anyone doing distance learning?

belleooo

jhxmt wrote: »

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!

I can also recommend the OU. The materials are excellent, the support is good and there a good on-line facility for meeting other students. This website tells you a bit about the level one maths courses and has some sample materials. Best of luck to you Mum.

http://mathschoices.open.ac.uk/

mrbnewc1

I'm currently doing a distance learning foundation degree. My employers are paying for it (£1700 per year I think).

The problem is, I think I was misled into how much work it would actually be and the academic level at which i'd have to study. There was no mention of theory documents and journals at the start!

I'm finding it quite difficult to do on top of my job. I do get some study days, but don't have the chance to use them. Also, I have submitted two assignments and just passed both. The comments from the tutor are unhelpful to say the least. When I submit the draft they say one thing, but then change their mind on the final submission.

Anyway, I am thinking about jacking it in. It's playing on my mind all of the time and I can't for the life of me decide what to do.

Does anyone have any advice please???

mandyc

Open University are the "gold standard" for academic distance learning courses. They have nearly 40 years of experience. The materials supplied are excellent as is the tutorial support. Having said this I would not consider undertaking an OU course in the first year of its presentation because in the first year there may be some little hiccups.

For professional qualifications eg accountancy there are excellent distance learning providers although their fees are high compared to the public providers such as your local college or university.

Universities are now diversiving into distance learning but is a very specialised market so although some have been offering excellent MBA qualifications by distance learning for many years (eg Leicester) there are many others who are just entering this market and should be avoided until they are established and have a proven track record.

Distance learning requires a very disciplined approach and if the material supplied is not clear and concise and there is a lack of support you will not suceed.

I completed an OU degree and although it took me six years I enjoyed most of my studies. I was not working at the time (at home with three children) and do not think I could have coped whilst trying to hold down a job.

I am now working in higher education and the university where I work are considering entering the distance learning market but recognise that it is a highly specialised market.

Before signing up for a distance learning course please do lots of research to ensure that it is the best option for you.

Poppy9

Many years ago I did one year of distance learning with FTC in accountancy. I did find it hard working full time and having to fit in 14-17 hours of study per week. They kindly provided me with a timetable with 2 weeks holiday built into it but you have to make sure you cover the topics listed each week as it would be easy to fall behind. I found the accountancy, law and IT ok but struggled with the Economics so I found a friend with a degree in economics to help. I'm sure it's easier now with internet access to get help as I had to ring a help line and it's hard to explain where you are having problems over the phone. Luckily I had some great work colleagues who would give up their lunch hour to help me when I needed it.