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You are here: Getting started > Distance education & flexible learning delivery
Distance education & flexible learning delivery
Overview
Why use distance education?
What does flexible learning and delivery mean?
What is online learning?
Study resources
Online facilities or using information technology
Residential schools
Undertaking distance education
Who offers distance education?
Can I get financial support for distance education?
Overview
Distance education, flexible learning or study by correspondence offer the opportunity to undertake a course of study while balancing other commitments. This mode of study means that you can undertake a course of study without having to attend lectures ‘on campus’. You can study from home or in a remote area without having to relocate. You can be a part time or full time student. You may choose to do your entire course by distance education or choose to do some by distance and a component face to face.
Why use distance education?
There are a number of reasons why you may want to undertake distance education or flexible learning, such as:
- you live and work in a remote area with limited access to higher education
- your work hours or commitments prevent you from attending scheduled lectures
- the course of study that you want to complete is only available at a provider that is an inconvenient distance from where you live
- you are juggling other responsibilities or commitments.
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What does flexible learning and delivery mean?
Flexible learning and delivery generally refers to:
- course design that caters for a range of different learning styles and needs through various access opportunities (face-to-face, distance, a mix of both) and learning modes
- a combination of face to face or common teaching practices and learning modes as well as the alternatives provided by various media including, but not limited to, online learning.
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What is online learning?
Online learning is a way of providing flexible teaching and learning through a course, unit or lesson made available through the Internet.
An online learning environment can complement a traditional learning environment or it may offer a complete online learning package.
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Study resources
A distance education student has access to the resources required to complete a course of study and will be provided with the course curriculum through various multimedia materials.
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Online facilities or using information technology
Providers may use flexible on-line delivery in a number of ways:
- offer a course or unit wholly online
- offer a course component partially on line and partially face to face
- provide access to internet based information
- provide courses nationally and internationally
- enhance face to face lectures and tutorials
- maintain communication with students about administration
- offer online discussion and chat forums
- facilitate communication between students.
Note: Some courses may require you to attend components of the course in person even when enrolled as a distance student.
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Residential schools
Residential schools are blocks of time when you are required to attend classes with other students doing your course. They may be a requirement of your distance education program. Residential schools provide opportunities to:
- use specialised equipment and facilities
- meet and discuss issues with the academic staff
- meet and exchange ideas with fellow students
- visit the library.
If you select a distance education course of study that requires compulsory attendance at a residential school make sure that you can:
- take time away from your commitments, such as leave from work
- finance the travel, meals and accommodation costs that may be associated with your attendance.
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Undertaking distance education
When considering distance education as an option:
- think about the way you like to learn
- talk to the student support staff and library staff at the institutions you are considering
- ask about what the institution offers to help you maintain your involvement while you are studying.
Distance education offers different challenges, especially for school leavers who are used to a highly regulated school environment.
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Who offers distance education?
Many providers offer distance education courses.
See also: Higher education providers at a glance
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Can I get financial support for distance education?
While enrolled in a distance education program, you may be eligible for assistance in paying your course fees through a HELP loan.
Contact your provider to check if you are eligible for a HELP loan for your course.
See also: Loans
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