and catch up. That will all be within your own time too, of course. With distance learning, the course materials are available online so you can learn when you have the time to do so. Therefore, if you find yourself having a busy few weeks at work and are unable to study, it doesn’t matter. Your learning can be flexible around your other commitments.
Disadvantages of Distance Learning
Of course, you have to be aware that distance learning isn’t right for everyone. Some people struggle with lots of flexibility and prefer a more regimented approach. If you are someone who lacks discipline and organisation, distance learning might not be the right choice for you. That being said, have a look at what training providers offer. Here at Brooks and Kirk, for example, we offer a solution for those who are likely to lose motivation when studying on their own. On request, we can put together Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). These are a set of goals and ‘risk-free’ deadlines to help keep you on track. Allowing you to complete your course within a specified timeframe (that you decide on).
There are lots of different types of learner too; some who learn better by visual stimulation, others by listening, and some by reading & writing. Studying alone for a long period of time can feel really challenging to some people, which again can lead to demotivation. If you are going to invest in distance learning, take the time to structure your studying so it doesn’t feel like a never-ending struggle.
As you can see, there are clear advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, it all depends on your circumstances and which approach you feel would be best. If you would like any more information on the support that the team at Brooks and Kirk offer for our learners, please feel free to give us a call on 01205 805 155.
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.