E-learning
Learning is no longer associated with being physically present in schools, universities or any kind of 'real' classrooms. The web has opened up possibilities, unimaginable only a few years ago, to bring the classroom into your home through your internet connection.
A new world of possibilities is available to expatriates worldwide to overcome the isolation often associated with a move. Our intent is to point you in the right direction.
Your contribution though is always appreciated. If you have any experience of a specific university or institution you wish to share, please send us your feedback.
The great thing about the internet - other than giving you access to Paguro! - is that many higher education institutions now offer courses and qualifications on-line. Before you embark on such a course, which can be difficult, as well as expensive, it's a good idea to get as much information as possible about the course you intend to follow. Enquiries you should definitely need an answer to are:
- Does the course have industry recognition?
- What do other students (or graduates) think of the course?
- How long does the course take?
- What assessment tasks are involved?
- Do I have the time, motivation and discipline to undertake the course?
- How much does it cost?
- Can I do the entire course remotely?
Pitfalls to distance learning can include difficulties obtaining the right text books and other research materials, loneliness and lack of motivation due to little contact with other students and teachers, as well as submitting hard copies of assessment tasks promptly.
Above all, make sure that you are not just paying for a worthless piece of paper. There are many bogus internet universities that supply you with a "degree" with absolutely no effort on your part. Bear in mind that a Bachelor degree typically takes 3-5 years of full-time study, a Masters degree takes an additional 2 years, and a PhD takes anywhere from 3-10 years after you have completed your Bachelor and/or Masters.
Many higher education institutions now offer complete degree courses on-line and via distance training. It may be that a school or university in your home country will have such a course in a field that interests you. For a wide, but not exhaustive list of institutions offering distance learning on-line, go to:
website:www.trade-schools.net/directory/online-schools-directory.asp
website: www.distancelearningdegreeprograms.com/contact.html
The Open University (UK) which has offered distance learning programs via TV and radio also offers on-line courses:
website: www.open.ac.uk
China SAR
-
The Open University of Hong Kong
Higher education through distance learning
Tel/Fax: + 852 2711-2100
email: [email protected]
website: www.ouhk.edu.hk
For more information about distance learning from Hong Kong, call
Tel: + 892 2913-5110
France
- C.N.E.D (Centre National d'Enseignement à Distance)
website: www.cned.fr
Web resource in French, English and German.
Germany
- Many of the Fachhochschulen (technical universities) in Munich also offer formal on-line tutorials, lectures and discussion groups (in German, of course!).
Check out:
website: www.fh-muenchen.de
website: www.fom.de (under "Virtueller Campus") -
University of London
Hildegardstrasse 8
Munich
80539
Germany
Tel: + 49 (0) 89 221 115
email: [email protected]
website: www.londonexternal.ac.uk
Norway
-
NKS Fjernundervisning (Distance learning)
Karl Johansg. 8, Oslo
Tel: + 47 22 94 15 70 or 800 80 400
website: www.nks.no -
NKI Nettskolen (Electronic College)
Hans Burumsvei 30,
1357 Bekkestua
Tel: + 47 67 58 88 80
website: www.nettstudier.no
Many colleges in Norway provide courses online. In Oslo you can find more information in the Education section (see "University and College Education").
Singapore
-
Center for American Education
12 Prince Edward Road
#01-03 Podium A, Bestway Building
Singapore 079212
Tel: + 65 6223 4566
Fax: + 65 6223 4533
website: www.cae.com.sg
Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses at U.S. universities and colleges. -
Asia Pacific Management Institute (APMI) Kaplan
Singapore 51 Cuppage Road #02-01 Singapore 229469 Tel: + 65 6733-1877
Fax: + 65 6733-2977
Email: [email protected]
website: www.kaplan.com.sg
In collaboration with Australian and British universities offers courses in business, marketing and human resources. -
The British Council
30 Napier Road
Singapore 258509
Tel: + 65 6470 7175/6
Fax: + 65 6479 7481
Email [email protected]
website: www.britishcouncil.org.sg
13 distance learning programs from six U.K. universities. Masters degrees in Business, Education, Exercise & Nutrition.