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| The
distance education mode of learning has more recently been called flexible
delivery, to acknowledge that not all students enrolling in courses offered
this way are unable to attend campus based classes. Many busy people who
work fulltime prefer to study using online and /or print based courses to
allow them to study when it suits them. Through the use of electronic communication,
providers of flexible learning are able to deliver an educational experience
that is largely comparable to the classroom experience. The following advice
has been put together to assist students in understanding the nature of
this distance education program. |
| Time allocation |
| You will need
to set aside a minimum amount of time each week to complete each distance
learning subject. For most students a minimum of eight to twelve hours is
required to work through sessions, complete session activities, read key
references, participate in online forums, communicate with your unit coordinator
and other students, and complete assessment tasks and assignments |
| Contact
with your coordinators and other students |
| Although you
may prefer working on your own, most students find advantages in discussing
the activities with other students and their unit coordinator or lecturer.
You are invited to contribute your ideas, questions and experiences on a
regular basis throughout the courses. |
| Because students
bring different experiences and ideas to the course, ongoing participation
in electronic discussions and, when available, tele-tutorials, can significantly
enhance your learning. |
| The feelings
of isolation that have been expected to be a part of distance education
modes of learning have largely been eliminated with electronic communication
via email and the online forum. Students learn that confusion can quickly
be eliminated through a phone call or email to the particular unit coordinator,
program coordinator at university at which they are enrolled, or BCA
central office staff. |
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