giving the gift of learning

Selecting Christmas presents can pose a challenge, especially when it comes to individuals who appear to possess everything. It may be challenging to come up with a unique and meaningful gift that truly expresses your care and thoughtfulness. Offering the gift of learning stands out as one of the most considerate and meaningful gestures you can make.

Why give the gift of learning?

As cliché as it may sound, presenting the gift of learning is genuinely one of the most meaningful gestures you can make. By offering this invaluable present, you’re not only providing a lasting benefit but also opening up avenues for personal growth.

Throughout life, numerous obstacles and challenges may hinder individuals from realising their full potential—health issues, family commitments, and even past academic choices. However, these obstacles don’t have to dictate one’s journey, and the gift of learning serves as a powerful tool to overcome such barriers.

Let’s face it; we’ve all experienced moments where we desired self-improvement but lacked the necessary resources. This is especially true during our early professional years when we were navigating the professional landscape. Imagine the impact of giving someone the crucial opportunity to enhance their CV and seize that well-deserved promotion.

Here a just a few reasons that giving a course for Christmas can be a thoughtful, meaningful and unique gift idea:

When choosing a course as a Christmas gift, consider the recipient’s interests, aspirations, and the type of learning experience they might enjoy. Whether it’s a language course, a creative workshop, or a professional development programme, the key is to tailor the gift to the individual’s preferences and goals.

A Gift of Learning Can Be Fun

Quite frequently, we tend to forget how enjoyable it can be to learn, especially when the subject is of personal interest. Consider the person you’re purchasing for. You might want to buy them something that not only captivates their interest but also contributes to enhancing their mental well-being. It’s never too late to embark on a learning journey, and with the technology available today, there are numerous accessible ways to do so.

The gift of learning is also an incredible gift for a loved one who is retired. It is never too late to learn again, and new research shows that brain function declines rapidly after retirement. It appears that the lack of regular stimulation takes a heavy toll on cognitive function and could play a part in speeding up memory loss and dementia, some researchers warn.

Numerous medical studies suggest that continuous learning during retirement can positively impact brain health. Retirement often leads us to neglect exercising our minds, and an article from Age UK delves into this topic, exploring whether “Brain Training” genuinely improves cognitive health. In essence, the article concludes that learning something new, whether a skill or academic pursuit, yields the most favourable results in terms of stimulating the brain and enhancing cognitive abilities. The inherent wisdom gained through learning is a key factor.

Some popular courses that learners choose to do for personal interest rather than personal development are Creative WritingPsychology of Criminal ProfilingDigital Photography Diploma or Genealogy, to name but a few. Why not take a look at what we have to offer online and see if you can find that unique gift for someone you love.

A Gift of Learning Can Change Lives

By investing in a course for a loved one, you have the potential to enhance their quality of life and financial security. It’s possible that they lack the financial means to enrol in a course independently and presenting them with the gift of a course this holiday season could mark the beginning of a more fulfilling career journey.

This could also serve as a chance for individuals currently not employed to build the confidence needed to re-enter the workforce. Numerous courses are accessible to assist learners in transitioning back to work. Consider enrolling in a Principles of Customer Service Certificate RQF, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration course or a similar program to showcase your acquired knowledge and skills to prospective employers.

Not only does unemployment hinder individuals from entering the workforce, but the responsibilities of raising a young family can also lead to periods of joblessness. Engaging in a distance learning course offers parents the flexibility to study at their own pace, accommodating their family obligations. This preparation equips them for a successful return to work in the future. By undertaking a course tailored to align with industries conducive to work-life balance, such as becoming a teaching assistant, parents can gain relevant skills.  Our Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Award Level 3 RQF is designed to provide learners with a foundational knowledge qualification, which should help them in securing employment as a teaching assistant. Subsequently, once employed, they can leverage the completed units to progress to the next level of Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

Regardless of their particular circumstances, providing the gift of learning can deeply impact an individual’s life and journey. It offers a chance to demonstrate your support for their personal growth and development, demonstrating encouragement for them to thrive and reach their full potential.

The benefits of home learning courses

With home learning courses, you can choose to study at any level with very few, if any, pre-requisite qualifications needed. 

We have hundreds of home learning courses available. From nail art to psychology, from autism awareness to maths, we have a course that is suitable. It can be helpful to split the courses into two broad categories as you consider which course would make the best Christmas gift: vocational or career related courses can be an important springboard from one role or career into another. Interest courses are another category which includes all kinds of courses that many people find interesting or are passionate about. Learning does not always have to mean a bigger pay packet or more responsibility. Qualifications and learning can be about widening and broadening horizons in subject matters that people find fascinating and stimulating. 

Embarking on an online course is a convenient and flexible way to engage in learning, allowing individuals to proceed at their own pace and accommodate other commitments. This flexibility ensures that learning can seamlessly integrate into one’s life, empowering personal development and providing control over enhancing employability. Online learning has democratised knowledge, enabling people from all walks of life to boost their understanding and career prospects at any life stage. Whether preparing for a new chapter when children start school or seeking to break free from a stagnant routine, the gift of learning during the holiday season could be a valuable investment in personal growth.

Online Learning Courses At Affordable Prices

At NCC we provide quality courses at affordable prices, and in addition we also offer the option to purchase over 12 months without a credit check so that education is accessible for all.

Imagine the look on your loved ones face this Christmas morning upon opening a box and inside finding that they have been signed up for a course to enable them to work towards a new career in counselling or health care, for example. Or perhaps a course that enables them to start being their own boss such as Dog Grooming or Beauty Therapy, or if they can learn about something that is of personal interest such as Creative Writing, Genealogy or even delving into the Psychology of Criminal Profiling. We have lots of interesting options and a variety of directions, take a look at what’s available today and consider a new and unique gift idea for a loved one this year.

If purchasing an entire course feels overwhelming, consider the option of NCC gift vouchers. For further information, feel free to reach out to us at 0333 344 5690 or via email at [email protected].

FAQs

Who are NCC?

Originally, NCC stood for the National Consortium of Further Education (FE) Colleges, bringing together these institutions to optimise educational provision. Regular national meetings convened Colleges and Government agencies, fostering collaboration and facilitating the efficient delivery of training to students. Over a span of more than 25 years, NCC has evolved to specialise in delivering exceptionally high-quality online training. This training is accessible to a diverse range of students, including those who are self-funded, sponsored by schools, employers, or training providers.

How do I sign up for a course for somebody else?

You have two options in terms of buying a course for someone else:

You can purchase the course and use the “Ship To” details to fill in the learner’s details, so that the course is signed up in their name.
If you want to keep the purchase a surprise until Christmas Day, simply purchase the course and contact us by email at [email protected] to inform us of your intention to give this as a gift, providing us with the recipient’s details. After Christmas, we will ensure that the course is transferred to the learner, and details of how to log in and start learning will be sent out via email. The support start date will not begin until the course details have been sent out to the recipient.

What is online learning or distance learning?

Online learning enables you to access course materials and study from anywhere in the world and at any time that suits you. Some of our courses have been customised with a reputable Awarding Organisation to provide evidence of knowledge in a particular area where there might not be a formal qualification available. Or alternatively we have a large number of ofqual regulated courses that you can access from the comfort of your own home. Once completed you are usually certificated within approximately 6 weeks subject to moderation.

Online learning enables you to access course materials and study from anywhere in the world and at any time that suits you. Some of our courses have been customised with a reputable Awarding Organisation to provide evidence of knowledge in a particular area where there might not be a formal qualification available. Or alternatively we have a large number of ofqual regulated courses that you can access from the comfort of your own home. Once completed you are usually certificated within approximately 6 weeks subject to moderation.

What does the gift of knowledge give us?

The gift of knowledge provides several benefits, including:

Empowerment: Knowledge empowers individuals by giving them the tools and information they need to make informed decisions and take control of their lives.
Personal Growth: Knowledge allows individuals to expand their horizons, develop new skills, and grow personally and intellectually.
Problem Solving: Knowledge equips individuals with the ability to solve problems, overcome challenges, and adapt to new situations effectively.
Innovation: Knowledge serves as the foundation for innovation and progress in various fields, from science and technology to art and culture.
Opportunities: Knowledge opens doors to new opportunities, whether in education, career advancement, or personal development.
Connection: Knowledge fosters a sense of connection with others by enabling individuals to communicate, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Sources

Brumberg, R., (2023) Retirement Is One Of Life’s Major Transitions—Maintaining Cognitive Health Can Make It Easier. Forbes. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/cognitive-health-in-early-retirement/ [accessed 30/11/23]

AgeUK, Dr Alan Gow, (2022) Exercise for the brain? [online] Available at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-sharp/looking-after-your-thinking-skills/exercise-for-the-brain/ [accessed 30/11/23]

BBC, David Robson (2017) The amazing fertility of the older mind. BBC. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170828-the-amazing-fertility-of-the-older-mind [accessed 30/11/23]

The Telegraph, Sarah Knapton, (2018) Retirement causes brain function to rapidly decline, warn scientists. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/01/22/retirement-causes-brain-function-rapidly-decline-warn-scientists/ [accessed 30/11/23]

Distance learning has been around for a long time, decades in fact but, it is only in recent times that it has become a popular phenomenon. But what benefits are there to this type of learning?

Distance learning – also known as open learning – started life as an experiment. It was touted as a possible solution to make learning accessible to those beyond school age. It fitted well with the notion of lifelong learning. We never stop learning but the education system of old was a one chance saloon: flunk your O levels or A levels and there was nothing to be done.

As well as a change in attitude, there has been significant technological changes too. Learning is no longer seen as an activity that must or should be carried out at a desk with a teacher or lecture in control of and delivering lessons, lectures or tutorials. Students could access information via learning portals, they could read the latest research papers online and contribute their knowledge and understanding much easier too.

Educational value shifted too. No longer was college or university seen as the only way to learn and develop. Learners were taking more responsibility for their own learning. Education, from GCSE to A level to certificates, diplomas, degrees and beyond, had come full circle.

Today, thousands of students sign up for and successfully complete all kinds of distance learning courses. As well as being a ‘hobby’ or a course of interest, there are any students who use these courses as a springboard to new careers as well as further education courses.

But why opt for distance learning?

#1 Accessibility

Left school with a few GCSEs or maybe you have 10 at A*? Do you have A levels? What about vocational courses?

In many ways, learning distance courses level the playing field because entry requirements can something be nothing more than commitment and passion. That said, commitment and passion can be everything in some fields of study, more important in some ways that A levels or a vocational course passed with merit.

These open courses allow you the opportunity to explore the subject area. They are a chance to see if the field of study or the subject is what you thought it would be. For many, it is a process to see if they are suited to the subject area or even if they have the time, the energy and the space to commit to studying.

Widening accessibility has long been a priority in education and distance learning courses are part and parcel of this drive to encourage people to carry on learning and developing.

#2 Freedom of Time

Distance learning courses will stipulate the length of time that a course, worth a certain amount of credit, should take. How you, the learner, organise this time is down to you.

Most distance learning providers will offer a 12-month support package for courses but again, how long you take to complete the course is down to you.

Freedom to plan your own study and learning time empowers you to become an active learner, an important skill not just in education but in the world of work too.

#3 Freedom of Pace

Want to revisit a module or take longer to work through a unit? You can do so with distance learning but in some learning settings, the teacher sets the pace so that it keeps pace with the schedule. This can lead to anxiety and when pressure mounts, students walk away.

With distance learning, you set your pace.

#4 Freedom of Place

Where and when do you study best? Is it at the kitchen table at midnight or do you enjoy an early morning session of learning, with the cat for company on the comfy couch?

At one time, learning, or the bulk of it, took place at a desk from 9 until 3 on weekdays. Now you can spend Sunday afternoon reading and annotating text or Friday night enjoying a glass of wine whilst you plan an assignment.

You study when, where and how you feel most comfortable.

#5 Stepping Stones

For some people, completing a course on nail art is for their own consumption and interest. For other students, complete a distance learning teaching assistant course helps to cement their place in their workplace, as well as an opportunity to look forward to an upward career step.

Education is valued by the learner, whether it is an interesting course or a vocational one. It is a stepping stone on your journey.

#6 Enjoyment

And finally, learning should be enjoyable and fun, not hours of grey drudgery reading books and struggling to write an assignment.

That said, there will be parts of learning that are challenging but, isn’t that part of the enjoyment of all learning?

If you are interested in distance learning, call or message for an informal chat about your options via the link below:
https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/contact

Are you trying to work out whether it would be better to learn from home or go and learn in the classroom or lecture hall? This blog weighs up the pros and cons of both distance and face to face learning methods.

There is no right and wrong answer. What suits one person may not be the best way for someone else to learn. And it is these shifting sands that make it difficult to say that some students work best with a face-to-face course whilst another set will fare better under distance learning courses.

The answer is, essentially, a personal one. But if you decided to return to education or to bolster your skill set with some new qualifications, you have a choice to make: distance lessons and lectures or face to face learning.

The Pros and The Cons

group of people in a meeting with face to face learning

As you would expect, there are upsides and downsides to both, some of which we cover here. Of course, you may read through the list of each and decide that what it a con is a pro, and vice versa, for you personally.

Distance learning is also known as online learning, e-learning, open learning or learning from home. You may pay for the course upfront and receive all the materials in one shipment or you may pay monthly with some providers, with course materials released as you complete (and pay) for modules or units. Distance learning is great if you are looking to learn a new language, become an accountant or develop your digital skills.

Face to face learning can be defined as the traditional style of learning in which you show up at a venue at the same time for a number of sessions. You will be taught or tutored by an instructor or teacher, following a prescribed schedule of taught sessions called a curriculum.

Distance Learning

three students working on laptops for distance learning
Pros
Cons
Distance learning is possibly one of the most FLEXIBLE study options open to the modern student, irrespective of their age, working status and so on.
You do need to COMMIT to your course, which means understanding the difference between flexibility and ‘not really bothering’. If you don’t have a strong sense of discipline or are not interested in forming one when it comes to your studies, distance learning may not be for you.
You can study in a space in which you feel most COMFORTABLE. This could be at the kitchen table or even curled up on the couch.
Studying on the couch is all well and good but you also need to be prepared for the fact that there are times, with deadlines looming and assignments pressing that you need to create a study space that is conducive to learning. Sometimes, lounging on the sofa is not the best space…
For many students of open learning, the PACE at which they complete their course is dictated by no one other than themselves. If you don’t grasp a concept initially, you can go over the module again, for example.
Pace is one thing, not applying yourself is something completely different. When pace is lacking, or the feeling that there is no one else there to drive your learning, making time to study can fall by the wayside.
It can FIT AROUND YOU and your work, family and social commitments. Many people find that the course is so well structured that they are able to pick it up after a few weeks break if they have to re-schedule their learning.
Fitting it around life is one aspect of distance learning but you also need to ensure you value your course too. So, when you can’t study at a certain time because ‘life happens’ when you will re-schedule your study time for?
You are in the DRIVING SEAT. You have complete control of your daily learning hours.
Are you organised? Can you push through and stay motivated to complete the course?

Face to face learning

Choosing the right distance learning course and provider is essential. You need to be confident that the course and its content, as well as the qualification once you have completed it, have the same ‘value’ as that of a course completed at a college or a training provider. For some employers and organisations, knowing that as a student you can organise your own learning and successfully complete a course speaks volumes. There are many more benefits to distance learning – so it’s an option that is really worth exploring.

adult students receiving face to face learning in a lecture

Which type of course delivery do you think would suit you?

Organise Your Home Office Day in March is all about creating order on the chaos that sweeps across a desk. When it comes to learning, it pays to get organised. But why is studying in an organised, positive environment so much better? And how can you achieve this?

There many research projects about studying and the effect on the local environ, all of which point to the same conclusion, more or less – an organised study environment, with minimum distractions but the right kind of background motivation is beneficial.

‘Being organised’ is a phrase that means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? Which of these distractions can you identify with and which help or hinder your learning?

Music

Some students say they can’t work without it, but others find it a distraction and the playing of music whilst learning has long been debated. There is some suggestion that background music could help a student to focus on the task at hand.

Does it work for you? Research suggests the right kind of music is one with which you are familiar with and at a low volume in the background. There is some suggestion that this ambient music is also instrumental, as opposed to singing.

Time

Time can be your friend and your enemy. Clock-watching is a way of marking how fast or slow time is moving. Being proactive is the key to managing time allocated to study.

Deal with it by not allowing time to drift. For example, study in blocks of 20 minutes coupled with an objective that you want to achieve in that time. This breaking down of time into chunks, rather than facing hours of study, is a great way to keep time on your side.

Lighting

Part of being organised in your learning – and an important part – is to create the right environment. It needs to encourage you to focus on what you are doing, as well as being comfortable as you study too.

There is a practical element to the home office, something known as ergonomics. This is where design supports and comforts the body thus, your chair is not only the right height but supports your back too.

Lighting is an important part of a studying space. Pouring over books via a weak, non-illuminating light causes eye strain and this means, you start to flag quicker when it comes to reading and writing assignments.

Remedy poor lighting by;

Control the environment

The climate in which you study also needs to be comfortable. Too cold and you will find it a chore and too hot, you find you might drift off to sleep…

Control the environment by opting for a warm space but because you might be stationary for long periods, use extra layers to stay warm.

Turn off distractions

Facebook. Checking your email (again). Tweeting. Checking your Twitter timeline. Reading the headline…

You name it, there is a distraction that prevents you stay on top of studying. There are many distractions and when it comes to identifying the best way for you to stay organised whilst studying, you need to be clear about what your personal distractions are.

Disconnecting from social media and the web is a great move, as well as leaving your phone out of reach. Some students set themselves ‘rules’ that within a certain time frame they will not use their phone, answers texts, go online etc.

Getting too comfy

The great thing about home learning courses is that you study in the place you love and know best, at times that suit you too along with other many benefits – studying at home, along with reading a chapter or two on your daily work commute, planning your assignment whilst sitting on a bench in the park eating lunch or being knee-deep in theories whilst snuggled in your bed.

Be aware of how you are feeling because this comfort level can impact on how well you study. For example, snuggling in bed is great but is it the best place to be examining a concept in detail? Is all that warmth making you drowsy? Are you really paying attention to what you are doing?

Studying from home is a great way to learn and yet, it can be a landscape of distractions. What do you think is your biggest hindrance when it comes to studying? How do you deal with it?

Not everyone appreciates the true value of the teaching assistant in the classroom but for pupils with learning difficulties and other support needs, it is the teaching assistant who helps them to access the learning opportunities on offer. How does a teaching assistant perform this vital function?

School budgets across the country are being squeezed. Along with other roles, the teaching assistant is under threat. With schools not replacing TAs or cutting hours, it is hard to see how some children with additional learning and support needs will be able to access mainstream learning.

With the TA being so vital to the smooth running of the classroom, what is the secret that lies behind their success? How are TAs able to help pupils with all kinds of barriers to learning?

Robust training

TAs have traditionally been used as an ad hoc support system in the classroom or an ‘extra pair hands’ for helping out in the learning environment. From fetching and carrying to sweeping up glitter, the role of the TA took some time to professionalise but slowly, over the years, this has come to fruition.

In some schools and colleges, TAs are still used to step into the breach where their teaching colleague doesn’t have the time nor the expertise to deal with low-attaining pupils. But again, this is an attitude that is slowly changing too.

There is no denying that the investment in robust training of teaching assistants to deliver structured help and support in the classroom has made for significant improvements. It means TAs can successfully support students to not only access education but to take responsibility for it.

Many schools are now offering a structured training approach in how to become a teaching assistant and people interested in working as TAs in the classroom or other learning environments, are also taking steps to become trained.

As a resource, the TA can also be the specialist in many cases. From dealing with and managing challenging behaviour to working with specific needs and barriers to learning, such as autism, the TA can be the connecting bridge between the child and their learning.

But for many TAs, they remain underutilised in the classroom because teaching staff are sometimes how sure to best deploy their skills and abilities.

Structured interventions and programmes

There is no denying that the most successful teaching assistants are those who are confident in the structured interventions they are to offer.

For example, teachers create detailed lessons plans for each session they undertake with students. By sharing this with the TA, they are equipped to understand how these can be modified so that a student with learning difficulties can access the learning in a way that makes sense to them.

Research suggests that TAs carrying out structured interventions in the classroom with a student or group of students with learning difficulties have a positive effect – around three to four months’ worth of extra academic progress a year.

The most effective sessions have been shown to be those that are brief, regular and consistent. In other words, a structured intervention for part of a lesson is more effective than that carried out every lesson, with no guiding structure.

This evidence-based intervention means that the TA understand what they need to deliver, and how they need to do this, with a student or group of students so that they can access learning.

They are a bridge

And finally, the trained TA having completed one or more teaching assistant courses will understand that their work has more value when they are in the classroom, connecting the work of the student with learning or support difficulties with the ‘more formal’ learning setting of the classroom.

There are times when the TA works away from the classroom – providing this forms parts of the structured intervention, it can have the desired results. But, say education experts, TAs are more successful when they work in the classroom (or other learning settings) with students, rather than apart from it.

Understanding, empathy, knowledge and skills

TAs bring a lot to the classroom. As well as knowledge and skills from training, they bring a natural understanding and empathy that a child with learning and support needs can identify with. They connect a child with their own learning, helping them to understand what is happening around them and to be part of the learning process in a way that fits them.

Students who work with TAs will often have a respect that lasts for a lifetime, a person that they will remember as being the person who could really help. Are you this ‘special’ someone who could make a positive difference?

It is a well-known fact that knowing more than one language can make you hugely attractive to employers. This is especially true when it comes to those of you who are applying to multinational corporations. As more job seekers are starting to realise that language skills could make them stand out in today’s competitive job market, language courses are becoming more and more popular.

About to start a job hunt? Here are some of the main reasons why you should consider learning a foreign language to make you more employable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are currently hoping to find a new job, or just looking to make a move, there are so many resources now easily available to help you learn a new language and in turn make you more employable. Before you get started, you should figure out which languages are the most popular to learn so you know what will make you more employable. There’s no point learning French if jobs in your sector want Italian speakers. There are plenty of free resources available online, as well as affordable language courses you can take. There are even apps that can help you learn at the touch of a button. You never know, you could pick up a new language just by practising a little bit at a time on your daily commute! Use any holidays and travel abroad to practice and pick up conversational phrases as much as you can.

 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be completely fluent in another language for it to boost your employability. Often, just knowing a second language in a conversational language is enough to make your application stand out from the crowd. That is all that is really required to liaise with international clients and colleagues effectively. And if you already know how to speak a language and find that you just need to brush up, you could ask your employer to pay for language courses for you. They may make the investment if they can see the value for their business in improving your language skills further.

 

¡Comienza a aprender! Börja lära dig! Začnite učiti! Get learning!

Juggling distance learning and work can seem like a daunting task, as it involves taking on yet another commitment in your already busy life. But you understand that in order to grab the promotion you want or to make a desired career change, you need to upskill. This means that you need to get essential qualifications under your belt.

Distance learning is a way to get these qualifications without having to give up work or find time on the evening, week after week to attend a college course. That said, juggling a distance learning alongside work can be tough. How have other students accomplished successfully balancing these two?

Time
The biggest issue for many students, including those that study part-time, full-time, as well as by distance, is time – or more precisely, a lack of it.

When you work full or part time, you instantly lose many hours each week of possible study time. Combine this with other commitments, and you might be left feeling that you literally have no time left to study.

Making time may mean looking at some of these commitments and taking a step back – but when giving up work or dropping hours is not a possibility, what are your options?

As with all qualifications, there will be intense periods of study as well as times where you can relax a little more. Even though you may create a schedule of study for the week, don’t berate yourself if you don’t manage to follow it exactly – life happens from time to time!

Build in ‘spill over’ periods in your study timetable so that if you don’t get a chance to study for an hour at the specified time, you could carve out some time on another day.

Distractions & Procrastination
Distractions are everywhere – what one student finds annoying, another will enjoy. For example, do you prefer peace and quiet when you work, or do you like listening to music?

It is important to identify what could potentially distract you, and then take positive steps to avoid these factors.

Distraction is one thing, procrastinating is another – this is where you are so overwhelmed that you choose not to face the assignment at all. It might feel easier to watch a TV programme than it is to work, read through course notes or prepare for a test.

Eventually, you slip so far behind that it becomes (in your mind) impossible to catch up, and so your course (and its potentially career-changing qualifications) slip through your fingers.

The secret to success for any distance learning course, regardless of topic or level, is to maintain regular ‘contact’, whether that is reading a textbook or a related journal, reading through course materials or similar. Keep pushing your course to the front of your mind, keep it within reach, and learn to identify distractions when you are procrastinating.

Study Space
At work you will no doubt have a space that you work from. It could be a workbench or a drawing board, a reception desk or a desk in a large open-plan office – this is your space, and you should make it your own.

This could be something as simple as arranging your desk or personalising it with a photo of your family. All of these small elements combine to make it a place where you feel comfortable to complete your daily tasks.

Your study space should be the same. It doesn’t have to be a grand, large space – the current trend is to create a study nook (i.e. under the stairs) that utilises a small amount of space but does so in a very practical way. It should be comfortable, a place where you can work on your course without interruption for an hour or two per week.

Support
Employers want to hire well-rounded staff that possess a range of skills and qualifications. The better equipped and skilled their workforce, the better shape their business will be in to compete in a competitive market place.

Many employers will offer support to employees that they know are undergoing courses, so it is well worth chatting with your human resources department or reading through the staff manual.

Real Life
As well as paying course fees and/or offering study time, employers will often allow you to use work as a practical element for your coursework or assignments.

For example, a teaching assistant studying for the Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification may need to use the classroom setting as the basis of a project. This could mean facilitating small group work or delivering a pre-planned session. They may need to be assessed in this role as proof that they can deliver a lesson or facilitate small group work. In this case, the classroom teacher will act as an informal assessor, offering feedback that will prove valuable when completing the course.

Using real life and workplace experiences is a critical part of vocational qualifications, and a good form of support from an employer. This is a great way to achieve balance when studying for a qualification whilst working.

Use experiences past and present to add depth to your course and to your learning.

Be Organised
It is Monday morning and you have a full week of work ahead, full of extra pressures as well as commitments in your family life. To top it all off, you have an assignment that you need to complete in order to move on to the next topic.

Getting and staying organised is critical to balance and success when learning from home. Being organised means thinking ahead, understanding what needs to shift to the back burner, and what needs to come to the fore.

This includes prioritising topics and activities that need to be completed in order for you to successfully stay on track and complete your course.

It is inevitable that at certain times your course will need to take a back seat, giving way to work commitments (and vice versa).

Don’t Cram
When you sign up for a distance learning course it can be tempting to bask in the glory of trying something new – meanwhile, letting all of your coursework fall by the wayside. You need to assign value to your course and the qualification it offers you, as well as to the learning process itself.

This means staying with your course and not leaving assignments to the last minute – just say no to cramming! This is not good for your stress level, and it won’ts get you the desired results.

Try to arrange your work and studying responsibilities so that they are in harmony. Look at your work and study calendars and try to dovetail them together. For example, don’t try and complete a major assignment that requires many hours of study and reading into the same week you are involved in a big project at work.

Take Time for Yourself
In amongst all this work and study is YOU! You mustn’t forget that you need to take some time out for your own peace of mind. Just like you have a day or two off from work, you should have a day or two off from studying.

Enjoy the fresh air, go to the gym, go to Zumba class, enjoy a walk up a mountain, meet a friend for afternoon tea, or enjoy an afternoon watching a classic film on TV – any activity that makes you feel good is a great way of restoring work and study balance!

What hints and tips do you want to share with your fellow learners? Email us your ideas!

In 2015, Ofcom (the regulator of telecommunications in the UK) announced that we now live in a smart phone society.

The facts make for interesting reading.

In 2016:

Whereas we used to watch TV, listen to the radio, or read the paper, we now surf the web instead. In fact, we spend on average 30 hours and 42 minutes per month surfing the internet on a PC or laptop.

Changing the way we live and learn

person on phone using apps

Learning forums and ‘boards’ are fantastic for linking with other students, building a support system around you and your studies.

The digital revolution has touched every facet of life. From paying bills online to learning online, it seems like there is nothing that is not powered or driven by the web. Our homes are becoming smarter and that often means improved efficiency and effectiveness.

When it comes to learning, some course providers and educators have been slow to keep pace with the digital revolution.

While the majority of students access their learning materials using tablets and smart phones, course providers do not always ensure that their materials are optimised for mobile use.

Students are increasingly telling educators and course providers that they want to stay connected in their mobiles, and that they feel more confident when using their mobile devices to access information.

As a student, how can you improve your learning outcomes by using your smart phone or tablet? And how can learning providers change to encapsulate these wants and needs? Here are five suggestions.

#1 Podcasts, Audio and Video

There are different methods of accessing material. You can read a book or a piece of text, watch an explanatory video or listen to a series of informative podcasts. There is an ever-increasing array of formats through which information can be accessed.

Forward-thinking course providers are producing amazing material, including white-board animations, podcasts and other kinds of downloadable audio material.

As a student, you can access this information and listen or watch wherever you feel most comfortable.

#2 Discussion, Feedback and Assessment Tools

To measure your progress, course providers will assess you in many ways. Some courses have a series of written assignments that need to be completed, or there may be an exam at the end of the course.

There are various assessment processes, and they all have their value. Increasingly, modern technology has opened up different assessment avenues, all of which you can access and complete on your mobile device.

child on a computer

Students are increasingly telling educators and course providers that they want to stay connected in their mobiles and that they feel more confident when using their mobile devices to access information.

Forum discussions are a terrific way you to consolidate your learning, and for your tutor to assess the issues that the group still struggles with, who is not quite engaging on certain topics, and who needs more support.

Feedback improves your performance, just as your feedback improves the course. Discussion opens your eyes to what others think and believe, all of which can be accessed via your mobile device.

#3 Creating and Submitting Assignments

Some creative teachers are questioning – why do assignments on home learning courses have to be completed on a PC?

They don’t! This is is why some creative learning providers are turning to video and podcasts as a means of assessing learners. Smartphones and tablets can be used to take photos, create and edit videos, and to produce creative pieces of work that develop key skills and reinforce knowledge.

#4 Learning and Student Forums

Learning is about embracing new skills and enhancing knowledge in your chosen field of study.

That said, it can be overwhelming, and full of obstacles and challenges. Even with great support from family, friends and colleagues, your fellow students can appreciate your struggles.

Learning forums and ‘boards’ are fantastic for linking with other students, building a support system around you and your studies.

#5 Digital Format for Accessing Complex Information

Some information is complex – graphs, diagrams, images etc. – and data heavy. Accessing this information on your mobile device can be tough, but with QR codes the learning provider can give you everything you need in one, scannable box.

These QR codes can remain accessible and active for a long time and are useful on printed materials as well as on online course materials.

Mobile devices and technology can help us become better, more effective learners, and that can only be a good thing. Do you agree?

It sounds an ideal solution – studying at home whilst still working, ferrying the kids to school and after school activities, cooking tea, the shopping… the list goes on.

The truth is, we are all busy people and it can seem like there is little or no capacity for extra commitments such as studying. But many people have begun successfully studying at home and you can too.

There does need to be a dose of realism however, and that means understanding that in order for your home learning to be a success, there needs to be a few changes.

Here are five tips that our students tell us work and have been contributing factors in successfully studying from home.

#1 Distractions

Top of the list are all the distractions that you face.

tools for studying at home

It takes time and determination, as well as establishing a routine to be able to commit to your course.

Think of a household chore you hate doing – unblocking the hair trap in the shower, vacuuming, cleaning the drains etc. – and now imagine you have a choice: write the tutor-mark assignment for the module you have just studied or unblock the drains. Which would you choose?

Surprisingly, you would rather do anything, like clean drains, than sit at your laptop or PC typing out your assignment!

Distractions are everywhere. Despite our best intentions, they can and do get the better of us. But what do our students suggest?

Overwhelmingly, the answer was to identify what potential distractions there are, that could prevent you from completing your home learning course.

They are different for everyone but a few of our students mentioned: switching off mobile phones and not checking emails when working online. They also talked about how limited time can be the driving force behind getting work completed.

#2 Time

It has a habit of slipping away with us or, when we are doing something we least enjoy – like sitting in an exam – the minute hand seems to tick very slowly.

But you can use it to your advantage when studying at home. There is one tool that may be of help to you: a stopwatch. Some people are happy to read, study, write and so on for hours on end but others find this unappealing. They use a stopwatch or timer.

Try this: set 20 minutes on a timer – use your phone or a kitchen timer – aim to get as much done in that time as you can. Take a break for five minutes once the time has elapsed and then start again for another 20 minutes.

Many people find this a great way of getting the most from their study time, as well as a fantastic study habit that helps them in the future.

#3 Support

Starting something new and as important as furthering your skill set and education requires support. And this can come from various sources;

#4 Space

For anyone considering home learning, this fourth tip also comes direct from our students. You must have space for your work too.

You may enjoy reading on the sofa, making notes on course materials and so on, but there does come a time when you need to have space to complete your work. This means sitting at the kitchen table, or investing a desk and a lamp for late night essays.

man studying at home on laptop

Starting something new and as important as furthering your skill set and education requires support

Your studies are important; give it the space that it deserves.

#5 Commitment and Determination

It takes time and determination, as well as establishing a routine to be able to commit to your course when studying at home.

This means ‘making’ time and space to work. It can also means forgoing some things, such as instead of the latest best seller, you read a text book or academic journals instead.

But the commitment, the dogged determination and the struggle – there will be moments of struggle, as well as great triumph – will result in success and an enormous feeling of achievement.