How Distance and Open Learning has Changed my
Life
by: Emma Jones
When I was approached to write a piece on open and distance learning education,
I came up with this piece. After reading it through, I have come to the
conclusion that my life has changed completely because of it. I didn't realise
how much until I wrote about it, and got half way through proof reading it. This
is what I wrote:
'When I got married I quit my job in the legal profession. Eighteen years on,
and three children later, I decided that there had to be more for my future. I
had the time to spend on anything I wanted, but I didn't know what I wanted to
do. I looked through the courses that Oxford College ODL offered by open and
distance learning, and realised that this mode of education was a very good
place to start. I had picked out the characteristics of education that I didn't
want to bother with, and there were quite a few! Examples of these were not
sitting in a classroom with younger students that would show me up, stringent
rules and class times that had to be adhered to, and cramming for and worrying
about exams that were taken in large halls full of these again, young students.
Oxford College ODL through their distance learning and open learning courses was
offering me what I wanted, all that was left to do was to choose where I wanted
to start.
I decided to start with two courses that were completely different, so I
enrolled in one that I thought would help me understand the world around me, and
one that would help me with confidence and my relations with my children. The
first came in the form of a sociology diploma, and the second in a diploma in
life coaching. I knew I was taking a lot on, but this was just for me, and I
could take five years to complete them! It hasn't taken me anywhere near that
long to complete them both. I have completed my diploma in sociology with
distinction, and I am on my penultimate assignment for my life coaching diploma.
I have been able to put a lot of time into my studies, but it has only been shy
of two years now and I have accomplished more than I thought I would have been
able to.
My plans are to move onto a diploma in psychology next which my background in
sociology has given me a deep interest in, and for myself rather selfishly, I am
going to enrol on the English Literature program which I believe will give me
the confidence to enjoy the writings and works of those that spent their lives
composing pure and quality entertainment. I couldn’t have done all this if it
wasn’t for the distance learning and open learning courses offered.
Through me, my children have gained confidence. My education in life coaching
has given me the ability to support my children without interfering which gives
them confidence. My son has since started his own business with my support, and
my daughter is studying through distance learning as I am, whilst she trains in
distance running. She has realised, as I have, that there are many ways to get a
quality education, and it doesn't have to get in the way of other ambitions.'
Distance learning and open learning have changed our lives greatly, and there
are many reasons to study this way. I have come to learn that education is not
something to be scared of, it is something for everybody, and it is something
that you should be able to take at your own pace. Distance learning has done
this for us along with show us that education is not just there for those who
want to further their job prospects, but it is also there for people to simply
gain knowledge in subjects that they are interested in and through this it is
impossible to describe the feeling of confidence that is achieved. I had always
thought that further education was for those that had to make more money to
support themselves and it was just a tool to further their job prospects. It is
much more than that and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of life. It is for
me, it is for my children, and it is for everyone. Distance learning doesn't
discriminate. It is a gift.
About The Author
Emma Jones is from Chelsea London. She studies at Oxford Distance Learning. For
more information on Oxford Distance Learning please see
http://www.oxforddistancelearning.com/ .
Courtesy of http://www.ArticleCity.com/
- -The Benefits Of Distance
Learning
by: Shaun Bird
Distance Learning or ‘Home Study’ has come a long way since Isaac Pitman taught
shorthand via correspondence courses in the 1840s. However the huge benefits of
studying from home, or from the workplace, remain the same.
First of all, with a Distance Learning course you enjoy the freedom of being
able to study in your own time and at your own pace. That’s because Distance
Learning courses are carefully designed to fit in with your life.
Whether you wish to improve your life, increase your job prospects or simply
study a hobby that you are interested in, more and more people are choosing to
study from home as it fits in comfortably with their lifestyle.
There are many fully-accredited Distance Learning providers in the UK today
(type ‘distance learning’ ‘home study’ or ‘distance education’ into Google.co.uk
and you’ll find most of them), offering a huge range of interesting, educational
courses available for study.
Distance Education courses available for home study can include anything from
Airline Training to Art Studies, Book-keeping to Business & Management,
Counseling to Child Care and Writing to Web Design. You will find courses on
things like Wedding Planning and Event Management, Nail Technician, Animal Care
and Behaviour…even courses such as Diet & Exercise, Forensic Science and How to
Start Your Own Business. On some vocational courses you may even qualify for a
career Development Loan from the government.
But you are not alone when you study from home. Distance Learning providers (or
Home Learning agencies as they are sometimes called) employ professional student
advisors and fully qualified tutors to mark and help you with your coursework.
Most Home Study courses provide learners with an accredited diploma which helps
them increase their job prospects, change their lifestyle or even start their
own business.
Many Distance Learning providers offer interest free credit schemes to help
students spread the cost over a period they can afford. Also look out for
special discount offers.
Looking for a better job, a better future, a better life? Then take up a
Distance Learning course today and change your life forever!
About The Course Author
Shaun L Bird
http://www.uk-open-learning.com/
Managing Director of UK Open Learning Ltd
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