Distance learning - is it for you?
Abstract
If you are thinking of returning to studying, but are struggling to find a solution that fits around your already committed lifestyle, distance learning may be an option for you. This paper charts my own experience of gaining a Masters qualification using the distance learning method. It may help you make an informed decision as to how to start your study plans, including tips on combining working and studying. It may also help you realise that studying could be an option for you after all.
What is distance learning?
It is a programme of study that you can follow in the comfort of your own home. Material for the courses can take a variety of forms such as online, print and media-related. You may on some courses be asked to attend day schools or even summer schools. More and more colleges and universities are offering distance learning as a form of study with the internet strongly relied upon as part of the tuition. It is therefore extremely important to ensure that anyone thinking of taking on this form of study has regular access to reliable technologies.
Learning from home also gives everyone the opportunity to learn and develop new skills that previously could not be accessed. Many people are not able to give up full time work or juggle other commitments to take on studying, but by doing it at a distance, the traditional barriers to learning are overcome. Students are able to work at their own pace and develop study timetables that fit in with their own individual circumstances.
“Learning is a life-long activity but if you are juggling a job, family and other commitments you need learning opportunities that fit in with your life style. With online learning students learn at a time that suits, in a place that suits and at a pace that suits.”(1)
Why did I go for this option?
To continue studying, the priority for me was to find a solution that fitted around my personal circumstances. Working part time did mean that there was an opportunity for me to attend university a couple of days a week; however, having a young family meant looking for childcare whilst I was attending classes. My husband also does shift work, which is a challenge in itself to organise where children will be and who is doing the collecting and taking to various places. I also was determined that my studying would have as little knock-on effect on my family as possible, i.e. I didn’t want my children to have to give up any of their social activities because I was ‘too busy’. The work-life balance is an important consideration for everyone, so ask yourself “what is realistically do-able in my situation?”
Therefore, it would seem that I was a prime candidate to take on the challenge of distance learning. I would be able to work around various commitments without committing myself to set days or times to study. I would not have to worry about making it to class, or sticking to very tight schedules, as there is more scope for coming and going on a distance learning course. However, before embarking on studying it is wise to consider your own drive and determination that you will need to successfully study this way.
“It is also easier if your employer and colleagues support your studies. The major difficulty for most students is finding the time to study”(2). Another consideration, and probably one of the biggest, is finding out what support you will get from you employer. I was very lucky in that respect and my employers were keen for me to continue studying, and would be able to provide additional support, such as some study leave, and immediate access to other colleagues working in similar fields. I also received some financial support from my employer. A percentage of my course fees were paid in return for the agreement to remain within my employment for a year after completing my studies.
Choosing the course
“Educational qualifications are becoming more and more important in our specialist-skill world” (3). Employers also see that being able to complete a qualification whilst remaining in employment shows desire, determination, and ambition to achieve goals, which are all welcome qualities to have. Choosing a course that continues your professional development is again very welcomed by employers; it can almost be an easy option for them to ensure skills are up-to-date.
Finding a course where you can complete course work in conjunction with your workload is an ideal option. For example, one of the modules in my chosen course was ‘Reflective Practitioner’, which involved developing a training course using a variety of learning styles. I was able to develop a training package for the e-Library and test it within my workplace, before submitting for marking. I had been able to develop the practical side in work and do the essay part at home. Could this be seen as creating that work-life balance? The practical side is still being implemented at work now, so I am credited with it twice.
However, to keep yourself interested and not become dissatisfied with your course, you need to do something that will expand your horizons and push yourself outside your immediate work environment. Again, my chosen course allowed me to do this: I have no management experience, but part of the course involved thinking managerially and being the decision maker within a library environment. I found this particularly interesting as I felt like I was working on the other side of the fence.
Any drawbacks?
One of the main drawbacks is that I never achieved a sense of belonging to the university and very often felt isolated. This is something that is very commonly felt amongst distance learners (4) and a huge amount of effort would need to be made by both students and lecturers to change this. The University at which I completed my Masters started well and encouraged engagement between students using the Blackboard system; however, lecturers needed to take the lead role to maintain use, and this slipped within the first few months. Other than discussion boards, there was not much opportunity to build a sense of community.
So how do you go about finding support? Firstly, choose to communicate with others whom you know to have completed Masters in similar fields as this can be a good motivational tool, as are others working in the same field of your studies with whom you can bounce ideas back and forth. Secondly, it is good to get together with other people within your workplace who are also working towards Masters in different fields. They can help to provide the moral support and encouragement that you regularly need to help you feel better. My main advice is, therefore, to start mixing with people who are or have been in the same boat as you.
Tips for studying whilst working
Conclusion
I made it! I now have initials after my name. It was a hard process on the way, but at the end of the day I achieved what I set out to do. Apart from the obvious (the qualification), I proved to myself that if I set my mind to things, then yes it can be done, and in some ways this is the biggest gain.
Would I encourage anyone to go down this path? Definitely, and I’d be more than happy to be your motivator, listener, idea-bounce-off person, and any other form of support that you may need.
References
1.Northumbria University. http://northumbria.ac.uk/studentaz/survival/distancelearning/. Accessed January 2007.
2.Hobsons. http://www.distancelearning.hobsons.com. Accessed January 2007.
3.Find a distance learning system that suits your needs. http://www.distancelearningprogramguide.net/distance-learning/. Accessed February 2007.
4.Does distance learning have to be like this [Blog]. http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/index.php/2007/01/21/does-distance-learning-have-to-be-like-this/. Accessed February 2007.
Janice Blair
Information Officer
Public Education Resource Library
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Dalian House
350 St Vincent Street
Glasgow G3 8YY
Tel: 0141 201 4920
Mail: janice.blair@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Web: www.nhsggc.org.uk/perl
- Consider what type of study option could realistically fit within your personal circumstances.
- Research the various course choices; is there one that would allow you to take advantage of dual achievements? For example, can you work on a new development within your workplace, which you can also submit as part of an assignment?
- Look for others who are studying either by distance or on a course at the same level as you. Having others who understand what you are trying to achieve will allow you to find that much-needed support. Stay motivated and focus on your achievable goal.
- Reward yourself when you reach certain milestones and keep reminding yourself that you are another step closer.
- Plan and manage your time, aiming to balance work, study, and life. Give yourself important ‘you time’, a break from study and work.