Distance Learning - Anyone done it, any top tips?

[Glassofwine]

I have just been accepted to start a course, the first part of which is distance learning apparently I need a computer with a dvd and broadband (have got). I just wondered if anyone had any top tips on how to motivate yourself and not prevaracate(sp). It's something I really want to do, but have never had to learn in this way before and am worried about how I keep the motivation up.

I've done several things by distance learning. I always try & set myself a finishing target & try & get things done ASAP rather than thinking - I'll do it later.
Keep all your course work together (get a file / box to keep all things in one place) so that you don;t waste time trying to find where you put stuff!!

I'm doing one at the moment. It was hard to get started but I now have the motivation that I have several activites planned before my exams, that I really really want to do so I know that if I don't do it know then I won't be able to do the other things.

The thing I find good is that unlike taught courses you can do it whenever you want & it gets to the point when you do feel that you want to do it rather than thinking oh not that again.

Good luck.

I did an OU course a few years ago, was hard work but found that setting aside a specific time and space to work helped. I think I used Tuesday evenings and Sundays for studying.

Also carry around your course texts and highlighter pens with you so if you have a spare 15 minutes you can do a bit of reading.

Have a large monthly calendar in your work area where you can note when assignments are due, when exams are, any tutorials etc. so they don't take you by surprise.

If it all gets too much ask for help from your college. I took a three month break after my first exam, before starting a large project and found it helped no end.

HTH

I was going to chime in with advice, but then realised I have a deadline at the end of the week and I should be writing, not on here!

Shouldn't be too much hassle if you've got good time management skills (unlike me).

tell yourself its your money you are throwing down the drain if you don't do it. Or in ym case bulid up a good head of guilt about the fact that DH was wokrign f/t and i was working p/t while i qualified so in a sense it was HIS money i was using cos i wouldn't have been able to afford the mortgage on my p/t wages.

think about how crap you will feel if you have to tell people you failed/dropped out

think about why you are doing the course and keep reminding yourself about the crappy job you are getting out of or the good job you will get into

(just got my BSc via the open university)

I make a timetable at the beginning of the week for all the time I have and I put in home stuff, coursework, gym time, children time, supermarket etc.

Also have heard good things about the OU good study guide

Keep in contact by email with other students, or see if there are any others to meet up with in your area. Keep reading in the car for the pick-up times when you waste time. I found my last course hard work as I am used to meeting real people. Good luck!