Why distance-training? What are the advantages?
Some people might perhaps imagine that a distance course is, in some way, inferior to a presence-taught course but this is most definitely not the case. Distance learning can prove extremely advantageous. There are many reasons for choosing a distance programme but for the moment consider the following six advantages.
- The opportunity to follow a very substantial course of professional training at a fee much lower than would normally be the case.
- The possibility to work from home at one's own pace during the course. This is particularly useful for those teachers in employment who seek a course of professional enrichment but cannot afford a period away from their regular employment.
- Adequate time to fully cover and, importantly, absorb the wide range of material essential to a quality course of professional training.
- The very considerable saving, in terms of both time and money, as a result of not having to travel to a place of study and not having to meet the residential costs often involved.
- Confidence, through the acquisition of substantial subject knowledge, prior to any teaching practice element.
- One is usually able to start a distance course whenever one wishes. One begins as soon as one enrols and one should, within reason, be able to take as long as one needs.
Distance learning a first choice
Distance learning is not necessarily a second choice for students who cannot attend a conventional course, or who cannot afford the fees. Nowadays, more and more distance-learning students follow this route deliberately, as a first choice! This is in addition to people who follow the route for more obvious reasons: they cannot attend residential courses because of work or family commitments, or because they are remote from any institution offering a face-to-face programme. It is important to stress that distance-training is a real way ahead, with advantages of its own, and a viable alternative to face-to-face training.
Distance students are not looking for some 'second best' or concessionary qualification. Most want a qualification as worth-while as those obtained by people who have studied in a more conventional way. This is why many hundreds of students successfully follow an ACTDEC accredited course each year.