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How To Succeed As A Distance Learning Student

To succeed as a distance learning student, there are various methods to follow that will ensure you make the most of your studies, by working accordingly.

Are you new to distance learning, or trying to figure out ways in which you can study more effectively? Not to worry! Here are some of the ways in which you can assure success while studying via distance learning:

  • Create a study environment
  • Plan and manage your time
  • Identify different ways to learn
  • Set out goals to achieve
  • Develop a reward system
  • Communicate with instructors and tutors
  • Join study groups and support programmes
  • Familiarise yourself with technology, and make use of the resources available

Studying Via Distance Learning

Studying via distance learning is a strange experience for many students, and can be quite tricky if you are not equipped with the proper skills and technological knowledge on how to navigate and manage on your own.

Luckily, with the right amount of planning, by following the steps provided, your time studying via distance learning can be fruitful, fun, and rewarding.


Create A Study Environment

There are many psychological benefits a good working environment induces, that many students do not even realise. Studies have shown that a positive learning environment can impact you to be more focused and motivated, and encourages a higher level of learning.


Plan and Manage Your Time

The importance of a routine cannot be underestimated. By planning your work routine and setting a time schedule for yourself, you limit the possibilities of distractions, and improve your overall focus, allowing you to complete more work, and helping you stay up to date with assignments and deadlines.


Set Out Goals To Achieve

Setting out goals to achieve will increase productivity on the tasks you need to complete, and will help you identify and concentrate on those tasks. One way to ensure your goals are met is to use the S.M.A.R.T criteria:

  • Specific – Make sure your goals are specific by identifying what needs to be accomplished, and how you can accomplish them
  • Measurable – Make sure your goals are measurable by quantifying them and making them easier to track. By separating the tasks you need to do into a number, you are able to maintain a view of your goals easier
  • Attainable – Make sure your goals are attainable by creating reasonable objectives to achieve. Creating an intense and overwhelming set of goals will only demotivate you if you do not achieve them, so keep things simple
  • Relevant – Make sure your goals are relevant by determining what needs to be done first. There is no point in setting up goals that will not benefit you in your studies
  • Time-based – Make sure your goals are time-based by setting up due dates for when to start and finish with your tasks and studies. By setting up a time period, you can allow yourself to stay on schedule, without overexerting yourself


Communicate With Tutors And Lecturers

Even though you may not always see your tutors or lecturers, they are still in charge of guiding you, and helping you pass your course. If you have questions regarding any assignments, or simply have trouble understanding certain topics, you can consult your tutor via:

  • Email
  • Classroom platform messaging
  • Phone call


Join Study Groups And Study Programmes

It is also important to look out for and join study groups or study programmes. Through study groups, you can gain different perspectives on the topics you are studying, and can broaden your skills and knowledge. Working in a group will help you learn the course material better.

Different Types Of Distance Learning

It is important to know that distance learning allows for various methods of studying, and can be broken up into the following categories:


Distance Learning

  • Remote learning between a learner and institution, in which both parties remain separate, yet still in contact with each other
  • Registration is done online
  • Course material is delivered from the institution to your home
  • Assignments are submitted online, and exams are written at designated venues


Online Learning

  • Remote learning done strictly online
  • Registration is done online
  • Course material gets received digitally
  • Assignments are submitted online


Correspondence Learning

  • Remote learning offered by Universities
  • Registration is done in-person
  • Assignments are submitted online 
  • Your degree is awarded to you in-person, at a graduation ceremony


E-learning

  • Remote learning done online, in the form of live online classes, presented to students by tutors via a streaming platform
  • Assignments are submitted, and exams are written, using the platform

Identify The Best Way To Learn

Understanding when and how you operate best is an important factor in your studies, as it will increase your self-esteem and competence when learning. By increasing your performance, you will also save plenty of time, and reduce any anxiety you might have regarding tests and assignments deadlines.


When to study 

Since distance learning allows you to study whenever you like, knowing whether you operate best in the morning, afternoon, or evening, will help you plan and schedule the appropriate time to start studying. Times when you are more focused should be used to study.


How To Study

Knowing how to approach your studies will help you stay organised and in control when studying, and will simplify your life as a student. Four of the different types of learning to consider include:

  • Visual Learning – Using imagery and videos
  • Audio Learning – Using audiobooks and recorded lessons
  • Kinaesthetic Learning – Practical learning
  • Reading – Reading aloud to yourself
  • Writing – Jotting down notes and summarising study material

Develop A Reward System

Developing a rewards’ system is the easiest way to ensure that when you have completed a task, you still have the motivation to move on to bigger and better things. By rewarding yourself when completing a task, you:

  • Gain more motivation
  • Increase your productivity levels
  • Improve your ability to learn

Therefore, once you have completed a task, take a step back and reward yourself, whether in your studies or elsewhere.

Distance Learning Courses

Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers NATED and ICB distance learning courses you can study, that will equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge needed to pursue various careers.


NATED Course

At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you can study the following NATED courses:


ICB Courses

At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you can study the following ICB courses:

Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning Application Process

To study distance learning courses through Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you can register via the following methods:

  • Call or WhatsApp us: 065 656 9818

Frequently Asked Questions

Skills to have when studying via distance learning include:

  • Communication skills
  • Time-management skills
  • Technology skills
  • Reading and writing skills

Distance learning is a very effective way of studying, and can help you gain accredited qualifications in a matter of months. The effectiveness of each programme depends on the amount of work you put in.

The biggest challenge students face when distance learning is lag in communication, and network problems.

The most challenging part of distance learning is finding the time to study, as students remain unsupervised, and for various other reasons, studies can become neglected.

Successful ways you can study as a distance learning student include:

  • Creating a study schedule
  • Have a good working environment
  • Jot down notes
  • Shut off distractions
  • Join study groups, or request help

Author: Ashley Roskruge
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 21, 2022