Distance learning

Distance Learning Degrees: A Quick Guide

laura.tucker@qs.com — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:09:00 +0000

Distance Learning Degrees: A Quick Guide

laura.tucker@qs.com Fri, 10/03/2014 - 16:09

Fri, 10/03/2014 - 01:00

Distance Learning Degrees: A Quick Guide main image

Starting from correspondence education courses in the 1930s, distance learning has evolved into the dynamic and technology-driven world of online education – cited by many as the answer to time constraints, financial barriers and other obstacles to accessing education. In the past few years the distance education market has gained new attention thanks to the hype surrounding MOOCs (massive open online courses), while recent Google data suggests that many online education providers now attract more online searches than long-established traditional campus universities.

Want to know more? Read on for an introduction to the world of distance and online learning…

What is distance learning?

Distance learning does exactly what it says on the packet; it allows students to learn while in a different location to the course provider, often studying from home and most likely via computer.

The added freedoms of this approach are clear. Distance education opens up a large range of programs to students who would struggle to attend lectures and seminars face-to-face due to responsibilities or time constraints, such as parents or full- and part-time workers. Students are able to work in their own time, often at their own pace, with all the resources they need available via the internet or as downloadable materials.

There’s no geographic constraint either. Students and teachers can be separated by time zones and continents without this affecting the structure or efficiency of the program. Prospective students with ambitions of studying at prestigious universities elsewhere in the world can do so without having to move thousands of miles away from home, leave friends and family behind or give up their jobs.

How is online education improving?

In the past, the main criticisms of distance learning have focused on its inability to compete with the support and interactivity provided by traditional on-campus programs. But with online communication techniques developing and internet connections in many places continuing to get faster and more reliable, the ease with which online university courses interact with and teach their students is constantly improving.

Today’s distance education students may be able to watch video lectures, chat with teachers and fellow course-mates using forums and instant messaging, and download a wide range of reading materials and other resources. Some online education providers have increased levels of support by hiring more staff members to answer questions asked by online students, as well as nurturing peer support networks and monitoring courses to identify the points at which additional support or resources are most in-demand.

Types of distance learning

The delivery method of distance and online learning programs varies. Although many courses are conducted entirely online, some providers also give students the opportunity to meet face-to-face with tutors and classmates several times a year. This aims to give a more personable feel to the program and enables students to network, ask more in-depth questions and gain further professional and interpersonal skills.

In other situations, students will conduct all their work online and are only required to attend specific locations for exams. Others may attend weekly lectures in addition to completing work online; this combined system is known as blended learning.

In the last few years another type of online education has stepped in to the spotlight: MOOCs, short for massive open online courses. These are free online education programs that anyone can sign up to, typically offered by well-known universities, and now covering a huge range of subjects. Although MOOCs haven’t emerged (as some initially forecast) as genuine rivals to full-length degree programs, they have nonetheless had a major influence on the education sector, impacting on the way both campus universities and online learning providers deliver their materials.

As MOOCs are free and open to all with access to the internet, they are useful for people of all ages and professional backgrounds who are keen to learn a new skill or gain information about a particular subject. Most MOOCs do not offer official certification, though a growing number offer the option to be officially assessed for a small fee. To find out more about MOOCs, read this blog post.

The benefits and disadvantages of distance learning

Along with the obvious advantages of not having to travel or take years out of work to complete a degree, there are even more benefits of studying online. These can include lower tuition fees and the freedom to study in your own time.

International knowledge-sharing is another benefit. Due to the fact that distance learners come from all walks of life and from any corner of the world, online education is often an incredibly global and diverse environment, bringing together students and tutors of many different nationalities and facilitating intercultural exchanges that often bring new perspectives.

There is also the potential benefit of learning in an independent and self-reliant way – but for those who struggle with self-discipline this may be more of a disadvantage. Other disadvantages can include the lack of face-to-face communication and lack of timetabled structure.

The relatively limited potential for networking may be a deterrent for some students for whom this is a high priority. And certain subjects that require regular access to specialized equipment and practical experience (such as engineering, natural sciences and medicine) are also less well-suited to distance/online formats.

Who offers distance learning programs?

Distance learning and online university courses are offered across all higher education levels, including bachelor, master and PhD level. The number of courses offered is growing daily, with many programs designed and led by accredited, well-reputed institutions which offer both on-campus and online courses.

Popular subjects to study online include law and business, with the online MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) gaining prominence among mid-career business professionals looking for further qualifications to help them progress up the leadership ladder. Often these subjects lend themselves well to part-time study, as simultaneous experience within the field is helpful in applying learnt skills.

Whatever the subject you’re looking for, it’s likely you’ll be able to find some form of distance education to suit your needs; just search online!

Are distance learning degrees valued as highly?

If your distance program is accredited by a well-known university, your degree should be viewed just as a campus-based qualification would be. Be wary, however, of the thousands of distance/online courses on offer; not all are accredited, meaning there is room in the market for scammers creating bogus programs to try and get you to part with your hard-earned cash.

Before choosing a program it’s important that you assess your chosen institution's reputation and the reputation of your chosen course. If possible, ask employers what they think of your selection and find some current students or alumni to give you an insider’s perspective on the course.

You can also check whether your distance-learning provider is accredited by national bodies, such as the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How long does it take?

The length of online university courses varies depending on whether you’ll be studying full- or part- time, the level of the qualification, and the subject of study.

For the majority of full-time undergraduate programs, the timeframe is similar to a traditional bachelor’s course of three or four years. For part-time courses, you may spread your studies out over an additional two or three years. Although part-time courses can be pretty flexible in terms of timeframe, most accredited online university courses will give a specific time period within which students must complete their studies.

To find out more about these time restrictions, contact the university’s online education department.

Is distance learning cheaper?

Although a respected distance/online program won’t come cheap, often the fees work out considerably less than traditional routes of education.

One of the leading providers of online education in the UK is the Open University, which provides over 1,000 tutorials online every week to its students. Fees at the Open University vary depending on whether you opt to study part-time or full-time, but the average cost for full-time study works out at UK£5,264 annually (US$8,540) for three years. This is approximately UK£3,700 (US$6,000) less per year than enrolling at a campus-based UK university as a home student, and considerably less than the amount international students would pay to study in the UK. Part-time students at the Open University should expect to pay UK£2,632 (US$4,270) annually over a period of six years.

Some online programs are considerably more expensive, particularly those in postgraduate business education. Online fees at the leading business schools in the US range from US$60,000 to US$80,000. Average costs at mid-range US business schools range between US$35,000 and US$50,000, a price typically US$5,000 cheaper than on-campus figures, and as much as US$25,000 less than figures for on-campus internationals. If you’re looking for an online MBA program, take a look at the latest edition of the QS Distance Online MBA Rankings, a ranking of the best online MBA providers around the world.

One additional point to consider is that learning from a distance may also mean a considerable saving on accommodation and travel costs. This is especially true if your chosen university’s campus is located in a high-profile, high-cost city such as London, Paris or New York, where the cost of living is a major extra expense. At the same time, remember that you’ll still need to allow for some additional costs on top of tuition, such as for purchasing course materials, resources and textbooks.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2007. It was updated in October 2014.

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Distance Learning Graduate Level: The Facts

staff.writer@qs.com — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 14:33:22 +0000

Distance Learning Graduate Level: The Facts

staff.writer@qs.com Sun, 10/28/2012 - 14:33

Wed, 04/29/2009 - 02:00

Distance Learning Graduate Level: The Facts main image

Distance learning at graduate level isn't for everyone: it requires self-discipline and determination. But it can be a valid and flexible alternative for those who are prevented from attending residential school due to personal or work commitments.

"Distance learning means literally that: learning from a distance," says Doreen Gough of UNISA. "Distance learning students receive their study material either through the post, or online. They submit assignments through the post or email and receive them back marked.

"Students in this form of study sometimes have to buy their own prescribed books if they aren't included in the package. The institutions which offer these courses will have their own arrangements regarding admission to examinations and where students should write these examinations."

Distance learning is offered by a number of different types of institutions. UNISA in South Africa is purely a distant learning institution, like the Open University in the UK and the Indira Gandhi National Open University in India.

There is the option of studying for a degree from an international university while staying at home - which the majority do offer. Transnational education allows you to study for a degree from an international university at a campus in a different country - for instance the Australian University Monash has a campus in Malaysia and one in South Africa.

Greater flexibility

Gough argues that a distance learning degree allows the student more flexibility and is more economical: "The advantage of distance learning over residential universities is that the student can study at his or her own pace, and can qualify while working for a living."

Rachel Scheer of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) in the US, backs up this flexibility by saying: "Often, the distance education student has a variety of personal, family and/or professional obligations that prevent him or her from attending a traditional, residential school. The ideal distance education student can maintain all previous obligations while adding the new responsibility of studies."

The DETC was founded in 1926, promoting sound education and good business practices in the distance education field. The nine member Accrediting Commission was established in 1955; shortly thereafter it gained the approval of the US Department of Education as the nationally recognized accrediting agency for distance education institutions. The Accrediting Commission is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the US.

Not an easy option

So is distance learning for you? Gough says you need to question your commitment: "The student needs to be committed. It is important that they take into account their work and social responsibilities and lifestyle and adjust their study load accordingly. This type of student must be comfortable studying alone and disciplined enough to submit each assignment on time."

Discipline is something which Scheer also picks up on: "Although it varies from program to program, most distance education programs are self-paced, requiring the distance learner to be rigid in his or her responsibilities, self-motivated, and a good time manager.

"Distance learning would not suit someone with no motivation to study on his or her own, who needs the structure of a traditional residential learning environment, or with simply no time for studying. Although it is possible to maintain family and professional commitments while attending a distance education school it does not mean there will be less work than a residential school, it just means you can receive lessons and complete course work at your convenience from home."

Gough agrees that distance learning is not for everyone: "Students who enjoy regular interaction with fellow students and lecturers would find this difficult. And those who lack the discipline to study on their own and need the classroom input would not be suited to this type of education." However, she says distance learning postgraduate degrees may offer "a limited amount of contact in the form of tutorials."

The level of contact may also be part of the accreditation process for the distance learning degree. The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has specific criteria when looking at distance-learning MBAs, focusing on the need for dialogue and collaborative learning.

"A common way of providing these opportunities will be through the provision of a significant face-to-face element to the program, for example, book weeks, residential schools or face-to-face tutorials. The duration of the face-to-face element is expected to be a minimum of 120 hours."

Accreditation checks

As with every university you are interested in studying with, you should check their accreditation. For example, UNISA operates in accordance with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended. It is recognized by the South African Department of Education (DoE), accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) and all its qualifications are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Internationally, one way for the accreditation of Unisa's qualifications in foreign countries with an established Qualifications Authority, is for the two qualification authorities involved to negotiate the mutual recognition and accreditation of each other's qualifications. In other cases the publication of an institution's name in specific authoritative publications, forms the basis of accreditation.

UNISA is inter alia listed in the following publications: Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, an international directory providing authoritative information on more than 600 universities in 36 Commonwealth countries; International Handbook of Universities published by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and verified by the International Association of Universities. Students must however enquire from the specific foreign country/university whether UNISA's qualifications are accredited/recognized.

Scheer from DETC, based in the US, says potential students should check the actual accreditation bodies when looking at a degree: "To check the accreditation of any postsecondary school or college visit www.chea.org (Council of Higher Education Accreditation). The school must be accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education." The CHEA website contains details of over 400 quality assurance bodies, accreditation bodies and Ministeries of Education in 175 countries.

Employers can be impressed by people who have studied for a distance learning qualification. "The CEO of a large international consulting firm recently commented that he would value a graduate from a distance learning (DL) MBA who had achieved the same results as a graduate from an equivalent on-campus program more favourably in light of the greater commitment required from the student to achieve this result," says Chris Howarth, Director of External Programmes at the School of Management, Royal Holloway, University of London.

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