Helping your child decide on the proper distance learning course in the Western Cape (or anywhere else) can be challenging as a parent.
While you may be tempted to guide your child in the direction you took, decisions made now, after leaving school, can significantly affect the rest of your child’s future.
One of the most damaging things for any child is the pressure to pursue a career path that adults have predetermined. While you want the best for your child, empowering them to make wise decisions based on their dreams, skills, and interests is essential.
Parents’ guidance and support during decision-making can help school-leavers determine which distance education course to take.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is a method of education that allows students to learn without being physically present in a traditional classroom. Instead, students and teachers interact remotely, often using technology as the primary tool for communication and instruction.
This approach can range from entirely remote courses to hybrid models that combine online learning with occasional in-person classes.
Common delivery methods include:
- Online platforms: Courses are delivered via digital platforms such as learning management systems, video conferencing tools, or specialised apps. This format allows students to access materials, assignments, and even live classes on demand.
- Hybrid models: Also referred to as blended learning, hybrid courses combine physical classroom settings with online resources, striking a balance between face-to-face instruction and remote convenience.
By breaking away from traditional methods, distance learning caters to diverse learning habits, technology preferences, and schedules.
The difference between distance, online, and contact learning
You may be wondering, “Is distance learning right for my child?”. Or, should you rather consider other options?
While the terms “distance learning” and “online learning” are often used interchangeably, they are distinct from each other, as well as from contact learning. Let us look at each.
- Distance learning: This umbrella term includes any form of learning where the teacher and student are separated in location. While often digital, it can also encompass non-digital formats, such as correspondence courses.
- Online learning: A subset of distance education, this is exclusively conducted over the internet, using tools like video lessons, digital resources, and virtual classrooms.
- Contact learning: Also known as traditional learning, this requires physical presence, where students and teachers interact face-to-face in a classroom setting.
How to help your child choose a distance learning course
A few things must be considered when deciding what to study (and ultimately, what career path to follow). These include the following:
- Versatility: Will the course focus on one aspect or cover a broader range of subjects within a field? While specialising can make sense if your child knows what they want, a wider study area may offer more versatility and room to grow. A qualification such as finance or marketing, for example, will have several potential specialisation opportunities, while a course in real estate management may be more specialised.
- Interests: What sort of interests does your child have? How can these be addressed during studies? Financial courses are a logical choice if your child has always found maths easy. Likewise, if your child enjoys dealing with people, then courses such as human resources and marketing could be considered.
- Current skills: Specific courses have a stricter admission process than others. For some courses, certain subjects are required in Matric, while for others, students need to be proficient in various areas. Therefore, assessing current skills and determining what entry requirements can be met is essential.
- Career prospects: What sort of career path would each course offer? What kind of jobs can be realistically expected, and what sort of pay grade is standard for course graduates? Will further study be required to progress in this field, or will a higher certificate, diploma or degree be enough to grow?
You can provide support and guidance by taking the time to discuss these points with your child. Whatever your child decides to study, finding the right business school is vital to ensure they get the best possible start in their chosen careers.
FAQ
Is distance learning as effective as traditional schooling?
Yes, distance learning can be just as effective as traditional schooling when structured appropriately and tailored to the child’s individual needs.
Accredited courses with lessons aligned to national or international standards ensure children meet educational benchmarks.
Also, many courses include access to qualified teachers who provide direct feedback, guidance, and additional resources to ensure students stay on track.
How can I ensure my child stays motivated and engaged with distance learning?
Keeping children motivated during distance learning studies is a common challenge, but there are practical ways to support their engagement and focus. Some of these ways include the following:
- Set clear career goals
- Keep learning fun
- Stick to a routine
- Create a rewards system
- Minimise distractions
- Foster family support
- Ensure a good work-life and study balance
What kind of support services are available for distance learning students?
The level of support will depend on then specific programme and institution. Most learning programmes provide direct access to lecturers and peers. Plus, many also include learning assistance tools, like progress trackers, personalused learning programmes, and more.
For example, REGENT’s distance learning courses provide students with online course materials, a networking portal to assist with finding a job, access to lecturers, and more.
Explore REGENT’s distance learning programmes
Distance education in Cape Town is an excellent choice for prospective undergraduates because it provides a flexible solution that allows students to study at their own pace, in their own time.
If your child already has a part-time job or has begun working in his or her chosen field, this means having the ability to work and study.
Have a look at REGENT’s undergraduate programmes to find a course that suits your child’s needs and career aspirations.
