Why do people study via distance learning?

Answer 1

It is not just because people or lazy or can't travel! Other reasons include:

1. As part of extra training for their employment-e.g. ICT training.

2. They have other commitments when normal classes would be held-e.g. childcare/a full-time job.

3. They don't feel confident about learning in a 'normal' classroom environment-e.g. maybe they have had an upsetting Educational experience.

4. They want to work at their own pace-e.g. I'm currently finishing my ECDL course off at home because I've worked through the course material more quickly than the rest of the class.

5. They don't have the money to pay for a 'normal' course and do not receive any financial support-distance learning courses are generally cheaper because you're not having to pay the costs of studying it in a building and paying for someone to teach you (you still get tutor support though).

6. The type of subject that they want to study is not offered in a school/college-e.g. Life coaching.

7. They want to develop new skills-e.g. see point 6.

8. Personal development/hobby-e.g. Like the idea of doing something else in their own time without being commited to a specific time and date, so they can do as much/little as they want, as and when they can.

Hope this answer helps!

PS. I wish that people on here would stop making uninformed generalisations and insulting other people. I find this behaviour ignorant, rude and unhelpful (e.g. if you think that 1 reason why people study on distance learning courses is laziness, it would be helpful, if you explained why)!

Answer 2

The reasons I do distance learning:-

I work full time - 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. If I shorten my working hours even slightly I can NOT afford any food, accommodation, clothes etc.

I rely TOTALLY on Public Transport, and the very LAST bus from the nearest town/city where there is a college LEAVES at 5.40 pm - I can NOT afford to take a taxi as it cost £30 for a single journey.

The colleges do NOT run the courses that are off interest to me at all.

Answer 3

It's not laziness, because many distance learning programs are more intensive than regular programs. People do this for many reasons, but I think these two are the main reasons:

They have a busy schedule that doesn't allow for set class times.
The program they want to study isn't offered close to home.

Answer 4

Usually because there is no college or Uni near to them that does the courses they require, or like me have children at home so cannot attend full time college or uni.

Answer 5

LAZINESS OR CAN'T TRAVEL.