A Brief History of Home Study

The Open University in London (Wikipedia)

by Rajni Nayak

A revolutionary advert appeared in the Boston Gazette in 1728.

It was for a correspondence course that taught a new method of shorthand.

This was the first of many steps in the development of what have become known as home study courses.

In 1858 the University of London opened up its educational doors for students of all ages to study outside its campus via an external programme.

More and more institutions followed suit and early on in the 20th century home study courses became ever more popular.

But it was the birth in the UK of the Open University in 1969 that gave full credence to such methods of learning. This significant step in the history of home study courses cannot be underestimated. Now the OU as it has become known operates throughout the world offering a vast choice of both subjects to study, the level of qualification you can attain.

This has been followed by an ever increasing number of red brick universities, colleges and specialist providers of home study courses. Qualifications via home study are considered just as acceptable as those obtained by attending lectures or classes in a school, college of further education or university.

What are the Advantages of Home Study? Cost and convenience feature highly on the benefits of studying at home.

1. Cost

a. A home based course is often much cheaper to buy than the equivalent course at a college because the overheads of the supplier are far lower than those of a college. There is no need for large buildings with classrooms to light and heat. Tutors replace teachers and respond to student's queries and assignment assessment rather than being involved in the actual teaching process.

b. Obviously the student incurs no travel costs and does not need to hire a child minder whilst studying.

c. Materials are also much cheaper as many courses include tuition by TV or internet and any research that the home study courses need doing can be done via the internet.

2. Convenience

a. Just compare a journey to a from a college on a set day or time every week to the ease of home study courses which can be completed in the comfort of your own home at a time that fits round your lifestyle.

b. Most colleges have a fixed enrollment date (usually in September) but you can start distance learning at any time of the year.

c. If you have a family to look after or are employed even studying part time at a college or university is extremely difficult. But studying a similar course at home can be done whilst you still look after your other commitments. You really can "earn while you learn" with home study courses.

How to Choose your Course

Care needs to be taken in choosing from the vast array of home study courses available from a variety of suppliers. But just follow the steps below for a safe, enjoyable and successful learning experience.

1. Decide what subject you want to study at what level using the internet for your research.
2. Choose at least three suppliers that offer the course that fits your requirement.
3. Carefully compare the courses, costs and support offered by each supplier.
4. Look on their Facebook sites and read their blogs.
5. Ring them up and get a feel for the support you will get.
6. Compare your findings and choose the course and supplier you feel most happy with.
7. Do not base your choice on cost alone; assess all the factors before choosing.

Home learning courses have become a most advantageous way to expand educational access while improving the quality of training. Get connected with Home Study Zone that brings list of distance courses from home in UK at the international level.

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