Time’s Up For Traditional Learning

20 Apr Time’s Up For Traditional Learning

A new study by the University of California on the timing and length of traditional college courses, has shown that there may be a correlation between our body clocks and our academic performance and grades.

Losing sleep over education

For as long as structured education has been available, it has been conducted (often by necessity) in a regimented and inflexible way with set times and locations.  Although traditional college and university hours may work for some, for others, it can actually be detrimental to their progress.

The National Sleep Foundation has, for some time, been calling for a change in college and university hours after studies showed that students are suffering from sleep deprivation.  The Foundation says that teenagers generally need around nine and a quarter hours of sleep a night, however, due to extracurricular activities, homework schedules and social activities, most manage less than seven.  Needless to say, this is less than ideal when studying for and taking exams which will dictate, to a large extent, their future careers.

It’s about time

In addition to the myriad requirements of teenagers, there are many other demographics for whom traditional learning simply does not work.  A factory worker wishing to upgrade his skills to secure better employment will usually, due to financial commitments such as a mortgage etc, not be able to afford to quit his job in order to go to university for three years.  Similarly, a home-maker whose children are now at school may be unable to attend a full time university course due to family commitments.  Financial and time obstacles often mean that people give up on their education goals as hopeless and impossible.

Move with the times

 Today’s education requirements are fluid and ever-evolving.  The constant advent of new technology and processes means that learning is often redundant within as little a time as six months.  Bearing this in mind, the idea of a set one-off process of education seems archaic and ineffective.  Imagine what an IT student learned at university two years ago and then compare it to subsequent developments and you get an idea of just how wide a gap can exist.  In order to stay up to date with skills and knowledge, learning surely has to be a constant, ongoing process.

A new way

 On-demand distance learning is a way of adding flexibility whilst still gaining the same qualifications as you would at a traditional college.  Specifically aimed at those unable to attend regularly timed courses, Semester’s courses, including BTEC business and engineering courses, have all the benefits of a traditional course but without the cons.  100% online, the courses allow students to study at their own pace and in their own time – but with the added benefit of an online tutor on hand to offer advice and support.

Whether you’re fitting education around other commitments or are simply put off by the idea of following regimented timings, rules and regulations, distance learning is a great way of learning new skills or topping up existing ones in order to drive your career forward.