Hi and welcome to the forth blog in this mini-series relating to mature age study through a distance education, off campus mode of study.

Other blogs in this series include:
Career change through mature age study
What is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)?
Kinds of educational institutions in Australia
Distance education and off campus options (this one)
Application systems
The costs to study
Time management
Learning support systems at universities.

Why study by distance education?
Many people have the desire to upgrade their qualifications, but have commitments such as full time work, family responsibilities, or live in places not close to the institution of their choice. Off campus modes of delivery can suit the circumstances that people are in, offering flexibility and a variety of materials. Work and study can happen at the same time, but you need to be focussed and manage your time effectively.

Off campus modes of delivery

What is a distance mode of delivery?
There are many terms used to describe a distance education as a mode of delivery, such as correspondence, off campus, online, distance education, and open learning. You could use these words as keywords in your search.  Almost every educational institution will have a distance education mode for some of their courses, while others are totally dedicated to an off campus approach.

The learning materials may be delivered in a variety of formats such as:
Written material packs, videos, audio files, CDs, DVDs, emails, online tutorials and resources, video-conferencing, webinars, and teleseminars. Generally there is an electronic element to ensure powerful and quality content is delivered. Some off campus courses will require that you attend a face-to-face component at some stage in the program.

Key decisions to consider.
You need to consider what’s right for you in your given situation and your learning style.

Some people happily study by a distance education mode, quietly achieving their next qualification, while others need the face to face support to keep them motivated and stimulated. I have experienced both and the support offered by the off campus delivery mode was excellent. Times were timetabled in the evening, to call tutors dedicated to my course, and the quality of feedback surpassed face to face delivery at times. I was able to manage full-time work and part-time study to achieve my goals. Once again, always makes sure that the course you are doing is accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

The next blog will look at the Application systems –  that is, the variety of ways that you can apply for a Vocational or Higher education course.  

If you are looking at enhancing your qualifications, and entering an Australian university or training institution, then now is the time to start planning for the year ahead. As you will see in the blogs in this mini-series, there are mid-year intakes for some courses as well as applications for next year, often due in September. We can help you navigate the pathway to find the best course for your qualifications to build on your career development. Check out our website for more information on how we can help you take your first steps towards your new career.

You are welcome to comment on the blog and let us know what questions you have about distance education and off campus study options. Have a look at the courses and institutions you are interested in to see if an off campus mode of delivery is available that would suit you.

Alternatively you are welcome to email me at leanne@winc.net.au. I look forward to assisting you in your career development, to empower you to move forward, and to explore distance education options.

Bye for now,

Leanne

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