Reflections on online learning....from Shanghai

Across the world online learning is growing in popularity. The Distance Education Enrolment Report 2017 includes statistics that underline just how popular online learning is in the United States. For example, 30% of all students in higher education in the US are now taking at least one distance learning course.

Whilst online learning is growing in popularity, a lot of people still have questions about how it works and how you interact with fellow students and tutors. Robert Ansell chose to study his MA Education via online distance learning with the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) and has answered some of these frequently asked questions.

Why did you decide to study via online learning?

"I was attracted to online learning due to the flexibility to study at my own pace and in my own time. My job as the Director of Studies in a school in Shanghai requires me to be very flexible. Plans can change at a moment's notice and I needed a course that understood the demands of working while studying. The online MA Education at UDOL offered me exactly that, while still covering the content that was both relevant to my job and to my future career".
 

Why did you choose UDOL?

"I felt incredibly lucky to find this course. I knew that I wanted to complete an MA Education, and researched a few distance learning universities in the UK and US. This course matched my needs perfectly and offered the perfect mix between study plans, content and flexibility".
 

What were your goals and aspirations when starting your course?

"I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of my current field of teaching English, as well as broaden the knowledge I already have. This course allowed me to specialise in teaching English for speakers of other languages, but also gave me the opportunity to study educational management, strategy, change management and much more that has been invaluable for me".
 

What did you think of the online learning experience?

"I really enjoyed the online learning experience. It was a good balance between theory and practical elements. I found I was able to apply what I was learning directly to my job role".
 

How did you balance your study around professional/personal commitments?

"I was very strict with myself at first until I established a rhythm. Luckily I had the full support of the school I was working for, who allowed flexibility with my schedule in order to study. As I got into the routine, it became easier to balance these commitments (though it still requires discipline). As I was learning all of the time and enjoying participating in the course, managing my time didn't prove to be difficult".
 

Can you describe your online learning experience with just one word?

"Superb!"
 

What would you say to someone who was considering studying for an online degree with UDOL?

"You will not regret it".

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The University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) is the thriving distance learning division of the University of Derby. To find out more about studying an MA Education with the University of Derby Online Learning please visit their website.