anyone doing distance learning?

Keanosafc

Is anybody studying by distance learning?

I've just started a business management BA Hons top up course through sunderland university and a company called rdi. I've found the course materials very vague and don't seem to be learning much from them at all. I've got about 2 weeks to decide if i want to continue with the course or get my money back.

How have other people found distance learning? Can you recommend any companies to do it through?

Thanks in advance for your advice

fabwitch_2

I did a couple of Diplomas and my BSc Hons Social Policy with the Open University and really do recommend them highly. The course materials are excellant and Tutor support and Tutorials which are optional on some courses and are very good. I know the Business management degrees are of the highest standards. and highly regarded in the employment sector. Have a look at the OU site,
http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?A02

lidlest

I studied with the Open Uni and couldn't recommend them more. Good materials, support if you need it, forums to get support from other students, assignments nicely set out.

Minxz

I'm currently studying with the OU too, and really enjoy it! The tutors are helpful, materials clear and well written, and if you are on a low income you can get help with paying for youe course.

hjb123

Im currently doing distance learning through FTC Kaplan (accounting) and have had no problems. The study materials and the support has been great

Voyager2002

So the advice to the OP has to be, do an Open University course instead. I mean, it is likely that RDI will show themselves at best for the early stages when you still have a right to cancel. It is more likely that the quality of the material will go down than go up if you continue, so if you are unhappy with it now then get out.

I agree with the other posters about the very high quality of OU materials. And since I used to be based on their campus, I know something about the enormous care they take to maintain their standards. I don't think you will find the same quality in many other places.

jhxmt

Given that a few people here seem to have experience with the OU, wonder if I could pick their brains briefly?

My mum is considering taking some kind of maths distance-learning course (she misses studying, I think!). She's been out of school for a couple of decades now, and while she's fairly numerically-minded, she was debating whether she should go back into studying at GCSE level or go directly for the A-level (which is her target).

I've broached the idea of the OU to her (having no experience of it myself, sadly!), and she's considering it, but neither of us is quite sure which qualification on their scale would be more suited to her.

Anybody have any thoughts on best starting mathematics course for a forty-something woman wanting to get back into studying?

All input welcomed, because I haven't a clue!

hjb123

Could she maybe have a look at some GCSE or ALevel books in the library or bookshops and see what she can do or cant do before she commits herself to a course?

I think there are courses run for the older learner. Learn Direct may be a good place for advice?

hjb123

Could she maybe have a look at some GCSE or ALevel books in the library or bookshops and see what she can do or cant do before she commits herself to a course?

I think there are courses run for the older learner. Learn Direct may be a good place for advice?

jhxmt

Good thinking, I'll have a look around and suggest she check her abilities first. I think she's fairly confident that she can do GCSE level maths...but then, GCSE's have more than likely changed since she was at school!

fabwitch_2

http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C01MU120

This is the OU Open Maths course , worth looking into , If your Mum phones up the OU advice line they will be able to guide her which maths course to start with. If she has some knowledge of maths in the past this course maybe right for your Mum. Also if she then completes the next level 1 maths course she would gain the Certificate in Maths (Open)

http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C01Y162

The OU also do a 10 point starting maths course, link above