Distance learning

There are many options available via distance learning that can enhance practice, fuel interests and support you through your career path. These range from simply trawling the internet to find sites, articles and papers that advise and inspire outstanding leadership, through to recognised qualifications such as MAs, which have distance learning options and are accredited by a number of leading universities.

There are numerous examples of free online content and inspirational ideas. Some can be accessed for example on Ted Talks:

www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all?gclid=CP7JkOyFr8sCFVYo0wodIV8OPw

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

MOOCs offer university-level courses without the need to complete an entire programme of studies, and are becoming increasingly popular.

MOOCs offer a large number of students the opportunity to study high-quality courses online with prestigious universities
They are often offered at no cost, though some do require fees
They are ideal for independent study and topping up skills
Users can select courses from any institution that offers them
MOOCs do not always lead to formal qualifications
There are no entry requirements, but some computer literacy is required
Short and video-based, MOOCs offer interaction either through peer review and group collaboration, or automated feedback through objective, online assessments (including quizzes and exams)

MOOCs in the UK

In 2012 the Open University launched FutureLearn, partnering with more than 20 UK and international universities and other institutions such as the British Council, the British Library and the British Museum.

Online learning leading to accreditation

It is possible to study education and leadership-based programmes of study – at undergraduate, postgraduate and professional levels – through distance learning. Universities and colleges ensure that their distance learning programmes and qualifications are of the same high quality as campus-based programmes.

There are many advantages to distance learning:

It allows you to fit your learning around your work and home life, giving you more control over your work-life balance
You decide when and where you study, and set your own pace of study
It doesn't matter where you live – you can find and study a course that is most suitable to you and your goals
A distance learning course often costs less than a campus-based course

The downside is that you may miss out on face-to-face interaction with other students, but this can be overcome effectively with the use of forums and online hubs.

Masters-level qualifications in educational leadership

The following list is certainly not exhaustive, but it gives a flavour of what is readily available in terms of distance learning opportunities. All of the below are Masters-level qualifications:

University of London:

www.londoninternational.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/institute-education/applied-educational-leadership-management-ma-postgraduate-diploma-postgraduate-certific

University of Nottingham:

www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/education/educational-leadership-and-management-(by-distance-learning)-ma.aspx

University of Leicester:

https://le.ac.uk/courses/educational-leadership-msc-dl?uol_r=cb371b93

University of Buckingham:

www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/med/educationalleadership

The Open University is clearly the main distance learning institution, and as such has the widest range of options and modules that carry credits that are often recognised by other institutions. If you do not have the time to study a full Masters degree, a good starting point is to consider a module from the Open University’s vast range of options. The link below is a good place to start looking:

www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f70

Many modules from universities also count towards accredited prior learning for NPQH.

The HertsCam Med in Leading Teaching and Learning

HertsCam provides a range of opportunities for professional learning. The current application round is now open to expressions of interest and applications for the MEd starting on 16th September 2016. This masters degree programme supports teachers and other education professionals in their leadership of development work in schools in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The 2017 round opens on 16th September 2016. For more information visit www.hertscam.org.uk

Distance learning