Distance learning at graduate level isn't for everyone: it requires self-discipline and determination. But it can be a valid and flexible alternative for those who are prevented from attending residential school due to personal or work commitments.
"Distance learning means literally that: learning from a distance," says Doreen Gough of UNISA. "Distance learning students receive their study material either through the post, or online. They submit assignments through the post or email and receive them back marked.
"Students in this form of study sometimes have to buy their own prescribed books if they aren't included in the package. The institutions which offer these courses will have their own arrangements regarding admission to examinations and where students should write these examinations."
Distance learning is offered by a number of different types of institutions. UNISA in South Africa is purely a distant learning institution, like the Open University in the UK and the Indira Gandhi National Open University in India.
There is the option of studying for a degree from an international university while staying at home - which the majority do offer. Transnational education allows you to study for a degree from an international university at a campus in a different country - for instance the Australian University Monash has a campus in Malaysia and one in South Africa.
Greater flexibility
Gough argues that a distance learning degree allows the student more flexibility and is more economical: "The advantage of distance learning over residential universities is that the student can study at his or her own pace, and can qualify while working for a living."
Rachel Scheer of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) in the US, backs up this flexibility by saying: "Often, the distance education student has a variety of personal, family and/or professional obligations that prevent him or her from attending a traditional, residential school. The ideal distance education student can maintain all previous obligations while adding the new responsibility of studies."
The DETC was founded in 1926, promoting sound education and good business practices in the distance education field. The nine member Accrediting Commission was established in 1955; shortly thereafter it gained the approval of the US Department of Education as the nationally recognized accrediting agency for distance education institutions. The Accrediting Commission is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the US.
Not an easy option
So is distance learning for you? Gough says you need to question your commitment: "The student needs to be committed. It is important that they take into account their work and social responsibilities and lifestyle and adjust their study load accordingly. This type of student must be comfortable studying alone and disciplined enough to submit each assignment on time."
Discipline is something which Scheer also picks up on: "Although it varies from program to program, most distance education programs are self-paced, requiring the distance learner to be rigid in his or her responsibilities, self-motivated, and a good time manager.
"Distance learning would not suit someone with no motivation to study on his or her own, who needs the structure of a traditional residential learning environment, or with simply no time for studying. Although it is possible to maintain family and professional commitments while attending a distance education school it does not mean there will be less work than a residential school, it just means you can receive lessons and complete course work at your convenience from home."
Gough agrees that distance learning is not for everyone: "Students who enjoy regular interaction with fellow students and lecturers would find this difficult. And those who lack the discipline to study on their own and need the classroom input would not be suited to this type of education." However, she says distance learning postgraduate degrees may offer "a limited amount of contact in the form of tutorials."
The level of contact may also be part of the accreditation process for the distance learning degree. The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has specific criteria when looking at distance-learning MBAs, focusing on the need for dialogue and collaborative learning.
"A common way of providing these opportunities will be through the provision of a significant face-to-face element to the program, for example, book weeks, residential schools or face-to-face tutorials. The duration of the face-to-face element is expected to be a minimum of 120 hours."
Accreditation checks
As with every university you are interested in studying with, you should check their accreditation. For example, UNISA operates in accordance with the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, as amended. It is recognized by the South African Department of Education (DoE), accredited by the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE) and all its qualifications are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Internationally, one way for the accreditation of Unisa's qualifications in foreign countries with an established Qualifications Authority, is for the two qualification authorities involved to negotiate the mutual recognition and accreditation of each other's qualifications. In other cases the publication of an institution's name in specific authoritative publications, forms the basis of accreditation.
UNISA is inter alia listed in the following publications: Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, an international directory providing authoritative information on more than 600 universities in 36 Commonwealth countries; International Handbook of Universities published by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and verified by the International Association of Universities. Students must however enquire from the specific foreign country/university whether UNISA's qualifications are accredited/recognized.
Scheer from DETC, based in the US, says potential students should check the actual accreditation bodies when looking at a degree: "To check the accreditation of any postsecondary school or college visit www.chea.org (Council of Higher Education Accreditation). The school must be accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education." The CHEA website contains details of over 400 quality assurance bodies, accreditation bodies and Ministeries of Education in 175 countries.
Employers can be impressed by people who have studied for a distance learning qualification. "The CEO of a large international consulting firm recently commented that he would value a graduate from a distance learning (DL) MBA who had achieved the same results as a graduate from an equivalent on-campus program more favourably in light of the greater commitment required from the student to achieve this result," says Chris Howarth, Director of External Programmes at the School of Management, Royal Holloway, University of London.
