FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LANGUAGES

OUMH1103
LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNERS






Name : Flora Rabar
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8ANUARY ,01& Seme0er
Table of Content Page No.

1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 Scope of Research 3
3.0 Importance of Distance Learning 4 - 5
3.1 Geographic !e"i#i!it$
3.2 Decreased %ost
3.3 &ime !e"i#i!it$
4.0 &he 'ro#!ems aced #$ Students in Distance Learning ( - )
5.1 &echnica! Issues*
5.2 Lac+ of Support
5.3 Iso!ation
5.4 'rocrastination
5.5 ,ccreditation and -ua!it$
..0 /o0 to 1e Successfu! in a Distance Learning %!ass )
(.0 Stud$ S+i!!s for Distance Learners 2 - 14
(.1 &echnica!!$ Spea+ing
(.2 'repare 3ourse!f
(.3 &ime 4anager
(.4 5-Sa66$ Stud$ing
(.5 ami!$ and 7or+ 4atters
(.. Stress 4anagement
(.( 4oti6ation S+i!!
).0 %onc!usion 15

120 I+ro/#"!o+
The distance or open learning environment continues to grow rapidly. Distance
learning is becoming an alternative to traditional classrooms. Students can benefit
from the flexibility that comes with distance learning, and for students who dont
have the time or money to attend traditional schools, distance learning can provide a
path to higher education or degrees.
In modern world educations, distance learning appeals working adults whom have the
desire to improve their knowledge and skills by taking up degree or other college
education program so that they can make a better life for themselves and their family.
oreover, taking up further study is a smart move or the correct way of taking the
next step in their professional career.
,20 S"o)e o1 Re0ear"*
!or the purpose of this assignment, definitions of distance learning skills are
abstracted from !"#$ %ournals&'rticles on "#s Digital (ibrary )D(* or Internet
#niversal (ibrary. +ased on my research, the foregoing distance learning skills are
recommended,
)-* !ind .our otivation
)/* Develop 0ffective Study 1abits
)2* anage .our Time
)3* anaging Stress
These four skills are key to the success of distance learners which are abstracted from
the specific 4ournals&articles,
)i* 1ow do you stay motivated as an online distance learning student by
%amie (ittlefield
)ii* Study Tip5 (earn 1ow .ou (earn by 6hristie "(eary7$ockey 8 Tara
9uther, :h.D
)iii* Importance of Distance (earning by ;an Thompson, Demand edia
)iv* The 'dvantages and Disadvantages of :ursuing 0ducation in a Distance
(earning 0nvironment by $osemary $eigle, Demand edia
320 Im)ora+"e o1 D!0a+"e Lear+!+4
321 Geo4ra)*!" Fle:!b!l!9
Distance learning can increase access to education for students who arent located
near a school or who cant afford to travel to class daily. 0ven commuting from work
to school on a daily basis can cost a significant amount of money and eat up time that
the student could be earning money at work. Distance learning can increase
opportunities for students across the globe, ensuring that students dont have to
choose a school based solely on its location.
32, De"rea0e/ Co0
"nline learning is less expensive, because students arent helping to pay for a brick
and mortar building or an expensive university campus. +ecause teachers have more
flexibility with scheduling, they may be able to conduct more classes, which mean
more revenue for the school without an increased charge to the student. !or students
who cant afford a traditional college education or who struggle to afford
transportation costs, distance education can be a powerful game changer.
323 T!me Fle:!b!l!9
Distance7based learning offers more flexibility to students in terms of how and when
they take classes. any distance7based courses allow students to use several different
learning modules, such as online message boards, chat rooms, video conferences and
recordings of lectures, making distance learning a highly customi<able educational
option. Students can choose when they do their work, and at some schools, may even
be able to attend classes, via videotaped lectures, at various times rather that
following a set schedule. Similarly, some schools permit students to take courses
without using a traditional semester or =uarter7based schedule. 't these schools,
students can enrol at any time and can begin classes when it is convenient.
&20 T*e A/;a+a4e0 a+/ D!0a/;a+a4e0 o1 P#r0#!+4 E/#"a!o+ !+ a
D!0a+"e Lear+!+4 E+;!ro+me+
Despite the popularity of distance learning programs, they can have drawbacks.
+efore deciding on a program, look into the advantages and disadvantages of
pursuing an education in a distance learning environment.
&21 <ar!e9 o1 Pro4ram0 a+/ Cer!1!"ae0 O11ere/
.ou can pursue a wide variety of degree programs in a distance learning
environment. ' few of the many programs students have access to online include
associates degrees in culinary arts, bachelors degrees in computer science, and
masters and doctoral degrees in education. !or those who want a shorter and more
focused education, certificates can be earned in the distance learning environment,
such as those for pharmacy technicians and web designers.
&2, Fle:!b!l!9
:ursuing an education in an online environment provides flexibility. If you live a long
distance from college campus or have difficulty meeting the time demands of a
traditional classroom, distance learning is a good option. If you are in the military, a
stay7at7home parent or from another student population that has commitments that
will not allow you to attend college in person, you can create a schedule that is
conducive to your lifestyle. any students, regardless of their schedule or distance
from campus, like the convenience of pursuing their education in a distance learning
environment from the comfort of their home.
&23 Re)#a!o+
'nother advantage of the distance learning environment is the improved =uality of
programs. any highly regarded colleges and universities offer reputable degrees for
distance learning students. The #.S. >ews #niversity 6onnection website maintains a
directory of top programs at accredited online schools, and your local +etter +usiness
+ureau can also offer you guidance.
'bstract ?The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursuing Education in a Distance
Learning Environment by Rosemary Reigle, Demand Media
&2& La"= o1 I+era"!o+
' disadvantage to pursuing your education in a distance learning environment is the
lack of face7to7face interaction with your classmates and instructor. @hile instructors
use learning7platform tools such as wiki blogs and group sessions to encourage
students to share ideas and communicate, it is not the same as the social interaction
available in a traditional environment. Technology features such as email, voicemail
and podcasts limit the amount of face7to7face communication that take place, and if
you re=uire hands7on learning, you may find that pursuing your education in a
distance learning environment is more difficult.
&2' Sel1.Mo!;a!o+
:ursuing your education in a distance learning environment can be challenging unless
you have a great deal of motivation. It is easy to be realistic about the amount of time
the class will take or to procrastinate by thinking that youll log in later. @hile many
online programs have re=uired log7in times and the instructor schedules office hours,
it is easy to postpone attendance. "nly the most independent and self7motivated
students should take online courses.
&2- Co0
Students in online programs may save money on housing and transportation, but
distance learning programs can cost 4ust as much as Aor more than Atraditional
programs and may have additional costs, such as technology fees. "nline students
need access to a computer and internet service. Some distance learning courses
re=uire expensive video7conferencing e=uipment. 1owever, remember that you are
paying for a =uality education5 "nline universities that boast extremely low price tags
are usually diploma mills and are designed specifically to rob you of the funds. +e
sure check the accreditation of any distance learning program youre considering.
'20 T*e Problem0 Fa"e/ b9 S#/e+0 !+ D!0a+"e Lear+!+4
Distance learning has created new learning opportunities for students all over the
world. >o longer limited by proximity to traditional brick7and7mortar campuses,
todays students can find online programs in a host of academics fields. Distance
learning offers many benefits, such as convenience, flexibility and sometimes lower
tuition rates. 1owever, students must be aware of A and prepared to handle A the
problems that arise from online distance7learning programs.
'21 Te"*+!"al I00#e0
"ne of the most common problems associated with distance learning starts with the
technology itself. Distance learning re=uires students to have an updated operating
system, advanced software and an internet connection. 's such, students who lack
basic computer skills or have older computers or slow connection speeds may
struggle with the fundamentals of an online program and become frustrated with
accessing re=uired files.
'2, La"= o1 S#))or
Students who are enrolled in -BB7percent online learning programs often lack the
support and services available on a tradition campus. 'ccording to a study conducted
at the #niversity of Southern ississippi )#S*, students should look for online
programs that offer access to tutors, academic planners and schedulers, and technical
support. @ithout these types of supports in place, students who are struggling with
course material may become frustrated and disengaged, leading them to drop out.
'23 I0ola!o+
Students who enrol in distance learning programs can suffer from a sense of isolation.
@hile many online programs promote interaction through message boards and instant
messaging as part of their curriculum, some students may continue to feel alienated
or isolated, according to #S study. >ot only do distance learning students lack the
ability to interact face7to7face with faculty, but also miss out on person7to7person
feedback from their peers, which, as the study states, can cause students to doubt
their own abilities.
'2& Pro"ra0!+a!o+
To succeed in an online program, students must be motivated self7starters. ost
programs allow students to log in whatever they wish A meaning that as long as they
complete their assignments by a certain due date, theyre not re=uired to be online at
a given time. This flexibility is certainly convenient, especially for adults students
who have other responsibilities. 1owever, for the type of student who struggles with
procrastination, this academic autonomy can also be a curse. 'fter all, its easy to put
off assignments until later and then find yourself in a panic playing catch7up.
'2' A""re/!a!o+ a+/ >#al!9
Despite their marketing campaigns, not all are online programs are created e=ual.
Distance7learning programs associated with tradition universities are usually
accredited and will clearly state so on their website. 1owever, if youre looking at a
program that exists solely online, be sure to check its accreditation before you send
that first tuition payment. .ou can do this by searching the 6ouncil for 1igher
0ducation 'ccreditation online at chea.org or at the #.S Department of 0ducations
website )ed.gov*, "pen #niversity alaysia )"#* website, using the keyword
search5 accreditation.
'2- Ho? o 7e S#""e001#l !+ a D!0a+"e Lear+!+4 Cla00
Distance learning enables students to engage in discussion, work on group pro4ects
and view lectures from the comfort of their own homes. .ou can take a continuing
education course or complete your degree by attending college in virtual classrooms.
If youre interested in college but need classes that suit a busy schedule, distance
learning courses may be an ideal choice. +eing self7motivated and proficient with a
computer are two critical factors for success in a virtual learning environment.
Plo@ Pla+@ E+4a4eA
Se) 1
Success in a distance7learning course re=uires everyday involvement in the virtual
classroom. .our interest in the class often depends upon how often you engage
online. +ecome familiar with the tools of the electronic platform so that youre ready
to participate in discussions, take =ui<<es and upload assignments. "nline discussion
is a main way youll be evaluated, so think about the image your written words
convey. !or example, if you use all capital letters, you may appear aggressive or
unhappy. 6heck over messages before posting to ensure that your thoughts are
complete and spelled correctly.
Se) ,
Since you wont be in a physical classroom, maintain course participation re=uires
self7discipline and time management. ake a schedule that includes time to study
and be engaged in class. Treat your online class 4ust as would a class in person. :lan
to spend nine to -/ hours a week studying and participating in a three7hour class.
Schedule time to read the textbook or online materials. "n online learning
environment may seem less rigorous, but it can be 4ust the opposite. !or example,
you may need to post discussion five to -B times a week to satisfy online
participation re=uirements.
Se) 3
aking a connection with an online instructor re=uires effort. Take the initiative to
develop a relationship right away. "nline instructors maintain office hours for student
appointments. 0mail or pick up the phone when you have =uestions or if you want to
share something of interest. This will set you apart from other students. eet your
instructor in person, if possible. Similarly, if you have technical issues with the
virtual platform, let your instructor know or call the distance education department to
get help right away. If you lose online access, you are missing class.
-20 S#/9 S=!ll0 1or D!0a+"e Lear+er0
F!;e S#/9 S#""e00 Fa"or0
.ou can pursue a college degree or professional certificate at home, at sea, or from
remote duty station with online education. The virtual classroom allows returning
students to balance their studies with career and family. @hile successful e7learning
re=uires self7discipline, distance education can work if you have the right
technological know7how and e7savvy study skills.
-21 Te"*+!"all9 S)ea=!+4 0=!ll
Students must be comfortable with course technology when education takes place in
cyberspace.
@hether course content is delivered by Internet, video, audio, or print, test all
class components before the term starts.
9now where to get technical support
9eep hard copies of course materials in a binder, including lectures, exams,
office hours, and discussion groups.
-2, Pre)are Yo#r0el1
@hen you bring the classroom into your home or berthing space, it can be
challenging for you to take learning seriously, let alone your family or co7workers. To
overcome this pitfall, create an environment that helps you excel.
!ind a =uiet space and tell roommates not to interrupt. Study at night or get
childcare if you need it.
@hen youre in your virtual classroom, act like it. Ignore everything outside
of class, and dont get sidetracked.
"rder textbooks in advance and survey course material before classes begin.
-23 T!me Ma+a4er 0=!ll
0ffective time management can make the difference between success and failure
when you 4uggle education with family and work.
:lan regular periods throughout the week for your coursework. 6ommit to
this schedule as if you were attending an actual class.
Develop a course study plan. (ist assignments and deadlines on a calendar
and check them off as you complete them. Dont procrastinate.
Distance courses take as much time as regular classes. :lan to study two hours
weekly per credit. >ever enrol in more courses than you can handle.
6reate a ?to doC list that prioriti<es tasks according to need. ' for today, + for
next week, and 6 for later. (earn to say no to other re=uests for your time.
-2& E.Sa;;9 S#/9!+4 0=!ll
Distance learners need to adapt traditional study habits and develop good study skills
designed for online learning.
!ollow a regular study schedule that includes short breaks to re7energi<e.
#se an effective study system to process course information. The :D$2
reading method improves comprehension and retention by teaching students
to preview, =uestion, read, recite, and review as they study.
:articipate regularly to enhance learning. Stay in touch with your professors,
use discussion boards, and 4oin a study group.
(earning independently doesnt mean that youre alone. 'sk for help when
you need it.
-2' Fam!l9 a+/ Bor= Maer0
Dont forget to communicate and collaborate with your employer and family. Their
support will upgrade your chances for success.
(ighten your load by arranging in advance to reduce work responsibilities or
share housework.
Set aside two hours every weekend to spend with loved ones and friends.
+e flexible, but plan ahead. ' work deadline may make cramming for an
exam impossible
-2- Sre00 Ma+a4eme+ 0=!ll
Stress can manifest itself in many ways when you are a student, soldier, and a parent.
+ut you must learn to recogni<e stress.
Stress symptoms include mental, social, and physical manifestations. These include
exhaustion, loss of&increased appetite, headaches, depression, sleepless, and
oversleeping. Increased use of alcohol or drugs, and other compulsive behaviour are
often signs. !eeling of alarm, frustration, or apathy may also accompany stress.
If you feel that stress is affecting your life, or your studies, your first option is to seek
help through an education counselling centre or a veterans administration facility.
Stress anagement is the ability to maintain control when situations, people, and
events make excessive demands. @hat you can do to manage your stress yourselkfE
There are numerous strategies you can try that might reduce the effects of stress, and
minimi<e its impact on daily activities. These include the following5
Ta=e "o+rol5 See if there is something you can change or control in the
situation.
Lear+ *o? o be0 rela: 9o#r0el15 editation and breathing exercises have
been proven to be effective in controlling stress. :ractice clearing your mind
of disturbing thoughts.
Remo;e 9o#r0el1 1rom *e 0re001#l 0!#a!o+5 Five yourself a break if only
for a few moments a day.
Se real!0!" 4oal0 1or 9o#r0el15 $educe the number of events going on in
your life and you may reduce the circuit overload.
Sele"!;el9 "*a+4e *e ?a9 9o# rea"5 !ocus on one troublesome thing and
manage your reactions to it&him&her.
C*a+4e *e ?a9 9o# 0ee *!+405 (earn to recogni<e stress for what it is.
Increase your bodys feedback and make stress self7regulating.
A;o!/ e:reme rea"!o+05 @hy hate when a little dislike will doE @hy
generate anxiety when you can be nervousE @hy rage when anger will do the
4obE @hy be depressed when you can 4ust be sadE
Do 0ome*!+4 1or o*er05 1elping others can help get your mind off yourself.
Ge e+o#4* 0lee)5 (ack of rest 4ust aggravates stress.
Bor= o11 0re005 @hether its through workouts, 4ogging, tennis, or
gardening, physical activity can relieve stress. Studies show that physical
activity enhances psychological well7being.
De;elo) a *!"= 0=!+5 The bottom line of stress management is ?I upset
myself.C
Tr9 o C#0eD 0re005 If you cant fight whats bothering you and you cant flee
from it, flow with it and try to use it in a productive way.
7e )o0!!;e5 Five yourself messages as to how well you can cope rather than
how horrible everything is going to be. ?Stress can actually help memory,
provided it is short7term and not too severe. 'dditionally, stress causes more
glucose to be delivered to the brain, which makes more energy available to
neurons, according to a report titled ?'ll Stressed #p.C This, in turn, enhances
memory formation and retrieval. "n the other hand, if stress is prolonged, it
can impede the glucose delivery and disrupt memory.
Do+5 0?ea *e 0mall 0#115 Try to prioriti<e a few truly important things and
let the rest slide.
Do+5 o;er?*elm 9o#r0el15 'void fretting about your entire workload.
1andle each task as it comes, or selectively deal with matters in some priority.
Do+5 0el1.me/!"ae or e0"a)e5 'lcohol and drugs can mask stress. They
dont help deal with the problems.
Mo0 !m)ora+l95 If stress is putting you in an unmanagemeable state or
interfering with your education, social and&or worklife, seek professional help
-2$ Mo!;a!o+ S=!ll
Distance learning is an advantages method for obtaining a colleage degree, Studnets
with full7time 4obs, single parents, active military members and other people with
daytime obligations typically cant afford the time to attend class at a campus setting
and choose an online option. 'lthough distance learning has its many advantages,
some students find it challenging to stay motivated in a setting where they dont see
their teacher face7to7face. Self7regulation is vital to stay motivated.
If you are trying to motivated in competing an online degree, setting goals will help
you through the process. 'ccording to 9athryn (ey, associate professor at #niversity
of 1ouston 6lear (ake, setting learning goals is probably the most powerful process
of self7regulation in terms of lending the most to learning outcomes. Students can
starts out by setting small goals that are easy to reach and then increase them over
time. If a student is re=uired to do work in a weaker sub4ect. ' regulated plan will
help keep the student motivated to stay on track to completing his studies.
L!0e+ o M#0!"
'ccording to :lato, music is a more potent instrument than any other for
education. @e all relate to music differently, but some sources suggest that
music can help motivate people to study. 'ccording to ?:lanet of SuccessC
music is a wonderful method of arousing motivation because it elicits positive
emotions. They continue to say that a song has the power to motivate studying
because it causes a spirit of optimism that evokes the powerful feeling of
being able to accomplish anything. +efore you can start studying try listening
to something that pumps you full of energy. .ou even can try dancing the
room so long as you dont tire yourself out.
Yo#r S#/9 S)a"e
.our study space can have a big impact on your ability to stay motivated. .ou
will be spending lots of time in this space, and you will want it to be an
environment that makes you feel comfortable and inspired. urdoch
#niversity advises students to be mindful of what motivates them and what
distracts them when establishing a study environment. Try decorating your
study area with things that inspire you, such as a family photo or an award
you earned. ake sure your office furniture is comfortable. .ou may want to
consider an ergonomic chair. If T; distracts you, remove it from the area or
unplug it.
M!: ! U)
@e are uni=ue individuals and as a result there are ?different strokes for
different folks.C @hat might motivate one person may not motivate another.
Therefore, alternate your study environments. Try studying in new locations
and you 4ust might discover an environment that motivates you more than
others. Try the public library or the park. Some people feel more motivated to
study in places with noise restrictions, while others are motivated by the great
outdoors. If you discover that outdoor environments motivate you, mix those
up too. Try the mountains one day and beach another. :erhaps a =uiet field is
your motivational sanctuary for studying. .ou will never know until you try
as many settings as you can.
Abstract from Study uide !ebsite at !!!"studygs"net
Noe:
$esources abstract from ?Success in #igher EducationC articles,
Study s$ills for %nline Adult Learner
Learning Styles &m'act (our Education
)inding Education Path!ays to Success
Develo'ing ood Study #abits
Time Management
$20 Co+"l#0!o+
@hen you embark on studies, it is essential that you get yourself organi<ed for the
task. Typically, organi<ation involves careful planning of a number of issues. 'mong
these is the spelling out of goals. ore often than not, many learners fail to reali<e
their goals because they lack the necessary strategies to overcome obstacles. 6hief of
these is failure to evaluate personal weaknesses and strengths. It is also noteworthy
that where there is no motivation )intrinsic or extrinsic* very minimal progress, if
any, will be made with ones studies. It is e=ually important to develop familiarity
with the way print study materials for distance education is presented as a way of
motivating learners.
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2HA3I.
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