Learn when you want, where you want, how quickly you want: Distance learning via the Internet offers maximum independence – but requires perseverance and discipline. What is more important.
Some like to go to class in the classroom, where the teacher says what is on the agenda and the comrades sit around them – this type of learner appreciates the direct professional exchange, but also the sociable component. And there are others who prefer to work out the material on their own, when it suits them best.
Distance learning is also time consuming
The former students are unlikely to opt for distance learning. For the latter, it can be an option. Especially, the offer is extensive, you can complete the entire courses or preparatory courses for federal professional examinations. There are also language courses and courses for personality development and hobbies – from practical psychology and LNAT tutors to educational and nutritional advice.
Enjoy learning for yourself, that’s not the only prerequisite for distance learning. Just as important is a realistic assessment of whether the course can be packed alongside work and family at all. The Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences recommends an 80 percent job in order to be able to study seriously on the side. And advises against those who are already more than 100 percent busy anyway.
Are you the distance learning type?
In addition, you need a knack for organizing, because there are no lesson times or timetables. You decide yourself which workload is learned when and in what time. That requires a plan – and the will to stick to it.
These are framework conditions and properties that are underestimated by many interested parties. It is not for nothing that the drop-out rate for distance learning courses in the first semester is up to 50 percent. Some providers have published tests on their websites. They help you find out if you are the right type for distance learning courses. Others offer introductory courses to help you learn work and study techniques. LawMind has published a manual for distance learning. There you will find tips on how to get up and out of slack.
How does a distance learning course work?
There are different models. The Onken Institute, correspondence course pioneer in Switzerland, relies entirely on the Internet for one of its offers. Students obtain their learning material from the Internet, contact fellow students or the study supervisor with a click, deepen what they have learned in online discussions, and take online exams.
Distance learning does not necessarily mean learning on the screen. There is also a mixed student course material: Here you work through study books in the surrounding in which you are most comfortable. Each booklet ends with a test that is completed on the computer – in the virtual learning room. The tasks are automatically corrected, graded and commented on for closed questions and by teachers for open questions. If questions about the subject matter arise, students can contact their teacher by email.
“Blended Learning”
“Blended learning” is the principle behind university distance learning and at the Alabama Distance University of Applied Sciences: Students work out the material themselves from books and scripts. In addition, they use an e-learning platform for online lessons, to exchange ideas with lecturers and fellow students, as well as for tests. In addition, there is classroom instruction, students meet on two Saturdays per month or on four Monday evenings.
How to find the right offer?
Take a close look at the websites of the providers: How does the school present itself? Do you like her? And call: Is the advice competent and friendly?
Compare different providers: What exactly is being taught? What do you need to learn to achieve your goal? Do the learning objectives meet your expectations? How is the course, the study organized? How are you looked after? Are there face-to-face classes? Where does this take place? Does that fit into your schedule? Can you interrupt the course and resume it later? Are the degrees recognized (state-recognized degrees, Cambridge Certificate, etc.)? Do you need a formal degree / title?
Test the provider: You can get personal advice from good providers and attend a trial lesson.
Further education for your career
Further training is not only important for management staff. But there is a wide range of options, and professional advice is often necessary. Because not everything that is sold makes sense.
The boom in education and training continues as the pressure to continue training has risen sharply. Many people in employment fear that they will otherwise no longer be able to work. Accordingly, there is a large range of courses and seminars, courses and postgraduate studies, but also learning opportunities outside of course structures, such as in workshops.
Regular further training is indispensable, regardless of the position and activity. In the past, it was mainly people from the management who received regular further training, today it is more the “ordinary workers” who want to maintain or improve their skills. The world of work benefits from adults who acquire a wide range of skills in their free time and in the family.
Bad title glut
The trend is for offers with degrees. There have been innumerable course titles in continuing education, but hardly anyone knows what the titles and points are really worth. What degrees are sold today does not always make sense.
Rather, the flood of titles leads to uncertainty and also distracts from the essentials: learning itself. In most cases, learning success is still greatest when learning is done with the right training opportunities in a coherent learning environment and at affordable conditions, based on a Subject that interests you and in which you want to get ahead.
Communication central
While computer courses were still in demand ten years ago, the boundaries between professional and general further education are becoming increasingly blurred. Diversity is the magic word, the main feature of advanced training today is that there are many specific topics that are approached with care and knowledge and mixed individually.
As the national education report for Switzerland 2010 shows, adults aged 25 to 64 mainly take language courses (16 percent), followed by courses on health and medicine as well as management and IT courses (10 percent each). Courses on scientific topics, finance and sales and personal development are also in demand.
