Is Distance Learning Right For You?

Distance learning qualifications are best because they help you gain skills, knowledge and qualifications that are valued by employers in the work environment.

Yes, distance learning has become the new normal. There has been a shift of students who moved from contact learning to distance learning since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you may be asking yourself if distance learning is the right choice for you. 

Below is a list of things you can look at to see if you would make a good fit for distance learning: 

  • Character 
  • Personality 
  • Responsibility   
  • Career goals  
  • Affordability

Character

Your character plays a huge role in distance learning. You must be someone who has these qualities or willing to learn them:

  • Independence   
  • Commitment  
  • Hard-work 

These qualities will help you to study and complete your tasks by yourself, because no one else will be in charge of your study routine.

Personality

Your personality must be open. This way you will open up to tutors when you have academic challenges. You will communicate with them and get assistance with your course assessments. If you are someone who is bold and not afraid to contact people, then distance learning is for you.

Responsibility

You need to be responsible for yourself and the goals you have. You will set your own study times. No one else will tell you to study or force you to complete an assessment. You will have to do this by yourself. You will receive assistance from tutors when you contact them.

Career goals

If you want to work in an office space or gain skills to start a business, then you can study through us. We offer courses that equip you with skills and knowledge and prepare you for employment. This increases your chances to get employed.

Affordability

Distance learning is affordable because you do not buy study material or travel to class. If you want to save money, then distance learning is for you.

Is Distance Learning Effective Or Not?

Distance learning is effective because of the following: 

  • Students are given study material to study with 

They learn different information and prepare for assessments such as exams. 

  • They have tutors who assist them when studying 

This helps them overcome academic challenges and pass their course in time. 

  • They have assessments to write 

They are tested on what they have learnt to see their academic progress 

  • They write final examinations 

This is used to determine if they have obtained enough knowledge to pass the course or not.

  • They graduate after a course 

This helps them feel appreciated and motivates them to always work hard in life because they know it is rewarded. 

  • They earn valid qualifications 

Their qualifications can be used to find employment or further their academic journey. 

Distance learning is effective. Students receive a quality education that is monitored by a professional body to ensure they are learning relevant information. Students pass through distance learning and gain employment or open businesses.

What Are The Positive Effects Of Distance Learning?

These are the positive effects of distance learning: 

  • Technical skills 

While using smartphones or a laptop to study and submit assessments, you get used to technology. This is a good skill because technology is available everywhere, including places where you will find work. 

  • Become responsible 

You become a responsible person by studying from home by yourself. You are in charge of your studies and assessment submission. 

  • Know your strengths 

When you study alone, you figure out your strengths, which helps you work more on them. Strengths can become skills.

Is Distance Learning Better Than Face To Face Learning?

Distance learning and contact learning are both best. It depends on what you prefer as an individual. If you are someone who has the following qualities, you can study through distance learning: 

  • You have a busy schedule 
  • You work 
  • You are far from academic institutions 
  • You are academically disciplined 
  • You prefer your own space 
  • You can work by yourself 

If you have the following qualities, you would be a good fit for the contact learning: 

  • You do not have a busy schedule 
  • You work a flexible shift 
  • You are close to academic institutions 
  • You find motivation from other students or lecturers 
  • You excel in teamwork 
  • You love having people around you

Is Distance Learning Difficult?

Every type of learning can be challenging. However, it is less challenging when you have the right assistance. This is why, at Matric College, we have the following:

  • Tutors 
  • Course Experts 
  • Study material 
  • Red Alert Forms

Tutors

All students need support and assistance from someone with more knowledge and experience. Our tutors help you find understanding in what you are studying. You can reach them on WhatsApp, email or call. They can answer your questions and help you remove the academic challenges. They are available from 08:00 am to 05;00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Course Experts

You may feel stuck from time to time. Our Course Experts can provide you with information that helps you not feel stuck. They are professionals in course information and can provide this to you to understand what you are studying.

Study Material

This is the most important help you can receive as a student. Study guides are loaded with information about the course you are studying. This helps you prepare for exams, and find answers to your assignments and tests. You can use this to create notes for yourself that you use while studying.

Red Alert Forms

Challenges arise even when we take precautions. We have created these forms for you to be able to complete online so that you can reach us in times of emergency. This is used if you face an academic issue. We will see this and contact you as soon as our line is open.

What Are Distance Learning Courses?

  • Short Courses
  • ICB Courses
  • National Diploma Courses (NATED)
  • Matric Equivalent Courses
  • Matric Courses

Distance learning courses are courses offered through distance learning. These are courses offered at Matric College. We are a distance learning institution with a variety of courses. Our courses suit students with different goals, personalities and qualifications.

Short Courses

We have the Short courses. These are courses that you can study with or without a Matric Certificate. The college created this to ensure that students who do not have Matric, can also gain skills and improve their lives through finding work or opening a business.

ICB Courses

We also have the ICB courses. These are business-based courses. You can study them if you have a Grade 10 Qualification. These courses award you with in-demand qualifications in South Africa. This automatically increases your chances to find employment.

National Diploma Courses (NATED)

We also offer NATED courses which are employment friendly. These courses are designed by the DHET specifically to ensure that you gain employment. They offer work experience and knowledge. This makes you a better candidate when you seek work.

Matric Equivalent Courses

Other courses that we offer are the Matric Equivalent courses. These also fall under the ICB stream. They equip you with scarce skills which are highly valued in the work environment. This makes you a better candidate when you look for employment. These skills are also essential for starting a business. They help you know how to open and run a business successfully.

Matric courses

Matric courses are offered to equip you with knowledge. This is essential for entry-level employment or furthering your studies at a college or university. You can use the Matric Qualification to find work or continue your studies. You will have a better chance of applying with such a qualification.

Can I Study Online From Another Country?

Yes, you can study online through distance learning from another country. This is because distance learning allows you to study from wherever you are. You can use online tools such as the following when you study from home through Matric College: 

Are Distance Learning Qualifications Worth It?

Yes, distance learning qualifications at Matric College are worth it because of the following: 

  • They are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) 
  • They are accredited
  • They are recognised nationally and internationally 
  • They provide you with skills and knowledge 
  • They get you work-ready before employment 
  • They equip you with entrepreneurship skills

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 27, 2022