Modern distance learning opportunities

We live in amazing times with unique opportunities. The Internet opens up limitless information horizons for us. Modern technologies allow you to expand your education from anywhere in the world.

If previously our person could combine work and distance learning at one of the domestic universities, this was already a victory. Now everything has changed dramatically. We can get decent distance education, and distance education in European universities.

Distance education is now very popular, it’s kind of a trend. They write about it, talk about it, discuss it in various TV shows, on forums and in home kitchens.

Difference between correspondence education and distance learning

What is this distance education and what is the difference between it and correspondence education? Many people consider these concepts to be synonymous, but this is not entirely true.

So, distance education today has affected almost all levels of education, from free online courses or English language courses in Europe, to higher education and even an academic degree.

Correspondence education is fundamentally different from distance learning in its approach. Correspondence education involves giving lectures during a certain period, when the student is forced to attend sessions at the educational institution, take them and communicate with the teacher only during these periods of time.

In Ukraine, for example, a form of correspondence education is more common. This is closer, more comfortable and more familiar to us.

Distance education is a constant trend between students and teachers; they can be constantly in touch on the Internet, discuss some issues, and move on. It is also possible, while receiving education via the Internet, to communicate online with your classmates and discuss the material being studied from anywhere in the world. This is very convenient, especially if you decide to undergo distance learning abroad. This system allows you to save money on travel, accommodation, visas, etc., but at the same time guarantees a higher quality of training.

A student can receive his assignments using various methods, including:

• mail – telephone (case technologies). The student receives his assignments and sends those already completed by mail. Teacher advice can be obtained by telephone or in special training centers;
• the use of television and satellite technologies is not very popular due to the high price and disadvantages associated with feedback;
• studying via the Internet and everything connected with it (social networks, e-mail, websites and other resources).

Second higher education remotely

Thus, distance learning abroad can take place in different ways. Either, sooner or later, the student must attend a university and pass the appropriate exams, tests and defend a diploma, or complete training entirely via the Internet. Experts advise, in any case, not to receive your first higher education in this way. Distance learning requires a lot of self-organization and concentration, which is often lacking for young people who do not yet have experience in obtaining an education. But a second higher education remotely is a very profitable process. At the same time, you can get a new, more in-demand specialty, get that coveted European diploma, and save time and money on training. You can also complete your master's degree remotely and receive (2)

Who benefits from distance education most?

We recommend paying attention to
distance education next
population groups:

1. Housewives or young mothers who are on maternity leave. While caring for your baby, you will be able to devote time to studying subjects on your own, without having to go anywhere and waste precious time. This is a great way not to fall out of life, improve your skills and self-esteem.
2. For workers and employees who cannot afford not to work.
3. Young people, graduates of secondary and higher educational institutions, who must work, but want to improve their educational level.

Briefly about us:

However, studying abroad is not as easy as it seems, mainly due to significant material costs - the amount of expenses, including not only the cost of training, but also payment for accommodation, can be impressive. In addition, temporary resources are also required - not everyone can leave work or family for such a long period of time. For some students, these conditions may be critical.

However, if you still want to get a foreign diploma, there is a way out. This distance higher education, a product of the era of developed Internet technologies, which made it possible to obtain higher education at a foreign university without leaving home.

Distance higher education: learning conditions

There are different types of distance higher education: from short intense to longer.

Distance learning abroad takes place in comfortable conditions: a student can study while at home, at work or, for example, in a cafe. Each student is assigned a personal curator who provides comprehensive assistance in organizing the educational process.

All materials necessary for training are available in the personal account of a special program or can be sent on DVD media.

Classes are held in real time and broadcast through a special online program. Students receiving distance higher education have the opportunity to ask questions and make public presentations. All lectures are recorded, so if a student was absent from a lecture for some reason, you can always view it in the recording at any convenient time. You can always contact your teacher and classmates by email or Skype.

In addition to virtual lectures, students have research papers and practical exercises that must be completed during the educational process. In addition, the student completes intermediate tests and examinations during distance learning abroad to confirm the knowledge acquired.

Distance higher education: admission conditions

Students entering distance higher education programs are subject to the same requirements as all other applicants to the chosen university. However, the diploma of a graduate of a distance learning program is no different from that received by full-time university students.

Distance higher education with STAR Academy

The STAR Academy company offers high-quality distance learning in European countries. Our specialists are ready to provide comprehensive assistance in choosing a program and professional support throughout the entire educational process. Contact our specialists by phone 797-95-55 ext. 9 or at the company's offices in and Russia.

Over the past few years, the idea of ​​distance education (DL) has experienced a real boom. There are reasons for this. Of course, the main driver of DL is the development of computer technology and, more importantly, the development of communication technologies. In addition, DL has a number of advantages over traditional types of education: it is relatively cheap (there is no need to maintain an impressive staff of teachers - millions of students in all corners of the globe can simultaneously listen to one lecture, there is no need for huge rooms for lectures), as well as mobility - the ability to quickly make the necessary changes and additions to the training program. Based on this, we can conclude that this type of training is accessible to a large number of people. All that is needed is a multimedia computer with appropriate software and access to the Internet (preferably a permanent connection). Now these requirements are no longer impossible. In addition, DO is international: you can, for example, get a college degree from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business without leaving your apartment. Naturally, knowledge of English is necessary for learning (well, where would we be without it...). According to scientists' forecasts, it is distance education (in combination with traditional forms of study) that will prevail in the next century - it is not without reason that it is called “education of the future.”

Today, there are two concepts for organizing a distance education system: North American and European.

Distance learning in the USA

In the mid-1960s, some American engineering colleges began using television to provide training courses to employees of nearby corporations. In 1984, these programs led to the formation of the National Technological University (NTU). By 1991, it had grown into a consortium of 40 university engineering schools, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the early 1990s, more than 1,000 students, with the active participation of commercial employers, studied NTU's engineering degree programs via distance learning. Many of those who completed their NTU Master's degree noted that they would not have been able to do it any other way. The experience of NTU was studied and recommended as a model for an international electronic university.

More than a million students are enrolled in distance education programs in the United States today, taking courses through the Public Broadcasting System (PBS-TV) since 1989. The program offers courses in various fields of science, business, and management. The training courses, broadcast on four educational channels, are available throughout the country and (via satellite) in other countries.

The educational systems of individual states are of utmost importance. Many of them are also based on satellite teleconferencing classes deployed at the turn of the 80s and 90s. Typically, they include one or two classrooms at the main university or college, from where teachers teach, and a number of classrooms at various locations around the state (from four to 16) where remote learning groups take classes. Recently, the use of computer networks in educational institutions, which provide similar capabilities, but at a much lower cost, has become increasingly widespread. In general, a distinctive feature of the North American concept of organizing preschool education can be considered the use of the latest technical means in the learning process.

Distance learning in Europe

In Europe, distance education is mainly developed by “open” universities, which are funded by the government. Initially, the European organization of preschool education, which appeared in Great Britain in the late 60s, was largely similar to the Soviet system of correspondence education. The difference was that training was organized as close as possible to the students’ place of residence, where they studied independently using special aids; Accordingly, there was no need for long breaks of students from their main activities. In addition, the most important role in the learning process was assigned to “tutors” (auxiliary teachers), who, living close to the students, were supposed to advise them in the learning process, conduct seminars, Sunday schools, etc. Some of the courses were organized using television and radio . Recently, modern computer and communication technologies have been increasingly used in European subsidiaries, so that the purely technological difference between North American and European CE organizations is disappearing. Electronic higher education programs are being developed in more than 30 countries, including third world countries.

In general, DL in Europe received intensive development in the early 70s and is associated with the creation of a number of Open Universities (DE universities).
In the UK, more than 50% of Master's degree programs in management are conducted using DL methods. The leading European organization in this area is the Open Business School of the British Open University. In DL systems that do not use the feedback principle, the information necessary for conducting lectures, seminars and other types of classes is usually centrally recorded on a video cassette or video disk. Additionally, audio recordings and data recordings on magnetic disks can be used. Next, these materials are sent (including using computer networks) directly to educational institutions, where they are used during training sessions.

Along with programs designed for a mass audience, targeted cycles of lectures and classes have become widespread, allowing students, upon completion of the course, to pass exams, receive an appropriate diploma, certificate, etc. One example of the implementation of this direction of distance education is the television courses of the Baltic University (THE BALTIC UNIVERSITY). Created in Sweden, it brings together the efforts of more than fifty universities in the Baltic region. Using satellite television systems (STV), students and researchers from 10 countries have the opportunity to carry out scientific and educational contacts on topics of common interest. In 1991-1992, the topic was the problem of environmental protection of the Baltic Sea Environment, and in 1993-1994 - the problem of development of the peoples of the Baltic region.

Many people believe that preschool education is a type of distance learning. In principle, they are right, since the student receives the necessary knowledge without leaving home. However, DO is somewhat different from the usual correspondence form of education.

According to the definition of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Higher Education, additional education is understood as a complex of educational services provided to the general population in the country and abroad with the help of a specialized information and educational environment at any distance from educational institutions. The information and educational environment of educational institutions is a systematically organized set of data transmission means, information resources, interaction protocols, hardware, software and organizational and methodological support, focused on meeting the educational needs of users. In other words, preschool education is a new organization of the educational process, based on the principle of independent student learning. The learning environment is characterized by the fact that students are mostly, and often completely, separated from the teacher in space and (or) time, but they have the opportunity to maintain a dialogue at any time using telecommunications.

One of the characteristic features of this type of training is its flexibility. Students generally do not attend regular classes in the form of lectures and seminars, but work at a time convenient for them in a convenient place and at a convenient pace, which is a great advantage for those who cannot or do not want to change their usual way of life. The purpose of training is, first of all, the acquisition by students of certain knowledge and skills. All normally developed people can achieve the same results in acquiring knowledge, only some will need less time and others more. Distance learning is focused specifically on achieving a specific result. Since abilities are determined by the measure of a student’s assimilation of the amount of information per unit of time, such individualization of training over time makes it possible to reach a situation where all students will achieve approximately the same success, acquire approximately the same knowledge and skills, but in different times. This will guarantee the level of preparation necessary to study the subsequent material.

Distance learning is based primarily on the student’s independent work, which requires him to be highly organized. To enroll, a student does not formally require any educational qualifications. Everyone can study as much as they need to master the subject and obtain the necessary credits for the chosen courses. Distance education programs are based on a modular principle. The entire course of study consists of separate independent courses (modules) that form the curriculum. This allows for effective testing of the student at each stage of training, as well as selecting an individual program for each student.

Information is presented to students in the form of:

• printed materials (educational and methodological sets of literature and assignments);
• electronic materials (computer educational environments, databases, knowledge banks, electronic textbooks, electronic libraries with remote access);
• audio and video products;
• television programs.

DO problems

The development of a fundamentally new direction in education cannot but face serious problems. This is especially true for educational institutions in our country. There are quite a few problems: the methods are poorly developed, the technology of the educational process itself is not debugged, and finally, there is a lack of funding. It must be remembered that training must be effective in any case, be it full-time, correspondence or distance learning. Training should bring not only “crusts”, but also knowledge. We can highlight the following problems that you will have to face when choosing distance learning:

1. The problem of course equivalence and recognition of distance education levels by classical universities. As mentioned above, in Russia this education system is quite new and is, if not in the “study” stage, then in the “emergence” stage (by trial and error).

2. The problem of mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates, training programs. This problem is especially acute when exporting (importing) education. The Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation has developed basic standards for distance learning. Thus, training using distance technology should include the implementation of all control activities and laboratory and practical work provided for by the state educational standard of secondary or higher vocational education and the approximate curriculum for the corresponding field of training or specialty.

3. Language problem when exporting (importing) education. You need to understand that if you choose an educational institution in one of the Western countries, you will have to study in the language of that country or in English. Ignorance of the language will automatically block your path to this university.

4. The problem of communications and standards. This is especially typical for our country, since the level of development of telecommunication technologies lags behind developed Western countries. All this affects the quality of the services provided and can sometimes make the learning process itself impossible. For example, if your chosen educational institution conducts classes via video conferencing and you use a modem to access the Internet, then most likely you will have to abandon the chosen course, since watching the lecture will likely become an impossible task.

5. Time difference over large areas. This will become especially relevant if you choose one of the American educational institutions for education and training or testing will take place in real time. In this case, you will have no time to sleep.

6. The issue of the quality of courses and software, educational standards. Unlike traditional types of education, the history of preschool education dates back tens of years. Therefore, it takes time to improve methods, train teaching staff, and develop the necessary software. At the moment, there is not enough developments to put DL as opposed to full-time or correspondence types of education.

Today, many of the distance education courses offered in Russia do not meet our expectations, since they are only a kind of “race” for fashion or an attempt to obtain government funding. Not only state educational institutions, but also various non-profit organizations are interested in this form of training, so it is not always possible to count on receiving a state-issued certificate upon completion of such training.

Well-known Russian universities are already taking their first steps in this area and very successfully. An example is the Institute of Distance Education MESI (provides training in the following specialties: management, finance and credit, accounting and auditing, statistics, jurisprudence) (http://www.ido.ru). Also, some Western universities are opening representative offices in our country. Representative offices are opened either independently (The Open University of Great Britain) or on the basis of Russian educational institutions. Thus, this year the World Technological University (http://www.wtu.edu.ru) was created on the basis of Russian and international universities. Training at VTU is conducted in the most promising areas - computer science, new directions in mechanical engineering, mechanics and modeling of technological processes, foreign languages, management, etc. One of the forms of education at this university is distance learning. Having successfully completed VTU, the student receives educational documents, the forms and contents of which are approved by UNESCO.

Today, the development of distance education in Russia, as well as throughout the world, is proceeding at a rapid pace. For now, DL remains rather an exotic way of learning. This is primarily due to the lack of coordinated policies between various educational institutions practicing the form of education in question. This affects a large number of various methods and programs, which makes it even more difficult to choose in favor of distance education. But it is quite possible that in a few years we will no longer perceive distance education as a non-traditional type of education, and it will become a worthy alternative to full-time and distance learning.

ComputerPress 9"1999

Natalya Glukhova

Pros and cons of education in Europe

14/05 2017

Good afternoon friends!
An important topic for young people is education in Europe. It seems that this is some kind of unrealistically difficult event. In reality, everything is much simpler.

Europe will gladly accept students from other countries, and in some universities education is free.

From this article you will learn:

Which countries offer good education?

European school

Our approach is not the same as in other countries. There is a completely different education system here. When many children arrive to study, they initially do not understand how it functions. For example:

1. Children have more independence. Especially in choosing what you want to do. Already from secondary school they are assigned to specialized classes. Why should a child with artistic inclinations, an ability for singing and musical instruments be taught difficult mathematics and physics? These subjects are also given, but in a lighter version, there is no in-depth study.
2. Lessons often take the form of a debate. You can argue, even with a teacher, to prove your point of view.
3. If you have the opportunity to attend a variety of clubs and sections. There is no principle of “start studying - finish it”.
4. Children from primary school need to do project work and research. They study a certain subject consciously and independently.
5. Admission based on school exam results. We have almost the same system now with the Unified State Examination.
6. You choose a set of subjects to study for each semester.

The European system is aimed at making learning interesting for children.
I will tell you about the possibilities, and you choose where the conditions are best for you personally.

European schools

Let's start with school education.

Spain

Students study here from 6 to 18 years old, but compulsory only until 16 years old. Further - as desired. There is an opportunity to continue your studies at the university - 2 years, and you have a bachelor's degree in your pocket. Logic is taught to children here.

History, literature, art of the 18th century are connected. There is no point in studying 3 separate subjects if everything can be considered as a whole.

Parents prefer private or semi-private schools. The state ones are full of migrants who don't speak Spanish well. This significantly reduces the level of the entire class.

Finland

It's actually interesting here. There is no clear division into 45-minute lessons. There is no schedule either, but there is one learning space. The teacher focuses on the mood of the class. Kids are active - let's do something creative.

Finnish schoolchildren

A literature lesson can easily be translated into a conversation about the world around us, and it smoothly flows into mathematics. A chemistry lesson may only take 20 minutes, but then the class really wants to do astronomy and talk about the stars. This lesson will take 1-1.5 hours.

Mandatory - 4 foreign languages ​​to choose from. Secondary education is considered weak. Universities provide in-depth study. But the children are calm, confident, and there is no suffering because of bad grades. And they don’t really give any ratings. Everyone here is great. I wrote about this in more detail in the previous one.

Italy

Here the scheme is: 5+3+5 = 13 years. The first 5 years are primary school, then 3 years are secondary and 5 years are lyceum. After that it’s university.

Children are bored sitting still for 45 minutes. And cramming math or your native language is even more boring. Teachers with elementary school children play educational games, almost every day they go to museums, excursions, and trips to nature. Between all this I manage to squeeze in a couple of hours of math.

The main thing is that school does not cause feelings of despondency. This is a cheerful team, the teachers do not scold, but help and praise. But they have a lot of homework. These are tasks for every day, for the summer. The child learns independence. The school provides the material and the child works on it at home.

France

For Russian children, French is very unusual. On the one hand, there is a lot of free time, interesting projects. School is going on, but the child does not feel much pressure. We are used to teachers shouting, giving bad grades, and calling parents.

France, primary school

The attitude towards the student is even. There is a project for the whole semester, for example. If you need advice, the teacher is ready to help, advise, or sit in after class. But then they ask in full.

Exams happen every day, it’s simply impossible to prepare. You need to develop knowledge in advance every day, don’t skip. Studying in a good lyceum is not the cheapest, so it is always a big problem for parents if their child is expelled.

Universities in Europe

But you still have to come for an interview. European universities have quotas for foreign students. Of course, first our own students, and then foreigners to fill the remaining places.

Stages of higher education

Usually, by the age of 18, schooling ends. From this age, a young person has the right to enter a university. Further:

• 3-4 years bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science diploma). Many people stop there;
• 1 year master's degree (master's diploma);
• 3-4 years Doctor of Science.

You will spend at least 6 years in a beautiful European city! I think that in itself is a great motivation.

Exams

The system is similar, but not the same as ours.

1. exams must be passed;
2. this is not a formality, a small conversation and a grade in the grade book;
3. there are no “automatic machines”;
4. the examiner asks a variety of questions, there are no tickets as such;
5. There is no such evaluative division as we have.

You need to pass the exam and go to the next semester. Passing with a C, B or A doesn’t really matter. Of course, “excellent students” are held in high esteem everywhere. Here the fight is for knowledge, not for marks.

Studying well is the main task of the student himself. Good students then receive recommendations and find it easier to find a job.

In Germany, for example, the ratings are “0” - excellent, “1” - good, “2” - satisfactory.

For example, a medical student with an average grade will never qualify for a good training program in a first-class European hospital.

I think the cheapest option is Italy and the Czech Republic. In Italy, the cost of studying at a public university is 500-800 euros per semester. For example, at the University of Milan. This is one of the oldest in Italy, and throughout Europe.

At the University of Bologna you can take language courses. This will prepare the student for a new form of learning, and will improve the language. Good option, right? And then you can come here.

Disadvantages of European studies

Of course, there are also disadvantages. Admission is a kind of contract. You get the opportunity to study, do internships, and live in the country. You receive a visa for the entire period of study, which means you can move freely throughout the Schengen zone.

But this also comes with several disadvantages:

1. Most often, hostels are not provided to foreigners. You will have to look for an apartment, a room, or an accommodation option. Rarely does anyone end up on a college campus. Renting apartments for 2-3 people costs 250-300 euros at best. Somewhere around 500 euros per month;
2. student visas exclude the possibility of employment. You will be able to work part-time at the institute. For example, in the library, cafeteria, departments. This is a small income, but still;
3. You have to pay for textbooks. This ranges from 20 to 70 euros for 1 textbook. Some can be borrowed from the library, while others are cheaper to copy. This is a big minus - new books are expensive;
4. your visa is valid while you are studying. After finishing, that's it. Or you managed to find a job, you received an invitation - then you can prepare documents for a residence permit, for example. Or you found your soul mate, again a residence permit for marriage, a fiancé/groom visa. This is not uncommon, you understand. Read more about this in the section on each country separately.

In 3-5 years in the country you can understand how and what functions. Getting an education and finding a job is real. This is your new life, from the first day you need to try to find your way, a new life.

Distance education abroad is a great way to gain quality knowledge while continuing to work and lead a normal lifestyle.

Today, many universities offer distance learning courses, which are gaining popularity among progressive youth around the world.

In the meantime, why not download free university brochures?

Just click on the map:

We present to you a list of the best universities in the US and UK offering distance education.

Top 5 US Universities

1. Boston University

As one of the largest non-profit universities in the United States, the university has developed an extensive network of higher distance education for students. The university offers distance learning in bachelor's, master's and even doctoral programs. In addition, you can study remotely through diploma and professional certificate courses.

Training is provided through online lectures, videos, interactive animations and discussions. The university is the winner of prestigious awards in the field of distance education - Sloan Consortium for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education and U.S. Distance Learning Association award for 21st Century Best Practices.

2. University of Florida

The university is ranked in the Top 20 best American public universities, and the university's distance learning department already has more than 330,000 graduates in 135 countries.

Distance learning is offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a wide range of disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, business administration, etc. The university also conducts non-profit courses and continuing education courses to advance the careers of working professionals.

3. Arizona State University

According to U.S. News & World Report, the university is one of the most innovative universities in the United States, providing high-quality comprehensive student support. The university's distance learning department offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, social sciences, health care, etc.

Online certificate programs are also offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learning is carried out on an online platform and involves about 18 teaching hours per week.

4. University of Wisconsin at Madison

The university system consists of degree programs and courses that are offered on 25 campuses. It offers undergraduate, graduate and non-degree certificate programs.

Education is available in a variety of disciplines, including communications, management, humanities, politics and nursing. The university's most popular online programs are graduate programs in engineering. In particular, here you can study engine systems, sustainable systems engineering, computer engineering and other disciplines remotely.

5. Pennsylvania State University

The university is one of the oldest in America. Since 1892, distance education began to be offered here, which was then carried out through correspondence. In 1998, the university opened the Penn State World Campus, which became a modern and universal online platform for distance education.

Today, the university offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs in education, business, engineering, technology, health care and other disciplines. The university has more than 630,000 graduates around the world, and distance learning here does not involve “attending” online lectures at a certain time and is based on individual scheduling of classes.

Top 5 UK Universities

1. University of Liverpool

The university works in cooperation with Laureate Online Education and, according to the Financial Times, is one of the leading universities in the world offering distance education. In total, it offers 41 online programs in various fields.

2. University Campus Suffolk

The university is known for combining modern teaching methods and attracting highly qualified teachers, as well as active cooperation with other universities in the UK and the world.

The university offers 22 distance learning programs, which are distinguished by individual attention to students and the possibility of regular contact with teachers. At the undergraduate and graduate levels, the university offers training in the fields of applied social sciences, arts, humanities, business, healthcare, technology, sciences, etc.

3. Anglia Ruskin University

The university has existed for more than 150 years. Today the university educates 31,000 local and European students and 1,700 international students, and is one of the largest universities in East Anglia.

Training is offered at undergraduate and graduate levels, and professional qualifications are also awarded. You can study subjects such as management and project management, law and humanities, criminology, business, communications, etc. remotely.

4. School of Oriental and African Studies

The school is part of the University of London and is the only higher education institution in the UK that specializes in the study of Asia, Africa, the Near and Middle East. It offers 51 distance learning courses in a variety of disciplines including finance, international management, social sciences, marketing, environmental sciences and humanities.

5. University of Manchester

The university is one of the most famous universities in the UK and has existed for over 180 years. Today, more than 40,000 students from 154 countries are educated here.

Distance learning is offered through most departments of the university and covers a large number of disciplines, including education, health care, social work, mathematics, engineering, medical jurisprudence, management, information systems, business, accounting, dentistry, and others.