9 Myths About Distance Learning

As the ways in which people can learn and gain qualifications continues to evolve, so does the challenge of choosing the correct route for you. It doesn’t help that many less-traditional methods of study often have a certain stigma surrounding them, making it difficult to truly know which will be of the most benefit to you and your career.

Distance learning courses offer a multitude of benefits especially for those who are looking to further their career whilst still embarking on full time employment or working around a busy lifestyle. The truth is that distance learning is merely a change in the way education is pursued, and change can often be difficult to understand – this is where myths derive from.

But as with most myths, there’s very little truth in them. And we’ve decided to dispel the 9 biggest myths about distance learning to give you all the facts about alternative learning routes.

1. The quality of distance learning isn’t as high as a traditional qualification.

As a distance learning provider, we’re often asked about the quality of our qualifications compared to university degrees or college courses. All of our online courses sit on the qualification framework, meaning each has an equivalent to a traditional qualification. For example, a Level 5 Supply Chain Management Qualification is of the same level as a HND or Foundation Degree.

Just because we’re entirely online doesn’t mean you’ll receive a higher quality experience in a full time or classroom based qualification. It just makes us more versatile and accessible to more people.

2. Distance Learning is easier than other qualifications.

This entirely depends on the level of qualification you wish to pursue. If you choose an entry level course, for example a Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading, in order to introduce yourself to the world of management, you may find this relatively easy. By contrast, you may be at a stage to study the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and this will require much more commitment, time and effort.

A huge part of what we do here at DLC Training is also taking the time to understand the individual. We know that different people learn in different ways and what some may find easy, others may find difficult. Which is why we build the course to suit you and your abilities or preferences offering you several ways to learn and gain a qualification, including using past experience and current skills as evidence.

3. Distance learning qualifications aren’t valued in the workplace.

It’s a common misconception that employers will favour a candidate with a degree or formal qualification over the achievement of passing a distance learning course. Which isn’t true.  A survey conducted by Zogby International showed that 83% of executives and business owners felt that online qualifications were just as credible as traditionally acquired degrees.

Distance learning has also become a favoured route for workplace development and employee training within businesses. Employees don’t require day release or time off work, they can apply the skills they learn immediately within the working environment, and it is proven that a workforce will become much more productive and loyal when employers engage in their professional development.

4. The tutors aren’t properly qualified.

The team at DLC Training consists of some of finest talent in the industry. Our tutors are experts in their respective field and offer unlimited one to one support with each student. Collectively, our team of tutors have over a hundred years’ experience in all sectors of the supply chain and have delivered qualifications to employees of Amazon, Nissan, DHL and the Ministry of Defence.

Not only are our tutors highly qualified, but from the very first call you will speak to trained professionals who will help you determine the right course for you and your career. Upon enrolment you’re assigned a Student Support Liaison, who again will have vast experience of your chosen distance learning course and be skilled in motivating you throughout your qualification.

5. Distance learning offers very little support compared to a classroom based environment.

It may seem like you will receive a lot more one to one support when you have a physical teacher in front of you. However, it must be remembered that you will also share that classroom with a number of other students. Tutors providing distance learning feedback and support have to be as flexible as our qualifications. By its very nature, a distance course is more interactive than a classroom, they work out of the usual hours, provide a huge range of communication methods including Skype, Facetime, Whatsapp or email and adapt their feedback and teaching style to the individual.

DLC Training’s unrivalled support package ensures every need of the student is met, (it also means we can boast about our 98% pass rate amongst students), and you can read more about the support package here.

6. You have to be really good with technology.

Many of our learners are worried that they won’t be able to navigate a full qualification online, or that they can’t keep up. In fact, a large percentage of our student base haven’t studied for many, many years but are aware that in order to progress their careers, it’s likely you’ll need a professional qualification, and they’re surprised at how simple it is.

If being online isn’t something you’re used to, you can request that your materials be sent to you in physical form. All assignments must be submitted through our very user-friendly learning platform but if you do find yourself having trouble, that’s what your Student Support team are there for. We strive to ensure that our processes are straight-forward and simple to complete

7. Without peers, a distance learning course will be a lonely experience.

It doesn’t have to be. Online learning offers forums, email, chat groups, and other tools to allow you to interact with fellow students and professionals across the world. You can share insights and ideas with your tutor team too, they’re always active within the learning platform and giving advice and guidance where possible.

You may find other people who are struggling with a similar aspect of the same course too, or someone who has a solution. DLC Training set up groups for each of our qualifications. For example, if you’re studying the Level 3 in Logistics and Transport, you can join a group with all of our other current students to converse about elements of your module. Or you can even join our general forum and chat about anything you like!

8. Distance learning courses promote cheating.

You could say this about absolutely any qualification or course, regardless of its structure. If an individual wants to cheat, they will find a way whether that be in their dissertation or during their online learning qualification.

All we can say is, if you spent as much time and effort learning the materials than finding a way to cheat or plagiarise, you would probably have more success.

9. It’s too easy to procrastinate with a distance learning course.

No one knows procrastination quite like distance learning students. It is difficult and we understand, you’re busy and life can become overwhelming. That’s one of the reasons we place so much emphasis on staying in touch with your Student Support Liaison. Their role is to provide advice and guidance, discuss your progress and help you move through qualifications to achieve your career goals. If you encounter any problems, require motivation, need to place your studies on hold or extend your course period, they’ll be your mentor and main source of information.

Luckily, our partners over at IoSCM have also very kindly put together their top tips for beating procrastination during your study period, take a look here.

 

Distance learning isn’t just for a certain subset of people, it’s for everyone. If you’d like to speak to us a little bit more about how our distance learning qualification can help secure your future, call us today on 0800 0126 770.