My name is Stacy and I am studying Security and Risk Management. Like most students I am always busy writing reports or assignments, poring over journals for the latest research and of course abusing my student discount. There is however one fundamental difference between me and many other students: I am a distance learner.
What does being a distance learner mean to me? Well, it means I carry out most of my learning online at home or in one of the many universities participating in the SCONUL access scheme. This provides me with access to academic libraries closer to home. ‘Home’ for me is London, where I have lived now for almost two years (though I am in fact from Scotland). I work full-time in the public sector, in a job that I love and also relates to my degree, which means I have the advantage of gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge. Shift-working allows me to study flexibly, though at times it can be a little difficult to balance books with the boss. Luckily I have a great manager who understands my needs and is always willing to find amicable solutions.
There are so many aspects concerning distance learning to discuss. Whether you are considering becoming a distance student, already are one or even if you are a full-time student studying in campus, I would be interested to hear what you would like to know about – just leave me a comment below. In my next blog post I will answer some common questions and tell you a bit about studying online using Blackboard, student networking and what you can expect from distance learning.
As well as working and studying at Leicester Uni, I am also a student of the Open University (OU) where I am studying intermediate German. In my free time (what free time?!?) I enjoy playing the piano, lomography (attempting to develop 35mm/120 photographs and stinking the ‘darkroom’, i.e. flat out in the process), socialising with friends in one of London’s many parks ( and bars…), cooking, keeping fit, retro videogaming, pole dancing and watching anything by Studio Ghibli.
My favourite part of the course so far has been the sheer mixture of criminology, sociology, psychology and business studies. As I still have a year or two before I complete the course there’s still a lot for me to explore. I have found issues relating to information technology security and research methods particularly interesting, and being a fan of the social sciences I love anything related to psychology!
My ambitions are….to be honest, I’m not quite sure just yet! I tend to work hard at what I’m doing and see where it takes me, what opportunities appear. I have no doubt that a degree will open many doors with regards to career progression, however there’s also something personally rewarding about distance learning. The motivation has to come from within. It develops good time-keeping and motivation as well as all the usual academic skills. Plus there’s a lot to be said for being able to listen to lectures while wearing your pyjamas at two o’clock in the afternoon…
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Hi Stacy,
Considering you work full-time, how do you find being able to combine a full-time job and distance learning? Do you struggle for time, or can it be handled with decent time management skills?
Though I enjoy my work at the moment (train driver) I find the idea of studying and learning a new craft intriguing, so I’d appreciate to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
Adam
Reading this has given me extra hope for going back to learn new things. but like alot of. people paying for the travel can be a deal breaker, especialy when also have other bills and whatnot. But distance learning could be a good option. J
hello,my name is michael,i am from mauritius,a beautiful paradisiac island in the indian ocean.it is a pleasure to know you and read your comments.i am presently a senior health inspector with 20 years of experience and holder of a diploma in sanitary science in mauritius and is willing to follow a distant learning professional and postgraduate course to enrich myself,earn academic skill and to be on top.my fear and doubt are;will this investment in terms of money,personal involvement,time be a good investment.please could you help and advise.thank you.
Hi Stacy, I have considered (several times really) about going back to University to get another qualification. I’ve considered part-time and distance learning, but I worry about having a lack of motivation to do the studying if. Just wondering what has your experience been in that area?