For some people after the qualifications they need, a classroom education at university just isn't an option. It could be because they're working full time, or it could be something more serious, like a mental or physical disability ... or even social problems. On the other hand, there could be much happier reasons, like a very young family that needs looking after 24/7. Whatever their motive, it seems around half a million people - according to the Open University - are studying part time at English Universities.
But "at" isn't exactly the right word, here, because they're nowhere near those universities. Studying, yes - they're studying at work, at home, while commuting between the two ... under a tree in the park on a sunny afternoon, or even in a coffee shop while waiting for the thunderstorm going on outside to stop. With current technology meaning people just need an internet connection to download course materials, watch streamed classroom lectures and even hand in their assignments, there are no limits to distance learning any more.
Unlike the early Australian version of distance learning - the School of the Air - where classes were at set times and conducted by short-wave radio, distance learning students aren't ruled by timetables. Materials are there for the downloading ... and there's a lot more flexibility as far as timing goes.
Niall Slater, the Open University's Director of Learning and Teaching says: "At the OU, some students take up to sixteen years to complete their degree".
No rush there, then. And talking of time, since time is money, this is the first year when distance learners living in England can apply for a full student loan. After all, there will always be tuition fees to think about. But one of the biggest financial advantages of distance learning is the fact that payments can be spread throughout the year, making them much more manageable. And still on the subject of money, many top employers, like Toshiba, the Royal Mail and Dell sponsor their staff to enable them to get a degree through distance learning.
So if you're looking for an alternative to a university education - and in this economic climate, who could blame you - then perhaps you should be looking into distance learning. After all, how else could you learn in your own time ... and on your own terms?
