Distance Learning
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is not a new concept. Correspondence between students and tutors has taken place for hundreds of years although it was only in the 19th century that a formal approach to distance learning was developed. The first formal correspondence course as we would understand it today was offered by Pitman to teach a form of shorthand.
The School of Architecture and Construction (and its predecessor, the School of Land and Construction Management) in the University of Greenwich has delivered a number of programmes by distance learning since the early 1990's. The programmes are delivered by means of printed Study Guides (the main source of academic material), Course Guides and supporting textbooks for each course. Many courses also have an on-line presence.
The programmes are delivered through regional centres including Hong Kong, China, Trinidad and the UK. Each centre offers two study schools each year when staff from the University introduce courses and programmes, discuss teaching and learning strategies and deliver key lectures.
The centres also provide students with a range of facilities including library and IT. All students have full access to the University's resources including the electronic journal collection, on-line textbooks and OSCARS - Off-Campus Services and Remote Support. OSCARS has been developed by the University to improve support for students studying off-campus, including distance learners.
