Distance Learning in New Zealand

Distance Learning Versus Classroom

During a recession when redundancies are on the rise, many people consider a change in career or the importance of building on current skills. If you are in work, are working shifts, or caring for children, attending classes at Polytechnic or University is almost impossible. Fortunately in New Zealand there are a lot of courses offered either partially or completely online and/or at home through distance learning.

• Adult Education
• Distance Learning
• Alternative Education

If you are looking for a way to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications, and upskill from the warmth and comfort of your home, distance learning may be for you.

There are a number of delivery options when it comes to distance learning including;

• Online lessons
  Resources are available online and assessments are completed online, or information is online and assignments are completed offline

• Workbooks
  Resources are in workbooks which you work through at your own pace, and complete assignments at the end to show understanding

• Exams
  Some university level courses will allow you to complete your coursework during the semesters at home by posting assignments, or sending them via email. However, you will probably be required to sit an exam in a large city at the end of the semester

Depending on the course you will have tutor support by phone, and email.

For the self motivated person studying from home allows you to fit it around work, children, and other interests. You can study when and where you like for as long as you have available. Some courses even have CDs so you can listen to course material in the car, or add it to your iPod for portable learning.

There are a number of other benefits of being able to study from home as detailed below.

Flexibility
Because you are not limited to classroom, you can study wherever you have access to your learning materials. Distance learning allows you to complete coursework during the time of day that best suits you. You will not have to give up your job to study as you can do studies part time in many cases

Convenience
While there is generally a fixed timeframe to finish a course , you are not forced into a strict schedule. With distance learning, you are responsible for your schedule. You can start your study at any time of the year, not only at the prescribed time in the semester

Support
Distance learning programmes offer support from tutors. Your instructor is just an email or phone call away. Many distance learning programmes offer online chats, video conferences, and other interactive means for students to work together.

Budget Saving
With distance learning, you get to learn from home reducing travel expenses

Quantity AND Quality
If you live outside a large city, distance learning offers a wide range of topics and degrees you may not find locally. The world is your oyster and you are free to study at large institutions at the other end of the country. Even if you live in an area with a lot of education institutions, they may not offer the course that interests you most. With distance learning, your choices are not determined by geography.

However, it is not all positives when it comes to studying from home. It is important to know some of the pitfalls which include;

No Instructor Face Time
If your personal learning style is one where you like one on one attention from your tutors, then online education may not be the best option for you.

Perceptions/Reputation
While slowly changing as more and more mainstream colleges and universities embrace distance learning, there still is a stigma attached to distance education.

Requires New Skills/Technologies
If you’re not computer-savvy or are afraid of change, then studying online may not be for you

No Social Interaction
While you often interact with classmates via email, chat rooms, or discussion groups, it is likely you will not have offline catch ups

Making Time
If you are a procrastinator, you may have a hard time making time for your study. While your tutor will keep in touch with you, you are ultimately responsible for completing the coursework in the allocated timeframe

Little Support
Students are expected to find their own resources for completing some assignments and exams, which is empowering for some, but can be daunting for others.

No Campus Atmosphere
Part of the tertiary study experience is the beauty of the campus and the spirit of the institution but you have none of that with distance-education courses.

Offering an array of fantastic advantages, but also a few disadvantages that should be taken into consideration, distance learning can be an excellent study option for a wide range of New Zealanders looking to upskill, move into a new industry, or simply learn more about a topic that interests them.

For mroe about distance learning in New Zealand check out Distance Learning in the NZS.com directory.

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Education images from Flickr: online learning, Encyclopedias and Globe.