One thing that many parents decide to do later in life is to take advantage of the free time they have when their little ones starts nursery or school. For many mums and dads this might mean setting out to achieve academic qualifications which for one reason or another they missed the first time round. Being a parent shouldn’t stop you from focusing on your goals and it’s never to late too learn.

If you are thinking about going ‘back to school’ to get some qualifications, home based learning may be a flexible option that allows you to work round your family routine. There has been a massive leap forward in home based learning programmes. You are no longer expected to sit in front of the TV watching scheduled BBC2 Open University shows at one in the morning. Today distance learning degree courses take full advantage of the Internet, with webcasts and videoconferencing.

Benefits of distance learning for parents

• Flexibility. The flexibility given by taking a course at home is perfect for parents who have the commitments and demands of young or growing children. For some parents this may also mean working round a full or part time job.
• Your own timetable. Distance learning means that you can plan your study schedule around your own unique timetable, rather than having to conform to someone the teacher or lecturer’s requirements. It also means that you can take part wherever you are based in the world, with geographic limitations now rendered obsolete.
• Range of qualifications available. You can catch up on GCSEs or complete a masters degrees and even a  doctorate. The whole gamut of academic endeavour is covered, with a large variety of choice from providers coming out of both the private and public sectors.
• No mature student label. Adult learning courses taken from home also bypass the worry about being a ‘mature student’ amongst a group of younger students. For busy parents this means you don’t have to concern yourself with ‘fitting in’ and can focus on your studies and your family.
• Availability of top universities and educational establishments. Some of the most famous universities in the world are now undertaking high profile distance learning programmes to highlight the fact that, in an ever increasingly connected world, location doesn’t have to inflict any constraints on the ability to access top educational programmes and facilities.

Of course, this way of studying isn’t for everyone – there is a certain amount of self discipline required to avoid domestic distractions and also some people miss the regular ‘person to person’ contact that attending a campus brings. For many parent, the flexibility, online process and improved courses on offer mean that it’s never too late to learn.

Is anyone studying long distance?

We would love to hear what it’s like to be a parent on a long distance learning course? Please let us know about your long distance learning experiences in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This content had been paid for or otherwise remunerated, through our Media & Ad Network partnership with MDBG.

Image: fromcolettewithlove @ Flickr