What is Distance Learning and is it for You?
Education anytime, anywhere
What is Distance Learning?
Our courses are offered by distance learning. This means many things to many people, so we will try to demystify what it is here at WCI.
No Residency
Study wherever you are without coming to us, or us going to you. Some courses may require you to complete a small residential component, but these will be clearly signposted.
Supported Learning
Receive guidance and support through an allocated mentor, tutor, and/or peer buddy. Communicate via telephone, email, our Moodle system, Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, etc.
Is Distant Learning right for You?
YES, if you are:
- Motivated
- Independent
- Questioning
- Analytical
- Organised
- Imaginative
- Initiative-talking
NO, if you are:
- Teacher-dependent
- Better in a classroom with other students
- Closed-minded
- Easily distracted
- Disorganised
- Impatient
- Too rigid
Advantages of Distance Learning versus Campus-Based Study
Give Up
- Big, expensive facilities you hardly use (e.g. pool, football field)
- Buying textbooks for every single module
- Learning subjects in which you have little interest
- Being lost in the ‘herd’ of a huge campus – ‘Assembly Line’ learning.
- Carrying lazy or less capable ‘group members’
- Travel time and related expenses
Gain
- Real-world problem-solving can be built into your programme
- Knowledge that is relevant and specific to you
- One-to-one guidance from an expert in your field
- Confidence on the ability to create something by yourself
- Valuable research, time, project management skills
- Flexible learning around your own schedules
We support your learning
- You will get your own personal expert mentor who will provide guidance throughout the programme. You may also nominate your own mentor.
- We ‘check in’ with you regularly to ensure that you are enjoying your course and meeting the requirements. We will not recommend your work for external examination unless we are fully happy with it. This prevents nasty ‘shocks’ at the end.
What you will need
- A computer with word-processing software
- Access to emails and the Internet
- Access to a local library
- A good, positive, can-do attitude
- A clear idea about what you want to achieve
