Flexible, open and distance learning

There are many different names for learning away from the traditional classroom environment. You may have heard of distance learning, open learning, correspondence courses, home study and flexible courses. Some of these are different and some are the same.

Distance learning

Distance learning is where you study at home. You may be sent course materials by post or to your computer and receive support from a tutor by phone, e-mail or post. Correspondence courses and home study are the same as distance learning.

Open learning

On an open learning course there could be a mixture of study methods – studying at home, using a resource centre and face-to-face tuition.

Flexible learning

Flexible learning is not home study; it’s attending a college, adult education centre or other course providers at times agreed by you and the centre. You usually work from a tuition pack with tutors on hand.

Why study from home?
Will it suit me?
What can you study?
Who are the main open and distance learning course providers?
What other ways of learning are there?
So how do I choose between course providers?
What else do I need to consider?
Can I get help paying for the course?
Where can I find out more?

Why study from home?

Open and distance learning can be helpful if:

• your work or domestic schedule is irregular and you can't commit to a course at a certain time each week
• you look after children or relatives at home
• you prefer to work at your own pace
• you didn't like school and the whole 'classroom experience'
• there's no college nearby, or the course you want to do is not running locally
• the social aspect of working in a group isn’t important to you
• you work overseas and want to get a UK qualification
• your mobility is impaired and you find it difficult leaving the house
• you don’t want to wait until September – you want to start a course immediately.

Will it suit me?

On most open and distance learning courses you’ll work at your own pace and fix your own deadlines. While this is one of the main advantages for most people, it brings its own challenges; you’ll have to be motivated and have self-discipline. Although you may be motivated to learn and want the qualification, imagine if you’re working full-time and studying in the evening – sometimes after work it might be very tempting to put your feet up and switch on the TV! You’ll have to set yourself targets and stick to them.

Working at their own pace suits some people. This may be because they can only spare three hours study one week but can make 15 hours the next. Also, some people find working at the pace of the whole group restrictive – if you’re learning well and it’s all sinking in you can work through the material more quickly.

It will also help if you’re a confident learner who works well on their own. If you’re the type of person who likes the support of other learners you might find it’s not for you.

What can you study?

Accounting, horticulture, counselling, law, languages, IT and computing, public relations, psychology, travel – all these and more are listed in our Learning Directory.

For practical reasons, there are some skills and qualifications you can’t pick up from a distance learning course. Learning to drive is a no-no, as is studying to be a vet (imagine sending a poorly cat through the post for you to examine!) or midwifery.

Joking aside, courses with a practical element to them will be difficult to achieve through distance learning, although some courses attempt to give you the theory part of the course. But be careful – learning the theory will give you a head start but to qualify in some jobs the practical element is essential.

An example of this is plumbing: some distance learning courses offer you the underpinning knowledge you need for the NVQ 2 qualification. However, you’ll have to either be employed in plumbing or have a work placement to be assessed on the job and become fully qualified to work as a plumber.

Who are the main open and distance learning course providers?

There are a few providers that offer a large range of subjects - academic courses such as GCSEs, vocational courses such as computing, professional courses such as banking, and leisure courses you may study for pleasure such as painting. These are some of the more commonly known large course providers:

Open University
National Extension College
Open Learning Centre International
learndirect

Some course providers specialise in certain types of courses – for example the Open College of the Arts offers a range of art and design courses.

For details of all distance learning providers call us on 0800 100 900.

What other ways of learning are there?

There are other ways of learning outside of the classroom. They’re different from structured courses because you won’t get any tutor support, but for some people they’re ideal:

• Books – there are many ‘How To’ books where you can learn anything from computer skills to DIY
• Audio tapes and CDs – many people learn languages using this method, although other common topics are management skills and personal development
• Home computers – you can learn computer skills with a tuition manual, an on-screen tutorial or via the internet
• TV and Radio – the BBC’s Learning Zone is an example of this.

So how do I choose between course providers?

Universities and colleges are state funded so the government inspects them. Many open and distance learning course providers are private organisations, so you’ll need to check to make sure they meet quality standards.

Make sure that the course is a quality, recognised course. And as you do with any course, you should be sure it’s the right course for you and that completing it will take you towards your goals.

Firstly, check if the course provider is accredited. The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) is an independent body that inspects course providers and assesses whether their quality standards are being met. Most approved course providers show the ODLQC accreditation logo on their promotional material.

The ODLQC website lists their accredited colleges, the courses you can study with them, and has more general information and advice on open and distance learning.

The Association of British Correspondence Colleges is a trade association whose members adhere to a code of ethics that maintain quality.

If a course provider uses another organisation’s accreditation logo on their course materials, check it is a reputable and independent organisation that inspects course providers.

There are many non-accredited course providers. If a course provider isn’t accredited by one of these organisations, you’ll have to assess the quality of their courses yourself. You should get answers to questions such as:

• does the course lead to a recognised qualification (if you need one)?
• have they got a customer satisfaction or refund policy? Your personal circumstances may change during the course and you may want to stop or suspend the course
• is there a guaranteed level of tutor support – is it via phone, e-mail, face-to-face or phone?
• will they send you an example of the course materials?
• will they put you in touch with other people who have completed the course?
• is the course at the right level? If not, get some advice and guidance or speak to the course tutor.

What else do I need to consider?

• check if, and how much, you need to attend for tutorials, face-to-face tuition and examinations
• shop around to see if the course is available through other providers – you may get a better deal
• add up all the possible costs – in addition to the course fee you may have to pay for an enrolment fee, books, equipment, examination costs, internet usage, travel and accommodation
• check for time restrictions – although many distance learning courses are open-ended and you learn at your own pace, some have time limits.

Can I get help paying for the course?

It can be difficult getting funding for open and distance learning if the course provider is a private organisation. Most statutory funding – such as the Learner Support Fund, Adult Learning Grant and Student Loan - is linked to attendance courses at government funded course providers such as colleges and universities.

Many people pay for the courses themselves using savings or a bank loan. However, you should check out all funding options before stumping up the money. As with all courses, any funding will depend on your circumstances and the subject you’re planning to study. Here are some of the main options for funding open and distance learning:

• your employer - if you can convince your employer that doing the course would not only benefit you but also the organisation, they may fund the course and give you time off to attend
• Career Development Loans – if the course is vocational
• Local Educational Authority discretionary awards
• JobCentre – if you are unemployed
• educational charities and trusts – may give small awards based on your circumstances and your course subject.

Ask your course provider if they offer fee discounts or free courses. Some have a limited number of fee concessions for students on benefits or a low income. Some also have links with a sponsorship organisation.

Many course providers also allow you to pay the fees in instalments. This helps you to spread the cost over the year rather than paying one lump sum. They may charge a higher total fee for this to cover administrative costs.

You can find more information about these and other funding types in the funding section of our website.

Where can I find out more?

Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
The Association of British Correspondence Colleges

Or, for advice on all careers and courses call us on 0800 100 900. Calls are in confidence and because we're impartial, you'll get the best possible advice on your options.