5 tips for Distance Learning

Distance learning is the type of learning where you study from home, and this is convenient because you have the opportunity to study at your own pace.

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Last Updated : June 12, 2023

  1. Find yourself a nice place to study 
  2. Have a study schedule that you follow consistently 
  3. Have a reliable internet connection 
  4. Connect with other students 
  5. Keep in touch with your tutors 

Distance learning is an amazing way to study. Ever since we encountered the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more convenient to study from home.

What Are The Goals Of Distance Learning?

The goals for distance learning are the following:

  • Provide education to any part of the world 
  • Give access to education to busy people 
  • Reduce the pressure of studying at a pace set by someone else 
  • Provide skills and knowledge 
  • Offer education in any circumstance, e.g. through a pandemic 
  • Cover students who struggle with contact learning

Is Distance Learning Valid?

Yes, distance learning is valid. This is education that is the same as any other. The only difference is that students study from home. The amount of impact is the same as contact learning. 

Students are still provided with people to assist them. They learn, gain skills and get awarded with qualifications that are valid. At Matric College, we offer many courses that are accredited. These are courses that have the following: 

  • Registration with SAQA 
  • Accreditation by ICB, DHET and QCTO 
  • Recognition nationally and internally 
  • Certificates issued by Umalusi, DHET and the ICB 

We ensure that you gain qualifications that are of quality standards so that you can use them to find employment, further your studies or start a business of your own.

What Courses Can I Study In Distance Learning?

There are many courses that you can study through distance learning. At Matric College, you can study the following types of courses: 

Accredited courses

Accredited courses are those that are connected to a professional body. They are registered. These courses are good because they help you have recognition. You can easily find employment or gain access to further your studies at a different institution. 

ICB courses

ICB courses focus on equipping you with business-related skills and knowledge. These are known as scarce skills qualifications. They are very scarce and highly;y valued in South Africa. 

Matric courses

These courses focus on equipping you with knowledge. You gain a Matric Certificate that you can use to gain employment or further your studies at university. 

Matric Equivalent courses

These are courses that focus on equipping you with skills.  These skills are good for opening a business or finding employment. You gain a Matric Equivalent Certificate when you complete them. 

NATED courses

These courses focus on equipping you with skills and knowledge that are good for employment. They get you prepared for employment. You can use a NATED Qualification to increase your chances of finding work.

Non-accredited courses

These are courses that are not accredited. They are created by the college to help you gain skills. These courses are easy to complete and help improve the skills you have. 

Short courses

These courses are good because you can study them with or without a Matric Qualification. They provide you with skills that can be used to find work or open a business. When you complete a Short course, you receive a Certificate Qualification.

What Are The Skills That You Have To Develop And Demonstrate To Succeed In Distance Learning?

These are the skills you need to have to succeed as a distance learning student: 

  • Time management skills 
  • Discipline 
  • Commitment 
  • Communication skills 
  • Technical skills 
  • Self motivations skills

Time Management Skills

You need to be in control of your time. Although you set your own study schedule and study at your pace, this should not make you miss submission deadlines. Make sure that you manage your time well. You can do this by setting a time frame for how long you will study your course and when you will answer your assessments.

Discipline

You need to be disciplined so that you can do your work. Discipline will help you write your assessments even when you feel lazy. You will work on your assessments and ensure that you produce quality work.

Commitment

Having commitment means that you will do all your work the way you are supposed to. You will ask questions when you have to, and you will study according to the pace you have set for yourself. You will set goals and work hard to accomplish them.

Communication Skills

You must have good communication skills. You will need this when you communicate with your tutors. You must speak with respect and ask questions in a clear manner. Good communication skills will help you not feel demotivated when you think of contacting a tutor.

Technical Skills

Studying from home requires that you use technology. You will have to use a smartphone, laptop or computer to write and submit your assessments. You must be able to operate these electronics as a distance learning student.

Self Motivation Skills

You will have to motivate yourself to study hard since there is no lecturer with you physically to do so. If you happen to not receive the marks you were expecting on an assessment, you should not be demotivated for too long. It is normal to be demotivated. However, it is better to learn from your mistake and get back to studying fast. You will do better in the next assessment.

What Are The Advantages Of Distance Learning?

These are the advantages of distance learning: 

  • Learning from home, where you are safe from infections such as C0VID-19 
  • The cost of transportation and lunch is eliminated
  • Using your own timetable to study 
  • Learning at the speed that you prefer 
  • Being an employee and a student at once 
  • Receiving assistance from tutors and course experts 
  • Getting study material from the college delivered to your doorstep 
  • Gaining skills, knowledge and qualifications 
  • Learning to be disciplined 
  • Gaining academic confidence through studying by yourself 
  • Reducing the chances of dropping out because studying comfortably at home 
  • Graduation after completion of a course

What Does A Teacher Do For Distance Learning?

A teacher may not teach the same through distance learning as they would in contact learning. Through distance learning, teaching professionals assist students who have questions about assessments. They speak to them through calls, texts or emails. They may not exactly teach, but explain certain topics so that students know what to do. This is why they are better referred to as tutors.

What Is A Distance Learning Approach?

The distance learning approach is the following: 

  • Students study from home 
  • They receive study material from the college 
  • They study by themselves at home 
  • They ask for help when they feel challenged 
  • They get assisted by tutors 
  • They write assessments 
  • They pass assessments and graduate 
  • They receive their qualifications 

The distance learning approach works for anyone who is willing to commit to their studies. At Matric College, students are given things that they need to pass their courses. It is up to the student to use these resources and pass their course.

What Are The Needs For Distance Education?

As a student studying through distance learning, you need the following to study: 

  • Smartphone or laptop 
  • Internet connection 
  • Study guides 
  • Notebooks 
  • Stationery 
  • Study area

How Can I Make Distance Learning Interesting?

You can make distance learning interesting by doing the following: 

  • Study area
  • Study routine 
  • Notes 
  • Make friends

Study Area

Having a place that is only reserved for your studying will make it interesting to study. You can decorate this place to look like a classroom. You can paste your timetable, study notes and colourful charts to make the room appealing. A good space will lift your mood and motivate you to study.

Study Routine

Have a study routine. If you like studying in the morning, you can try to wake up like a regular student. You can take a bath before you study and dress in a way that makes you feel good. This will boost your confidence, and you will be refreshed to study.

Notes

All students create study notes. Have a nice notebook where you write down your notes. You can use colourful pens and highlighter to make your notes look interesting. This will help you want to open your notes and study because they are neat and visually appealing.

Make Friends

Make friends who are doing the same course as you. You can have study group sessions. Studying with other people is motivating. You are able to ask questions and get new ideas from your friends. On days that you do not feel like studying, they can motivate you.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 26, 2022