There are various approaches to learning.
Full time programmes at all levels require a career break of some
sort. This may be acceptable especially for short courses or where
you get leave of absence but you also have to consider access, location,
timing, the quality of the group and of the deliverer. Local courses
may be of restricted quality and you may not be able to afford overseas
courses.
Distance learning provides a number of alternative approaches.
One form, often described as Distance Learning, is effectively a
type of part-time programme. Infrequent but regular attendance is
required and there are time schedules and group involvement. The
content and quality of these programmes is dependent upon the local
delivery and the quality of the local student group. Whoever is
offering the course and however prestigious they are, this is a
critical aspect to probe. True Distance Learning basically involves
conventional home study, supported by a variety of aids and Tutorial
support. High quality Distance Learning programmes, although sometimes
dismissed as correspondence courses offer a lot of advantages.
Most programmes offer a realistic level of time flexibility and
can be studied in remote locations and even if you move during the
course. They provide access to acknowledged centres of excellence
and one of the features you should look for is that the same course
is delivered in the home territory. Distance Learning is available
for all levels of skill and knowledge, whether training or education.
Distance Teaching is probably the best for practical skills, when
detailed feedback on performance and performance improvement is
required. Distance Learning is very effective for courses leading
to professional qualification or degrees. It is most relevant when
you require access to a large body of knowledge and feedback on
assignments, presented as written reports, is appropriate. There
are a wide variety of Distance Learning courses, of both types,
offered by UK institutions.
A critical question if how you can assess the quality of Distance
Learning programmes. Where possible look first for equivalence.
Some UK Universities, like Durham, offer their MBA programmes through
a variety of routes. Although the process is different the end result
is the same. For a Distance Learning programme the course offered
is defined by the course material and is therefore open to inspection.
All students should get the same experience so check most carefully
that the same programme is offered in the institution’s home
territory, this is one of the strongest indicators of a quality
programme. Access to these programmes is probably more realistic
for relatively isolated students. Independent guidance can also
be given by professional institutions or organisations such as AMBA
or professional institutions, who represent the participants view
impartially.
Author: John E. Ross, The Durham MBA Distance Learning
Programme, University of Durham, U.K.
This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain
