Going The Distance

by PostGraduan

What is distance learning?

Rather than the traditional classroom setting, distance learning is literally learning from a distance – thanks to new technology. Students and teachers communicate via a variety of mediums – e-mail, telephone, teleconference/ broadcast, online forums, online lectures and tutorials, CD-rom, podcasts, print materials, etc.

There are also variations to distance learning, thus allowing students a blended or hybrid experience. For example, an entire degree may be conducted off-site, but students may be required to attend a few hours of tutorials, gather for group presentations or attend a final examination.

Whatever the method, the main purpose of distance learning is to offer flexibility to students and not take them away from their commitments, or at least minimise the time away.

Distance learning in Malaysia

There are many options available to working Malaysian adults. Wawasan Open University and Open University Malaysia are two of the most prominent educational institutions offering distance learning. Each has a Centre for Graduate Studies catering specifically for post-graduate qualifications.

Although both universities are focused on distance learning, they have elements of hybrid and blended learning, including face-to-face sessions for students and lecturers/ tutors to discuss study material. These sessions are held on weekends, again for the convenience of working students. Wawasan Open University offers two post-graduate qualifications -- Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CeMBA) and Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CeMPA ).

Are They Accredited? It is in your best interest to find out in advance whether the post-graduate programme you want to enrol in is accredited and recognised locally and worldwide. Usually, a visit to an institution’s website will supply this information. To be doubly sure, you can check with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education (www.mqa.gov.my).

The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (Agensi Kelayakan Malaysia), or MQA, was set up in November 2007 under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007 as a basis for quality assurance of higher education and as the reference point for the criteria and standards for national qualifications.

The MQA is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the quality-assurance practices and accreditation of national higher education. The MQA provides a listing of Public Higher Educational Institutions (IPTA) whose programmes are recognised by the Public Services Department (JPA), professional bodies and related bodies.

List of qualifications – Public Institutions www.mqa.gov.my/mqr/english/eakrbyipta.cfm

Open University Malaysia has a wider range of post-graduate studies, from Master of Science to Doctor of Philosophy in various disciplines and, of course, the traditional Master of Business Administration.

More information can be found on their respective websites (Please see the article: We Bring The Campus To You.) There are also many other private institutions jumping on the distance-learning bandwagon. Stamford College has an online arm that offers MBAs from universities in the US. The University of London’s External System offers a whole range of post-graduate qualifications through distance learning, while Brickfields Asia College has a Master of Law. On the other hand, Olympia College has a hybrid programme that combines distance and on-site learning for an MBA from Nottingham Trent University, UK . As the trend catches on, more and more institutions are bound to offer distance learning as an option.

Is it for you?

Working professionals who cannot afford to take time off work for a traditional on-campus qualification and married people will find distance learning an ideal option. It solves the problem of time and cost as it allows you to learn as you earn. You also save on living expenses (especially if your post-graduate qualification is from an overseas institution).

Jonas Wong, 42, has an ICSA (Graduate) degree from the Malaysian Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries Association (MAICSA). Flexibility was his main criteria for choosing the course as you can sit for the exam as many times as you need to pass, an option that on-site learning institutions do not offer. He also noted that on-site study is more expensive as campuses have to provide facilities to accommodate your physical presence.

Another advantage of distance learning is that timing is flexible, with most qualifications having a time-frame that is more forgiving than an on-site programme. Mei Chong, 35, finished her MBA in three years through distance learning. She knew that the option of taking so long would not have been available with an on-site programme. With distance learning, she could study at her own pace.

On the flip side, it requires strict self-discipline and time management on the student’s part to complete the programme. Because there are no lectures to attend and work is usually assignment-based, you need to be utterly dedicated to the programme, setting aside time every day or week to study, while still meeting work and other commitments.

What do you get out of it?

Why are so many people chasing the post-graduate dream? The benefits are obvious – knowledge and skills enhancement, more career options or a faster climb up the corporate ladder. All these reasons make post-graduate study a viable investment, and distance learning is one method well worth considering.