In the UK, the Open University (OU) regularly attracts very high satisfaction rates. For three years running (2005, 2006 and 2007; see ranking table) it was found to be the institution with the highest satisfaction rating of any in the country by the National Student Satisfaction Survey.
The success of the OU is a mark of how a properly run distance learning organization can provide value and real benefit to those involved. That degrees offered by distance learning are somehow second rate is a myth: a well-designed distance learning course can be just as effective, and have just as many student successes, as an "on campus" one.
However, it's important to remember that the OU is the "gold standard" of distance learning: at the other end of the spectrum are the diploma mills, the places which offer degrees online with apparently very little input from the student, and without accreditation from official educational bodies.
In between, there are a lot of places that may not offer courses which are as effectively structured as the OU's. Most universities are set up to teach face-to-face rather than at a distance, and are simply not geared for all the ramifications of supporting students in another mode.
The following considerations will help you select a good school.
It is most important to know that you are dealing with a reputable school.
This may not seem important for distance study, but few courses require no contact and you may need to visit a certain number of times a year. If this is the case, make sure that this is feasible; if attendance is only occasional then it may not be so important.
Another consideration is that many large organizations, such as the University of South Africa, Universitas Terbuka in Indonesia, or the OU, have regional offices in different parts of the country, where students can attend tutorials. How close is one of these offices to where you live?
Generally speaking, the cost of a distance learning degree is less than that of a conventional one. You should check how you need to pay – for example, does the institution require payment in one, annual lump sum or on a modular basis so payments can be spread out?
You will also need to pay for books, and perhaps for computer equipment to the specification you need.
If you want to do a degree, you need to have certain goals and ensure that the course fits in with those goals. If your intention is to become qualified to work in a particular field, will it help you do so? If the field is rapidly moving, is the course truly ahead of the game?
If you are thinking of doing an MBA, bear in mind that the core content for MBA degrees is very similar, but electives may differ widely, so make sure your interests are covered and that there are electives in your particular field.
This is arguably the most important area for a distance learning degree. One of the main drawbacks of distance learning is isolation, which can be overcome with a supportive and empathetic tutor who has a real concern for your individual needs. One study carried out a survey of students' support needs, and stated:
" ... it is simply not enough for institutions to implement distance learning programmes solely through the provision of print and/or online materials. Quality with regard to distance teaching and learning cannot be achieved by merely providing the notes, activities and readings for students to read and utilise in assignments. It is crucial that students are facilitated in their learning by being able to access both academic and non-academic support from their lecturers. In these contacts with staff, students must be acknowledged as individuals and receive assistance that is personalised in nature. Staff must be able to build rapport with students and be capable of sustaining warm and supportive associations with many individuals over the duration of their distance learning programmes. In this way, students will be encouraged and facilitated to complete their studies" (Smith, 2004; p. 31).
You should find out as much as you can about how you will be supported.
Smith also provides a model for off-campus support in diagram form (below, Smith, 2004 p. 36):
Recent educational research has revealed the extent to which we learn from other people. Group learning and interaction with students is an important part of a course and you should check whether it is provided, and how.
Some universities do this by means of online discussion boards and chat. This can work well providing it is appropriately structured by a tutor. You should therefore check how online discussion works: is the discussion board just there for people to voice their views (in which case, it is unlikely to be used much) or does it focus on a particular theme, with mandatory contribution? Does it form part of assessment or attendance requirements? (Some courses require a certain number of contributions as evidence that the student has attended the module.)
Check whether appropriate preparation is given for online discussion, as this is an area where students can stumble because of lack of experience.
Of course, you will not spend your whole time interacting with peers and tutors and will need to study the course materials, which replace the lectures and help you prepare for seminars and tutorials.
Note, the course materials will contain not only the teaching notes, but also an explanation of how the module works.
It would be helpful if you could get hold of some materials of the course you are thinking of applying for, and try to judge their quality.
Assessment will not differ very much for a distance learning course. However, you should consider such matters as, can you deliver your assignments electronically, and where are exams held?
A good library where you can consult required materials and search for others, is essential for a distance learner. Most academic libraries these days both offer support services for distance learners and enable their electronic collection to be accessed outside the walls of the library, by any member of the university.
It is very important that courses should be available for those with special needs. Are all course materials fully accessible? For example, can they be read in a screenreader? For those elements which use software with accessibility issues such as Flash, are alternatives provided?
Many courses make use of asynchronous (happening over a period of time) or synchronous forms of communication (happening at the same time). The latter have more accessibility issues than the former. All students should be able to use discussion methods with ease.
Distance learning, far from being second best, can actually be a very positive choice enabling you to follow your own schedule rather than an imposed one. Self-discipline is required, however, as well as careful consideration of the school. As with most major decisions, it pays to look before you leap!