Distance learning
For many people in employment or with family commitments, distance study is the only option. The advantages of distance learning lie in its flexibility – students can study when it suits their schedule; work hard at one time and take a break at another time; busy workloads or illness need not affect study; and students can stretch out or compress their timeframe of learning.
On the other hand, there are some challenges unique to distance-based learning. Students must work largely on their own without the support of the physical presence of classmates and facilitators, however they are able to receive support through a large number of alternative channels. These include email, telephone and learning management systems such as Blackboard which provides an online, interactive method of communication between classmates and facilitators.
The Otago Polytechnic School of Veterinary Nursing is a leader in the provision of distance education.
Our student resources include:
- Practical block courses
- Materials and assignments provided via the internet, and/or CD ROM
- Audiotapes, videotapes and CD ROM material
- Internet tutorials
- Learning Management System – Blackboard
- Communication through 0800 telephone, fax, email and the internet (It is desirable that intending students have access to email and the internet as a minimum).
All of Otago Polytechnic’s veterinary nursing programmes are available via distance learning.