When you study through distance learning, you will gain skills that are associated with this experience. Here are some of the skills that you will gain when you study through distance learning:
- Time management skills
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork
Time Management Skills
When you study through distance learning, you will learn how to manage time. Time is important in distance learning. This is because most of the activities are time-sensitive. Here are the activities that will require you to be aware of time:
- Study timetable
- Time for group studies or discussions
- Time for witting assignments
- Time for handing in the assignments
- Having to finish studying a specific topic by a certain time
- Time to prepare for the exams
- Time to be ready for the exams
- Time to go to the examination centre
- Time to write the exam
As can be seen, all these activities will require you to manage your time well. If you do not manage the time, you will be setting yourself up for failure.
Technical Skills
Distance learning uses online tools to achieve objectives. Here are some of the online tools that you will become familiar with when you study through distance learning:
- Hardware tools
- Software tools
Hardware Tools
Here are the hardware tools that you will learn to use:
- Computer
- Mobile phone
Computer
Some might already be familiar with the use of a computer, while others might not. For those who would not have used a computer or have had limited use, this will be an opportunity to explore what a computer is capable of performing. Here is what you can learn when you are using a computer in a distance learning environment:
- Microsoft Office
- Google Office Suite
- Uploading and downloading of documents
- Typing
- Researching using research tools like Google
- Storing information
- Communicating using the computer
- Creating databases
Mobile Phone
In a distance learning environment, with your mobile phone, you can learn how to access and operate the following:
- Social media platforms
- Research
- Storing information
- Optimising your phone for storing data
Software Tools
- Website
Electronic mail has replaced the traditional mail it used to be. It is perhaps the most common mode of communication that use when you study through distance learning. Your skill in using this message transmitting mode will be improved. You will of course be able to perform the following tasks:
- Composing an email
- Opening an email
- replying to an email
- Forwarding an email
- Carbon copying an email (Cc)
- Blank carbon copying an email (Bcc)
Setting Up An Email Account
If by now you still do not have an email account, create one now. Gmail is the easiest one to have. It is free. Here is how you can set up one:
- Go to Gmail
- Click create account
- Enter the required information
- Enter your phone number to verify your account
- Receive a verification code
- Enter the code to complete the verification
- Enter your personal information
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- You now gave a Gmail email address
Although you might be already familiar with this messaging platform, in distance learning, it is the group chatting function that is mostly used. The administrator of the group will determine the rules of engagement on the platform. The most important however is to keep the flow of communication confined to the purpose of the group.
Again, you might be already familiar with this social media platform, in distance learning, it is the group chatting function that is mostly used. The administrator of the group will determine the rules of engagement on the platform. It is important that you are mindful, of the purpose of the group. This will lead you not to stray to other subject areas.
Website
From time to time, distance learning institutions issue their students with study resources. As you navigate your way to access the resources, you will have a feel of how the website is structured. This can also include the knowledge on how you can upload documents on a website.
This means that you can gain the skill to navigate any website. Here are some of the learning materials that you may be required to download:
- Past exam papers
- Study notes
- Study guides
- Exam timetable
You can access This social media platform, perhaps when you want to keep abreast of events at your college. The more you use it, the more familiar you become with it. The more familiar you become with it. The less complicated it becomes to navigate it as well as post your own personal information.
Twitter feeds can also be used by your college to update students and the public on relevant issues. Again, if you are not familiar with the platform, you use it more often for college. You can begin to appreciate it, and perhaps learn to use it to connect with friends and relatives.
Communication Skills
With distance learning, you grow your communication skills. Remember most of your communication will be through online tools, it is therefore important that you are mindful of the use of the following:
- Language
- Etiquette
Language
On online platforms, how you use language is very important if you are not going to embarrass yourself to be reprimanded. When engaging on online learning platforms, your tone of voice must have the following characteristics:
- Optimistic
- Positive
- Genuine humour
- Motivating
- Informative
- Friendly
- Conversational
- Factual
- Assertive
Etiquette
Etiquette online is usually referred to as netiquette. Here are some of the netiquette rules which students can follow:
- Be careful with your tone
- Be factual
- Search and then ask
- Be polite
- Use grammar and punctuation
- Stay on topic
- Always remember that nothing is private online
- Make brief points
- Respect other opinions even if you do not agree
Leadership Skills
As you discuss with fellow students and tutors on the relevant platforms, you can hone your leadership skills.
For example, you might discuss a topic that you understand well. Your tutor may ask you to lead the discussion. It is in such instances that you can grow your leadership skills.
Teamwork
Unfamiliar topics may require working with fellow students as a team. Or you may be assigned as a group to research a topic and give feedback. Again, it is in such instances that you will be able to grow your ability to work as a member of a team.
Why Is Distance Learning Good For Me?
Here is why distance learning good for you:
- No classes to attend – With distance learning, you do not have to attend any classes. All your learning is done online and also by the use of textbooks and study notes that you will be provided with. The following are some of the online tools that ate used when you study through distance learning:
- Cut costs – With distance learning, you can cut costs through the following:
- No transport costs since you will be studying in the comfort of your home
- No need for teas and lunches at school since you will be studying at home
- Tuition fees are affordable
- You can work at the same time as you learn – You can go to work and study at the same time. The advantage of this is that you can use some of your income to fund your studies. No need to leave your employment so that you can study.
- flexibility – There is flexibility when you study through distance learning. There is how:
- You study at your own pace
- You can study wherever you want
- You set your own study timetable
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 27, 2022