Research shows how to get best from distance learning

Citation

(2003), "Research shows how to get best from distance learning", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2003.00327aab.003

Research shows how to get best from distance learning

Research shows how to get best from distance learning

Distance learning can meet students' needs as well as, if not better than, other kinds of course. Getting it right for distance students is not rocket science. But courses have to be well managed.

So says Dr Ros Morpeth, National Extension College (NEC) executive director, who pinpoints some of the things colleges need to concentrate on to make sure their students do well. They include:

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  keeping in close contact with students and acting quickly to help if a student is not getting on well;

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  giving students good information and guidance about courses before they sign up;

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  setting a target time frame for completing the course;

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  recruiting skilled tutors and giving them good back-up;

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  using high-quality learning materials; and

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  using feedback from learners to improve courses.

Research from the NEC and the Learning and Skills Development Agency shows that the key to success is good management and being careful to monitor how students are getting on. The report also reveals that well managed distance courses produce results just as good as those for face-to-face courses.

The report is based on research with colleges, employers and learners. It calls for benchmarks and performance indicators for distance learning, and guidance on how to cost programmes.

Chris Hughes, Learning and Skills Development Agency chief executive, said "Being a distance-learning student is tough. Without the social interaction with other students and face-to-face communication with tutors, many learners find it difficult to stay motivated. But when managed properly, distance learning is highly effective. It provides access to learning for people who cannot attend college themselves, and is an essential component of the drive to widen participation in learning".

The report, Going the Distance, by Rosemary Hawksley and Jane Owen, is available free from Information Services at the Learning and Skills Development Agency, Regent Arcade House, 19-25 Argyll Street, London W1F 7LS. Tel: +44 20 7297 9000; Fax: +44 20 7297 9001.