Distance Education
There are numerous forms of distance education offered across Australia and also globally; from primary and secondary education right through to tertiary education. Distance education offers students the opportunities to learn despite their geographical location. It also enables students the ability to work with flexibility. Often when distance education is mentioned, it is automatically thought that it is only for people in remote locations who have to travel large distances in order to receive an education. However, the fact is people join distance education for all sorts of reasons (See Eligibility for details)
There are many more people who can benefit from access to distance education. It allows people to have a greater choice in what they study and therefore a wider range of career options. Distance education also offers a sense of stability to students who may be unable to attend classes regularly due to family issues or work commitments.
Just like every coin has two sides. Distance education has some disadvantages as well. One of the biggest downsides to distance education is the inability to benefit from the activities which occur in the traditional classroom settings. This can be an especially big problem for science classes; as they might miss out on things like demonstrations, practical activities and group discussions. Details about pros and cons of distance education can be found here.
However, as computer technologies advance and demand for non-on-campus education increases, it is expected distance education will become more engaging, effective, interactive, popular and beneficial for learners.
There are many more people who can benefit from access to distance education. It allows people to have a greater choice in what they study and therefore a wider range of career options. Distance education also offers a sense of stability to students who may be unable to attend classes regularly due to family issues or work commitments.
Just like every coin has two sides. Distance education has some disadvantages as well. One of the biggest downsides to distance education is the inability to benefit from the activities which occur in the traditional classroom settings. This can be an especially big problem for science classes; as they might miss out on things like demonstrations, practical activities and group discussions. Details about pros and cons of distance education can be found here.
However, as computer technologies advance and demand for non-on-campus education increases, it is expected distance education will become more engaging, effective, interactive, popular and beneficial for learners.
Distance Education Vs Home Schooling
Whilst both distance education and home education enable your child to undertake their schooling at home, they are very different, below is a comparison between Distance Education and Home Schooling in NSW.
Distance EducationDistance education is an equity provision available only to students who meet eligibility criteria.
Parents enrol their children in a distance education school. This is a government school and satisfies requirements of the Education Act 1990 Schools are accredited for the Board of Studies by the NSW Department of Education and Training Schools accept responsibility for developing, implementing and evaluating their child's learning program with access to resources of the NSW Department of Education and Training School is responsible for the teaching/learning program, time allocated, assessment of achievement and progress and resources used. Students complete the prescribed study, assessments, tests and examinations for the award of the School Certificate or Higher School Certificate.. |
Home Schooling
Under the Education Act 1990, home education is recognised as a legitimate way of providing for the educational needs of any child in NSW.
Under the Education Act 1990, home education is recognised as a legitimate way of providing for the educational needs of any child in NSW. Parents are accredited by the Board of Studies. This involves an application process and home visits. Parents accept responsibility for developing, implementing and evaluating their child's learning program, which must be approved by an Authorised Person from the Office of the Board of Studies Records must be kept of the teaching/learning program, time allocated, assessment of achievement and progress and resources used. Does not provide for a child to be eligible for the award of the School Certificate or the Higher School Certificate. |