Distance education with Open Colleges - FAQs

What is distance education?

Distance education differs from the traditional classroom or campus setting in that students complete coursework and testing independently, without the face-to-face instruction of a teacher. Rather, teacher and student are physically separated and students complete their work by correspondence – whether that is online or through printed materials. Although students still complete assignments, undergo testing and are supported and guided by trainers, the learning situation is controlled by the student. At the successful completion of a distance education course, students will receive the course’s prescribed qualification or certification.

How does distance education work?

Once you have chosen which Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) distance education course you would like to complete, students elect whether they would like to undertake it as an online or print course. With online courses, students access their course materials and lessons via the OpenSpace student portal, participate in webinars, submit assignments online and chat with trainers and other students in online forums. For students who select a print course, all course materials, including textbooks, will be delivered to your door. Assignments can be either mailed in for marking or submitted online. Students who study through a print course will still have access to all online resources.

Most vocational and professional development distance education courses specify the time period in which they must be completed, ranging from one to three years. Students will be able to determine the pace at which they would like to work through the course and don’t face deadlines and due dates.

As with traditional education institutions, students’ work is marked by trainers and assessors and returned to students with feedback, and mentors and trainers are always available to students either online or via email.

What are the benefits of studying by distance education?

The flexibility of distance education means that you can set your own schedule, study at your own pace and study wherever it suits you. Distance education is perfect for those looking to fit in learning with work, family and social commitments. And, with none of the overheads of the campus or the classroom, distance education is affordably priced without the sacrifice of a quality educational experience – Open Colleges is nationally recognised and accredited. You also won’t be alone, as there is an extensive support network available to distance education students. Learning via distance education is simple, affordable and flexible.

Will employers recognise my distance education course?

Employers will recognise your course if you’re completing a nationally recognised qualification or Statement of Attainment. VET (Vocational Education & Training) qualifications are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), which replaced NSW's Vocational Education & Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) on 1 July 2011. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with ASQA and approved to deliver a range of VET courses. Whether you enrol in a Certificate II or a Diploma, improving your qualifications through distance education will better your skills and job prospects.

How do I pay for my distance education course?

For vocational courses, there are a number of simple and easy payment options to choose from. Whether you want to pay in monthly, fortnightly or weekly instalments, pay up front, or set up direct debit from your account, you can pick whichever option suits you best. Remember, most students who pay up front will be eligible for up to a 10% discount off the entire cost of the course.

What support networks are available to me?

From the moment you consider studying with Open Colleges until the end of your course, distance education students will have course and careers advisors, mentors and trainers available to help them at every step of the way. And, no matter where or when you study, students will always have access to our online student forum to interact with others who are studying via distance education.

What if I have already undertaken some studies or have industry experience?

Open Colleges distance education courses are all about giving you the skills and knowledge you need to make that next step in your career or to help you achieve your dream. So if you already have some industry knowledge or skills, we’re not going to make you spend time re-learning. Through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, we match a student’s knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of nationally recognised qualifications to determine whether the student can be given credit for specific units of competency or modules.

Will a distance education course improve my job prospects?

Undertaking any form of study or course is an investment in your career – a level of qualification on your resume will make you a more attractive candidate to employers and improve your job prospects. Not only will you have a higher skill level, but dedicating time to study proves that you are committed and hardworking – a quality that is looked at favourably by employers.