Distance learning takes time, motivation, and dedication. It’s a good option if you want to study part-time, or if you want to study at your own pace from home.

To get more insight into this type of learning, and to find out what it takes to make it a success, we spoke to one of the senior tutors at Oxbridge Academy.

Here’s what she had to say…

What would you say are the main differences between face-to-face tutoring and tutoring via correspondence?

With distance learning, there aren’t physical classes, so students study from home in their own time and at a pace that suits them. Of course this means we don’t see the students, but we do have contact via e-mail, and the tutoring aspect largely happens when assignments are marked and commented on.

Another difference with distance learning in general is that students receive their study material via post, courier, e-mail or the internet, and assessments are carried out via written assignments, exams, and sometimes portfolios of evidence.

In your opinion, what would you say is the biggest benefit of distance learning?

Time and flexibility! Students are in control of when and where they want to study. All they need is access to a computer and internet connectivity.

Distance learning has many other benefits too, though. For one, there’s no need to commute, so students save on petrol or public transport costs. And secondly, this type of learning is generally much more affordable than on-campus learning, as the fees are often lower, and it allows students to keep working and earning an income while they study.

Distance learning can be tricky – what’s the best way to keep motivated?

The best way to stay motivated is by keeping in mind your end goal of earning a valuable qualification.

At times, it’s easy to lose motivation when you’re studying long distance. You don’t have other students around you, and you don’t have lecturers checking up on you all the time.

If you feel like you’re losing motivation, do something to change it. Besides keeping your end goal in mind on a daily basis, set short-term goals and chart your progress with each new assignment. Talk about what you’re learning with friends and family, and reward yourself when you do well.

When you make the decision to study, whether it’s via distance learning or not, you’ve taken the first step towards changing the course of your future – which is hugely motivating in itself.

Want to find out more about studying a course via distance learning?

Click here