What is Distance Learning? The difference between Distance Learning and Self Study, and why it matters.

What is Distance Learning? The difference between Distance Learning and Self Study, and why it matters.

History of Distance Learning

The first distance learning can be traced back to the 18^th Century, in the form of ‘correspondence courses’, which became increasingly popular with the development of the postal system throughout the 19^th century. 

Distance learning was born out of the difficulty many people had in accessing education – either due to ill health, inability to travel, financial problems, working or family commitments or being unable to attend institutions due to restrictions on the admission of women.

Since then, education has probably become more easily accessible than ever before. However, distance learning still serves a useful purpose as a means for those who are unable to attend physical classes to study and gain qualifications. Its flexibility and convenience has meant that distance learning has gone from strength to strength over its 250 year history, and it is more popular now than ever before.

Distance Learning vs. Self Study

There’s a world of difference between distance learning and self study, although the two are often confused.

Self study courses are based around self-directed learning. On a self study course, you will be provided with the materials and textbooks necessary to complete the course and left to work through them at your own pace, taking exams and submitting coursework when you think you’re ready. You’ll likely receive little or no feedback, and while you may be able to contact somebody for help it’s likely that this facility will be limited to a set number of hours per month. Because they require less interaction, self study courses typically cost less than more structured distance learning courses, but there can be pitfalls, especially if you are not used to studying or are nervous about completing your chosen course alone.

Distance learning has much more in common with traditional classroom-based learning than it does with self study – it aims to give the same level of tuition, the only difference being that student does not attend a physical location to study. You’ll be given a timetable, set tasks to complete and given deadlines for the submission of work and assignments. All your work will be checked by your tutor, and you’ll be given regular feedback to help you improve and to make sure that you understand the course.

The major difference between self study and distance learning is communication. In distance learning, communication is key – as a distance learning student you will not be left to work through your chosen course alone, but will be supported and advised every step of the way, just as if you were attending a traditional college course.

Why is distance learning better?

Studying a course via true distance learning rather than via self study has numerous benefits:

• Regular contact with your tutor will help you stay on track and motivated on your chosen course, and reduce the chances of you falling behind in your studies.
• You’ll be given advice from somebody who understands the syllabus to help you decide when you’ve reached the right standard to take exams and submit assignments – self study will usually require you to make this decision yourself, and risk failing and incurring costs for re-sits if you misjudge and take your exams before you’re ready.
• You’ll submit tasks and coursework regularly, so that your tutor can make sure you understand what you’re learning fully and pick up on any misunderstandings early.
• You’ll know your tutor and they’ll know you, meaning they can understand your strengths and weaknesses and tailor their tuition to suit your level of knowledge and experience.

Distance Learning with DLC & Training

There are many different learning providers out there offering courses which do not require classroom attendance. While the qualifications they provide may be the same, the way they deliver their courses can vary considerably – either self study, or distance learning, or one of many variations or combinations of the two.

At Distance Learning College and Training, our aim is to provide the same, or wherever possible, a better quality of education than you would expect from attending a traditional college course – the only difference is that your course will be delivered without the need for you to attend physical classes or lectures.

When you enrol, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will be your contact for all questions relating to your studies. All of our tutors are experienced and highly qualified teachers, and your tutor will have completed your course themselves and will also have many years of industry experience, ensuring a thorough understanding of the requirements of your course. Your tutor will help you to draw up a study timetable, setting out clearly what you’ll need to do to complete the course. They’ll contact you regularly to make sure you’re on track, and you’ll be able to contact them whenever you have questions by telephone or email. This support is unlimited, so you can be sure that you’ll receive the help you need, when you need it.

In addition to your tutor, you’ll also receive support from your student mentor and student liaison officer. Your mentor will be there to coach you through the non-academic aspects of distance learning, offering advice on fitting your studies around your life, revision and exam techniques and any other support you might need. Your student liaison officer’s job is to help you with the administrative side of your course – arranging exams and maintaining your institute membership if the course you’re studying requires it, making sure that you’re free to concentrate on your studies.