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Types of learning
Distance learning
In classroom-based learning, you go to a place where you and the people teaching or training you can be in the same room at the same time.
In distance learning, this doesn’t happen. You and the people teaching or training you are not physically in the same place at the same time. Instead, you learn at a distance from them - usually this means you’ll be at home or at work.
If you are learning something that needs lots of hands-on practice – such as catering or carpentry – you may still find distance learning useful as a support to classroom-based learning.
The big advantage of distance learning:
- it’s much easier for you to fit it into your life than classroom-based learning
You decide when you want to study. Your learning provider will send you the learning materials you need. These can be books to read, or exercises to do, or videos to watch. The Open University, which is the best-known distance learning organisation, also makes TV and radio programmes for its students.
The big disadvantage of distance learning:
- it can be a lonely way to learn
To help get round this, many distance learning courses put you in touch with a tutor who you can phone or write to. Or they may arrange weekend or summer schools where you can meet fellow students.
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