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Posted April 18, 2013

Is Distance Learning the Latest Trend?

Distance learning has been around for a number of years, but is now beginning to become increasingly popular among early to mid-career professionals who are seeking to further their education with a postgraduate degree. Due to the advances in technology and communications, there is theoretically no need for all students attending a course to be in one physical location in order to get the most out of the programme. Subjects in particularly high demand for distance learning courses at postgraduate level include banking, social work, journalism, nursing, and finance, with applicants for these courses being based all over the world.

Photo Credit: University of Central Arkansas via Compfight cc Distance Learning Holds Many Advantages

There are many advantages to postgraduate distance learning courses , for both the universities and the students, and for many, it is the only feasible way to study due to employment and personal commitments. Many students choose to study part time so that they do not have to give up their jobs, and this is often supported by the employers who offer them a reduced hours working week to allow them time to study. This allows people to further their careers at the same time as they study, and there are obvious financial advantages as well. It also works out well for parents who wish to gain a postgraduate qualification but cannot enrol on a campus based course due to childcare issues.
 

Distance Learning Creates Opportunities

For research based courses such as medicine, distance learning creates opportunities for students who are already attached to an industry position to carry out their research in private laboratories, and this is often sponsored by the companies involved. It creates a close connection between business sectors and the education system, and allows for greater levels of development. Many universities are developing distance learning courses specifically to work around the needs of individual business sectors and their employees. The University of Exeter Business School has designed a Master’s in Management and Change which is specifically aimed at people who are currently employed in organisations that are undergoing major change or developing new strategies. The course works by pairing up students with suitable mentors who communicate through weekly telephone conversations to track progress and set work based challenges.
 

Distance learning is not merely a passing trend, but a method of education that will continue to evolve in the future. It meets the changing needs of educators, students, and employers alike, and makes higher education more accessible to those with busy lives and financial responsibilities.
 

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