AD | “I’m going to use this time to learn a new skill.” During lockdown, I think many of us had extra time on our hands and were full of good intentions to use it productively. But even if you didn’t (unless KS2 maths during homeschooling counts), with the likelihood of a second lockdown looming, now seems an equally good time to start. And if you can’t, or prefer not to attend college or a workplace apprenticeship, why not consider the advantages of distanced or home study courses instead? Here are some of the benefits of distance learning.
Six key benefits of distance learning
Firstly, what is distance learning or home study? As you might have surmised, it’s when you don’t attend a physical location with a set timetable. You receive your chosen course materials at home and you can self-study at your own pace, with support from a personal tutor.
Distance learning is flexible
There are no set terms dates and no travelling involved. You can start studying whenever you like and go as slowly or as quickly as you wish. One of the biggest benefits of distance learning is you can fit it around both your family and your work life.
A wide range of home study courses
There are literally hundreds of online courses available for virtually any subject you can think of. From aromatherapy, gardening (hello!), psychology, web design, construction, animal care, business management, criminology… The list goes on. Some home study course are vocational, some professional, some hobby-based, and some are GCSE, A level and FE courses.
Manageable costs
Compared with living in halls or student digs and commuting costs, home study costs are much lower. You can even pay in instalments, to help with your budgeting. And as you can undertake a distance learning course from anywhere in the world, there are no relocation expenses involved either.
A recognised qualification
Most courses will lead to accredited certificates of achievements, Ofqual Regulated Qualifications, or industry recognised certifications. So you’ll have something to show for all your hard work at the end of your home study as well.
May be helpful in the workplace
Most employers look favourably on people willing to learn something new in their own time. In fact, if your chosen course coincides with your employer’s business, they might even pay for your studies. And even if they don’t, you’ve demonstrated your initiative and they’ll be more likely to remember you for future openings.
Distance learning opens up new opportunities
If you can’t find a professional course that floats your boat, why not consider a vocational one instead? While there’s no guarantee undertaking a home study course will find you a job, you could learn a new skill to help you pivot and perhaps turn a favourite hobby into a business.
Now I’m not ready to quit my day job which I love, far from it, but we’d all like to make some money on the side, wouldn’t we? I’ve spotted a Garden Design course, an Adobe Photoshop course, and a Ruby for Beginners course (dynamic, open source programming, don’t ask 🙂 ) And with working from home now the new normal, all these benefits of distance learning really are worth considering, don’t you think?
Have you ever considered how distance learning could benefit you? Do you think it’s something you’d enjoy? Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn more about? What home study course would you choose?
* This is a sponsored post.
Very informative post. I read this just after wrapping up an assignment in the online Plain Language Writing course I am working on. I’m taking it through a university thousands of kilometres from where I live. Distance learning opens up so many possibilities. But, you have to be very disciplined to do any type of self-directed learning.
Oh that’s good timing then! And congrats on completing your course too, that’s an interesting one, I’ve not heard of that before.
I love how you are looking at the positive side to distance learning. All I seem to hear are the negatives to it, and it’s great that there are actually some benefits. Thanks for sharing!
Oh that’s good – TBH I think the only negative is that you do have to be self-disciplined, which if it doesn’t come naturally can be a challenge!
There are a lot of benefits of distance learning, I’ve always thought of doing a degree from the open university. Thank you for sharing this!
Yes, there are – and especially now when studying away isn’t such an attractive option!
The closest I have got is Jenny’s course but it is definitely something I have considered before. Especially when I was a single parent and would have struggled to go out to a course.
We can’t deny that the internet has changed everything! Can you imagine how different lockdown would have been without it. Not that we’d no any different I suppose. But the world is suddenly at our fingertips and there is so much to learn.
Fingers crossed we remain out of lockdown for as long as possible x
Yes, I know, it’s hard to remember life before the Internet! Lockdown would have been so much harder without the ability to get online (which sounds very sad). But distance learning is a really good option if you’re budgeting, I think – and I’ve heard amazing things about Jenny’s course 🙂 x
Lisa, what a wonderful and informative post! I totally agree with your points – distance learning has its benefits!
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com/
Oh thank you so much, I’m so glad you think so 🙂
I spent the final part of my degree at home and had no choice but to distance learn and actually I was so much more productive and dedicated more of myself to my studies!
Rosie
That’s so interesting, you know what it’s like from both sides then – congrats on finishing your degree!
This is so great! I completely agree and think that Distanced Learning is such a great idea. I really struggled with the whole commute to university just for an hour lecture!
It seems crazy to go all that way for such a short time, doesn’t it? I’m sure distance learning will become more of the norm now.
Distance learning can be SUCH a great option for so many reasons. And I think that’s been even more apparent this year with COVID and keeping everyone at home. Distance learning gives people the chance to not let being at home stop them from learning something new or even gaining qualifications. Great post!
Absolutely, I love that home study and distance learning is accessible to more people who might not be able to travel or live away, thank you, Jenny!
I definitely agree it makes the costs so manageable, self funding can be so hard and a degree can be 9k+ per year! Thanks for sharing this lisa it was a really enjoyable read x
£9K a year is just crazy, isn’t it? And how long would you be paying that back? Thank you, Kayleigh x
Distance learning is actually good for certain people like myself. I have ASD and going into a lecture hall etc gives me anxiety attacks. It needs to be looked into more x
Oh, that’s good to hear that distance learning is helpful for you – thank you x
Interesting post! I love how you’re looking at the positives in distance learning, really enjoyed reading this x
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’m currently distance learning and I’m really enjoying it I totally agree with the cost it’s so much cheaper than actually going out to uni every day
Oh yay, that’s good to hear, I’m glad it’s working out for you!
I loved reading this post! Thanks so much for sharing 🤍
You’re welcome 🙂
Great post! Thank you for sharing! I love how you’ve focused on the positives and I totally agree with these points!
Thank you, that’s very good to hear!
I like that you listed these out here, there are so many benefits of distance learning that I feel like people either aren’t exposed to or ignore. I personally would enjoy distance learning more because of its flexibility and prep for the workplace. So many jobs are remote now and I feel like people may struggle if they’ve never had to be responsible in that manner before
I think the flexibility (pace of study and location) is the key thing, plus the fact that you can fit it in around your lifestyle. And yes, it’s good training for remote working too!
I absolutely agree. I’ve been a student of distance learning since the ’80’s (yes things have changed dramatically). It was particularly helpful to me to complete an undergraduate degree while working full time. Great post!
Oh that’s good to hear – and yes, I was a student in the 80s too, how times have changed!
I attempted to do a distance learnign course but I just couldn’t motivate myself but I’m so glad to hear that it’s worked so well for you!
Self-motivation can be hard but if you can do it, I think the benefits outweigh the downsides 🙂
It is more flexible but it seems that most programs give a lot more work in distance learning.
I think it depends on what course you pick – some need more hours but others are really very quick to complete.
The flexibility is the best part for me. I work best in short intense periods and classroom learning is NOT helpful with that since teachers have to accommodate to everyone’s pace and most do better with slower and repetitive teaching. Distance learning can be bad for some but can be better for others. Thanks for showing that!
That’s a really good point – when you home study you go at the pace that best suits you, not everyone else – it’s not a one size fits all method of learning!
I am a HUGE fan of online learning. Just a few years ago, at 30, I made the decision to return to college for a different area of study as part of a career change. At the time, I was working and unable to travel in order to follow my goals. Instead, I signed up to do my entire diploma online. It not only allowed me to practice here at home, but also at my own pace and on my own time. I could work it around my already busy schedule. It’s not ideal for everyone, some people need the guidance and supervision associated with in person learning. That being said, it was AMAZING for me!
Oh wow, Britt, that’s amazing, huge congrats! Like you say, it’s not the perfect solution for everyone but if you can make it work – which you clearly did – it’s a brilliant solution. Go you!
Distance learning has definitely made it easier for me and even encouraged to me try out some free online courses to see what I am interested in. I would not have, for example, left home to try an in-person course, so being able to learn from home has been awesome!
Thanks so much for sharing this. 🙂
Oh, exciting, what online courses have you tried? I do think, especially now, distance learning is a really good way of opening up new opportunities.
This was a really interesting post, I’ve been thinking about doing an online course recently since I’ve left university I’ve really missed learning!
Melissa x thefashionfemmeblog.com
Oh thank you, that’s very good to hear!
Distance learning really does have a lot of benefits. Before reading this post I didn’t even realize how much.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
I’m so pleased to have helped 🙂
With the pandemic, this topic is much discussed everywere. I know that is not the perfect solution, but I personally believe that distance learning has many advantages and infinite applications for the future
Yes, I completely agree, I do think distance learning is the way forward right now, it’s so flexible.
I am a great fan of distance learning, done a lot of it myself. Great post!
That’s great to hear – and thank you!
There’s so many benefits to distance learning, this is such an informative post Lisa! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Yes, there are – thank you, Lucy! x
I love how you have drawn ont he positives of distance learning. It can make learning so much more accessible to people, can’t it? Some may feel intimidated to go to a place for study, but being able to do it at your own pace and within somewhere that is less intimidating, like at home really does help. Deffo makes it more flexible too!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Oh yes, if you have anxiety anyway then being able to study at home is a massive bonus, even before COVID. Yes you need to be self-disciplined, but the benefits do outweigh the negatives, I think!
This is a great post! Distance learning definitely has its benefits, it’s usually more cost-friendly and it gives you that flexibility to learn wherever you want that’s comfortable. My last couple semesters in college I actually took classes online and it worked out really well for me! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you – and that’s really interesting that you’ve experienced both ways of learning – I’m glad your online classes worked out well for you 🙂
Such an informative and brilliant post Lisa! I’ve definitely started to embrace more distanced learning and love the opportunities there are and the flexibility too. As well as the fact I can work studies in around my job as well so I’m definitely keen to do more of it in the future – especially since it means the opportunity to gain certification and qualifications to be able to do my job better.
Oh thank you so much, Hannah, that’s very kind! And that’s great you can study around your job as well, good luck with any future courses!
I love the idea of distance learning. I’ve been thinking about the flux of free courses that are available since the world has gone crazy and would love to enhance my skills more, I just haven’t been able to decide what I’d want to do! This is a great post!
I know, there’s just so much choice out there, I have a “shortlist” of about 8 courses at the moment, haha – and thank you!
I’ve done several correspondence and online courses. I was an adult so it was enjoyable. As adults, we can manage distance learning. For children however, there are so many challenges. I think it’s good for college age plus.
I think you’re right, distance learning is better for adults and college age students, it’s too hard for kids, they need the interacation.
This was very open minded. I didn’t know so many benefits yet!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Distance learning can be super helpful, especially when it is about niche skills – like you mentioned photoshop, or (in my work space) excel. Nobody would pay for a full course to attend in person but with online courses it is a different matter. Great post!
Niche skills is exactly right – and they can be super helpful in work as well as just for your own personal satisfaction – thank you!
My master’s was partially through distance learning and it was great! Now I love taking classes on Skillshare or similar sites, it’s so convenient to learn from the comfort of my home and go at my own pace!
Daniela
I haven’t looked at Skillshare, that’s a good tip, I’ll have a look over there shortly!
I have taken many online courses in the last two years and none of them have disappointed. I can’t believe how much you can learn in a short amount of time when there are no classroom interruptions. I love it.
No classroom interruptions but you have to screen out family interruptions instead, haha!
I too am a huge fan of distance learning. My reasons, were because of my mental health. I culdnt manage the social anxiety of attending a brick uni, the flexibility to choose when and where I study was so incredibly helpful for me. I have just completed my degree with the Open University, and I have loved every second! I think many people think that studying from home somehow isnt a ‘proper qualification’ but of course it is! Employers also love distance learners, as it really shows commitment and great time management skiils! Wondeful post, thank you!
Oh congratulations, that’s brilliant news, well done you! Yes, you’re absolutely right, employers do love distance learners for the exact reasons you’ve just outlined – perfect skills in an employee too 🙂
Thanks for sharing, I have been looking into doing some distance learning to get my skills up, hopefully to do a post graduate cerficate in computing, so I can get my dream job 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Oooh, exciting, good luck with whatever course you decide to do!
I never enjoyed going to class to learn, but found it a way to force myself to pay attention to the subject. The same can be the same with studying at home if you’re not in the same place every day. I’ve heard about tuition being the same, which I don’t think should be for attending school “online”. There’s no value-add from one school vs the next. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on all of these benefits!
Nancy ✨
I think if you opt for home study you really need to WANT to learn, otherwise it’s too easy to get distracted. But yes, I do believe there should be more of a value-added for universities and colleges, otherwise what’s the point?
These are definitely some good benefits to distance learning! I don’t have any kids currently so I am not really dealing with it, but I am sure a lot of people who are found this post to be very helpful!
I hope so – certainly I can see how it would work for me anyway!
I agree with you about all of these benefits of distance learning. Right now I learning a new language and enjoy so much.
Oh that’s so good to hear, how exciting!
I’d not really thought about distance learning before but if I’m going to be working from home for a while longer, I might look into it!! I can’t believe there are so many varied courses nowadays 🙂 xx
I know, it’s like there’s nothing you can’t learn about from home, haha! x
I like distance learning because I don’t need lose time to go to school at course.
Exactly, it’s such a benefit.
We are very fond towards distance teaching too. At this moment, teaching our clients on how to update contents through their website CMS has never been easier, as we can conduct one-to-many!!
That’s great to hear, distance learning really does have some fab upsides 🙂