Ready for distance learning?

As a student of NCNZ you will be a self-directed learner of distance education. Distance education is very much a partnership between the education provider and the student. Both parties must be active participants in this partnership. For you this brings a responsibility for committed self-directed learning using the educational materials supplied by the College. In turn, NCNZ will do all it can to support you in achieving your learning goals.

Not everyone is suited to distance education. As an adult learner of distance education, it is up to you to plan your study to ensure you can comfortably complete each module of your course. The responsibility to learn and ownership of the learning, lies with you. Distance education requires motivation and self discipline. You will need to set yourself goals and stick to them.

In today’s funding environment it is equally important for the student and the education provider to ensure they are a good match, as continued funding is tied to students completing their course. This is the case both for the student to be able to continue to receive student allowances and loans, and for the education provider to continue to receive funding from the government. The questions and qualities below will help you to consider whether you have the time required and the necessary skills to study by distance. It is important to take the time to think about these points before enrolling, so that you know NCNZ is a good match for you.

Studying by distance requires the same time commitments as going to classes each day. Some key things to consider around this are:

• What daily and weekly responsibilities do you have?
• Do you have the hours available each week to undertake the work required?
• When will you study each day/week?
• Do you have children at home, and if so who will you care for them so that you can study uninterrupted?
• Where will you study?
• What resources do you need to complete your studies e.g. internet access, computer etc.?

In addition, consider the following key attributes of successful distance education students. The student:

• Takes full ownership and responsibility for their learning
• Is self motivated
• Has good time management skills, and tends to getting things done to schedule
• Is highly organised and disciplined in their learning
• Has good reading and writing skills
• Is comfortable with written communication
• Is able to work independently with little direction
• Has an ability to prioritise workloads, both study and non-study commitments
• Is comfortable initiating contact when additional support is required
• Is comfortable working on a computer and the internet
• Is resilient and not easily discouraged when they run into difficulties
• Stays focussed on achieving study goals in order to achieve their career aspirations.