Learning

LaptopStudying and learning online

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. Pablo Picasso

It has never been this easy to increase your knowledge, expand your skills and continue your learning. The Internet has turned the world into our classroom with students being able to enrol in courses from the other side of the globe. Online courses in every subject are available some free of charge, some fee-based but they all offer people the advantage of being able to learn in the comfort of their own home, often at their own pace.

Whether you want to do a tapestry course, improve your language skills or get a degree or qualification, there probably is an online course to meet your needs.

New Zealand has a range of education providers offering online courses or distance learning opportunities but why stop at the border? In fact, the Internet knows no borders and opens up courses to people from all around the globe.

First, you need to establish the kind of course you want to do and your learning objectives. Do you just want to know a bit more about a certain subject or do you actually want to do an online degree with a qualification at the end?

If it is the first option, you can search the internet for courses on the subject in which you are interested. Many are free, some require some form of payment but, in most cases, you will be able to learn at your own pace.

If you want to do a degree at a certain institution, without actually attending the college or university, there are a few other things you need to consider.

Is online learning the right choice for you?
It requires a lot of dedication on your part to ensure you will do the work required and meet the deadlines set by the course.
Will you be able to withstand temptation and do your homework?
Distance learning demands students who can work independently without a lot of prompting. As a distance learner you will have to be well-organised and committed. You must be disciplined enough to commit a substantial amount of time each week to do the necessary work. There is a temptation to put off doing the work in favour of a good TV show, a catch up with a friend or other distractions because you wont have the inducement of a professor asking you questions in class. So, remain focused on what you are doing and are trying to achieve.
How do you learn best listening, reading, looking?
Distance education is delivered in many ways by satellite, Internet, video, TV, audio or print, so it is important to work out what learning method best suits you before you start.
Can you multi-task?
Not only do distance learners have to be more committed, they must also be able to organise their time and resources. While on-campus students can hurry to the campus library the afternoon before an assignment is due and pull an all-nighter, distance learners have to plan ahead to be sure books and materials are at hand.
Do you have the technical knowledge?
To ensure most people will have access to distance learning opportunities, education providers tend to deliver their programs in the most uncomplicated manner with minimal requirements in terms of technology. However, people will need to know their way around the Internet and be prepared to deal with inevitable technical glitches.

Still, despite all this, there are many benefits to distance learning and they outweigh the downsides. Perhaps the best way to know if you have what it takes to learn from a distance is to take one class in something you truly enjoy and see how you do.

Find out more about how e-learning is developing in New Zealand.

We recommend: Online learning resources

Most tertiary learning institutions offer some of their courses by distance. Check out eLearn to search for online courses run by NZ tertiary institutions.

The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand also has an online campus offers a wide range of online courses. Enrolments for Semester 1 close 12 February. Most tertiary providers now also offer many e-learning options.

The BBC has an excellent online learning site, as does the ABC.

The library also has lots of useful resources: