As a working professional, you are probably wondering how you can develop your skills. After all, you are in the middle of your career and you cannot stop working for weeks or even months at a time. Have you ever considered distance learning? It is the best way to enhance your professional profile and to acquire a new recognised diploma.
Here is what you need to know about distance learning and how it can benefit your career.
What is the definition of distance learning?
Distance learning, also known as e-learning or online learning, is a mode of education where students and professors are in different locations and classes are held remotely, through online classes.
The whole process is remote, from application to exams, there is no need to physically go to the distance learning centre.
Distance learning makes it possible for working professionals to develop their skills while continuing to work or starting their own business. With online classes that welcome students from around the world and constant access to learning resources, education has become more accessible.
Is distance learning the same as online learning?
Distance learning and online learning are not technically the same thing. In fact, distance learning is a concept that predates the Internet. For a long time, some educational institutions have been offering courses through mail. Distance learning includes any form of remote learning, not just online, and some programmes may involve physical presence at some points.
Nowadays, however, online learning has become almost synonymous with distance learning, as new technologies have made the postal version obsolete and schools now offer 100% distance learning via the Internet.
For whom is distance learning made?
Distance learning is designed for people who, for various reasons, cannot attend in-person courses.
It’s the perfect way to gain new skills for working professionals who don’t want to stop in the middle of their career, or for people who travel a lot. It is also very beneficial for people who want to attend a top school far from home, sometimes in another country.
What are the differences between distance and on-campus learning?
Learning environment
The main difference, of course, is the learning environment.
On-campus learning is the classic education: you go to a physical classroom, with all the other students and the professors present.
Distance learning, on the other hand, offers a completely different environment. You can learn from wherever you are. You can go to work during the day and study at your own pace in the evening, thanks to the constant availability of online learning material.
But the difference between the two goes much further than that!
Schedule VS flexibility
The advantage of online learning is that you are not tied to a fixed schedule. On-campus education involves going to your school several times a week to attend classes. There is usually little or no content available online after class. If you miss a day, it’s harder to catch up.
On the other hand, distance learning offers much more flexibility for working professionals, as there are no fixed hours for studying.
Interactions
When you study over the Internet, the way you interact with professors and other students is very different. With on-campus learning, you can interact directly with other attendants and professors. With online education, everything is remote.
Contrary to what you might think, this doesn’t make interaction more difficult. In fact, it is the best way to develop soft skills such as communication and teamwork. You can always reach out to your peers for group work and ask for help if you are struggling.
Digital skills
Choosing distance learning over on-campus learning will also develop your digital skills. If you are unfamiliar with the web and its tools, e-learning is the best way to discover them.
Throughout the course, you will be in constant contact with various digital tools and platforms as part of your learning experience. You will interact with your professors and other students through digital channels such as emails, chats and, of course, online classes.
Completing an online degree will prove that you are adaptable and can work over the Internet, an extremely valuable professional skill.
Cost
The cost is another difference. While the tuition fees are usually the same in both cases (because you get the same quality of education), distance learning is usually cheaper.
Because you don’t have to attend physical classes, you save on travel, parking, accommodation and meals. Not to mention the fact that you don’t have to leave your job to get the skills you need.
For all these reasons, online learning is a very affordable way to get a well-recognised diploma.
Is distance learning effective?
Distance learning has the same standards as its in-person counterpart. The level expected from distance learners is the same as that of in-person attendants and you will acquire the same skills. That’s why there is no difference in the diploma. The fact that you have acquired it online is not indicated. In fact, you learn a little more with distance learning: as mentioned above, it also offers the opportunity to develop your digital skills.
Online diplomas are also recognised by companies and you will have the same job opportunities after completion of the programme. In fact, the business world is investing in distance learning. In the case of EDHEC Business School, for example, our partner companies are proof of this. We work hand in hand with companies such as Google, L’Oréal and PWC to improve our programmes and train the leaders of tomorrow.
How will I be assessed?
Of course, in order to improve your skills and obtain a diploma, your level needs to be assessed.
Between sessions, you will work at home on individual or group tasks. During online classes, the assignments will be reviewed by the professors.
You don’t even have to go to the distance learning centre for the exams. Everything is done digitally.
The exact way you will be assessed depends on the school and on the type of programme (an online certificate and an online MSc don’t work the same way). Don’t hesitate to contact the school you are interested in to find out more.
Choose a top school to develop your skills
If you want to develop your skills through distance learning, you need to choose a top school that is recognised by companies and independent institutions. EDHEC Business School, the 7th best European Business School according to the Financial Times, is also accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. By choosing one of our programmes, you will be able to join a course that matches your career goals and provides valuable skills in today’s business world.
Discover our programmes and boost your career!