What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. In the UK such learning has its roots in students learning through correspondence courses.
- More than 270,000 undergraduate students are taking their first degrees via distance learning, together with some 108,000 postgraduate students.
- In recent years the advent of the internet and widespread use of the computer has led to a huge growth in distantly delivered tuition and study.
At undergraduate level distance learning usually means students engaging with learning materials at home or work.
- These materials are produced by the university, college or learning provider and are either sent directly to the student or more usually today accessed via the internet.
- Tutorial support is provided via a virtual learning environment, telephone, email or other electronic means.
- There may be occasional face-to-face encounters with tutors and attendance at week-long summer schools.
The majority of UK undergraduate students study with the Open University (although many universities offer distance learning programmes); postgraduates study elsewhere.
Advantages and Disadvantages – Why Choose Distance Learning?