Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, distance learning has grown in popularity. Distance learning allowed students to register, study and finish their courses while remaining at home. Distance learning has a few advantages, some of which include:
- Study from home
- Save on travelling cost
- Flexible learning
- Work and study
- Convenient Accessibility
- Improve your skills
- Networking opportunities
Study From Home
With distance learning, you have the opportunity to study from home. The benefit of studying from home is that you could be anywhere in the country. You do not necessarily have to be in a certain city or country to study the courses. No relocation necessary.
Save On Travelling
There are no contact classes, so you do not need to travel anywhere. You will save all the money you would have paid to get to your classes or if you had to relocate, you will save money on accommodation and travel expenses.
Flexible Learning
Distance learning is flexible. You will be able to figure out a schedule that works for you. There is no set schedule with distance learning, so you will have the flexibility of deciding when you want to work and how much time you want to spend on completing your work.
Work And Study
You will have the freedom to decide what your schedule will be. That means you will have time to work and complete your studies. You are going to be earning a salary while you study, and if you get a job that goes hand in hand with what you are studying, you will be gaining experience while you study.
Accessibility
Distance learning is accessible for people with learning disabilities or physical disabilities. For example, students with physical disabilities will not need to worry about navigating around a new environment. Students with learning disabilities will be able to work at a pace that works for them.
Developing Your Skills
Distance learning courses will give you a number of skills you will need in your career. Studying from home will teach you a few skills like time management and organisational skills, which will help you when you start your career.
Networking Opportunities
When you study via distance learning, you will be able to contact other students, lecturers, and tutors in different provinces. You can connect with them, and they could help you with your career opportunities.
What Does Distance Learning Mean?
Distance learning is education that happens from wherever you are. There are no contact classes, so students will not be attending any physical classes. Students will have a more flexible routine, which means you will be able to create your own schedule.
How Does Distance Learning Work?
To study via distance learning, you are going to need a PC, laptop or phone and a stable internet connection. Depending on the college you are studying with, the resources you need for studying will either be sent to you or made available online.
You can study and learn at your own pace because the textbooks are detailed and the assignments and study guides are extensive in testing your knowledge. Most of your assessments will be completed from your home, and you can email them to be graded, but your exams will be written at a registered examination venue.
Where Can I Study Distance Learning Courses?
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers a great selection of distance learning courses. Studying with one of our distance learning courses will give you the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to jump straight into the work world.
There is an online student support system available to you, and there are tutors that are available to help you and offer you feedback on your assignments.
What Are The Distance Learning Courses Available?
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers an excellent selection of distance learning courses. We offer NATED and ICB courses that are designed to provide you with all the skills and experience you will need to be successful in your chosen career.
What Are The NATED Courses Available?
There is a selection of courses specially designed for distance learning students. These are all the distance learning NATED courses you can apply for:
- Financial Management Diploma course:
- Marketing Management Diploma course:
- Business Management Diploma course:
- Human Resource Management Diploma course:
- Legal Secretary Diploma course:
- Management Assistant Diploma course:
What Are The ICB Courses Available?
There are courses which are tailor-made for distance learning students. These are the ICB distance learning courses you can apply for:
- ICB Business Management courses:
- ICB Office Administration courses:
- ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting courses:
What Will I Need To Qualify For The Distance Learning Courses?
To qualify for the NATED and ICB courses distance learning courses, you will need:
| Courses | Requirements |
| NATED courses | Matric Certificate – Amended Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate |
| ICB Business Management Diploma courses | Grade 11 certificate or an equivalent certificate |
| ICB Office Administration Diploma courses | Matric certificate – Amended Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate |
| ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Diploma courses | Grade 10 certificate or an equivalent certificate |
You will also need:
- To be okay with studying via distance learning
- To be able to speak, read and understand English
What Is The Difference Between Distance Learning And In-Person Learning?
With in-person classes, you are going to be attending normal scheduled classes on weekdays, but with distance learning you do not have any classes that you need to attend. You will not have a set schedule and all your course work will be sent to your home.
How Do I Know Distance Learning Is For Me?
You should consider studying via distance learning if you:
- Want to keep working while you study your course
- If you are unable to commute because you live in a remote area
- If you work better at your own pace
- If you learn best on your own
Are Distance Learning Courses Worth It?
Yes, studying a distance learning course is worth it. You are going to have the freedom and the flexibility to create your own schedule and study at your own pace.
There are a number of different distance learning courses available for you to choose from. Some distance learning courses will provide you with the skills and the experience you need to enter the working world as soon as you complete the course.
Are Distance Learning Courses Accredited?
Yes, the distance learning courses are accredited. The NATED courses are accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
The ICB courses are accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB).
How Do I Apply For Distance Learning Courses?
You can apply for any one of our distance learning courses in the following ways:
- Fill out the online application form
- Speak to any one of our course specialists
- Give us a call on: 021 838 8280
- Send us a WhatsApp message or call us on: 0069 962 1495
frequently asked questions
These are some tips you can use to stay productive when you are studying a distance learning course:
- Create a study area with no distractions
- Create a good study schedule
- Make sure the device you are using is fully updated to avoid any issues
- Work on your time management skills
- Participate in your study groups
- Contact your tutors if you need any assistance
- Make sure you take regular breaks
These are the four types of distance learning:
- Video conferencing
- Hybrid distance education
- Open schedule online courses
- Fixed-time online courses
Distance learning offers students with much more flexibility and freedom than traditional contact classes. Students will be able to study at their own pace, and maintain working a job while they complete their studies.
Some challenges of studying a distance learning courses are:
- Sometimes with distance learning, there could be a lack of communication or some instructions could be unclear
- There are no physical classes, if you are someone who needs the structure of attending classes then distance learning may be challenging
Yes, Bellview Institute of Distance Learning has three different Adult Matric courses depending on what your needs are:
- Adult Matric: Amended Senior Certificate
- Matric Rewrite: Amended Senior Certificate
- Matric Upgrade: Amended Senior Certificate
Yes, distance learning courses are recognised in South Africa if they are offered by registered and accredited institutions. These courses follow the same national standards as in-person programmes and can lead to employment or further study opportunities.
Author: Jodie Brown
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: December 5, 2022