MY DEGREE: BOTH PART-TIME AND DISTANCE-LEARNING Jennifer Ratcliffe

I’m navigating my boat, searching for an internet signal, jotting down notes and intermittently chatting with my course-mates online. We’ve met just once, at an introductory writing retreat, but somehow I know who’s most likely to crack a joke or dislike custard. I’m in Staffordshire on my narrowboat where I live, later on, after the fire is stoked, I will log on to my lecture.

This is all possible due to studying online and part-time. I can be adventurous and not worry about getting to a physical classroom. My course, MA Nature & Travel Writing, is designed to facilitate this type of learning and in turn, the way I live inspires the work I do on the course.

Distance Learning Vs On Campus

Experience: I don’t know Bath as well and sports clubs are a no, but some societies still stretch a hand to online campus users. I also found my role as student rep easier, already adept at online meetings through my lectures. I can’t grab a coffee with my classmates, but the distance has encouraged communication, we have a real community vibe that I thrive on.

Learning: Thanks to the internet, inter-library loan schemes and a great online learning services, things work. I can’t nag my lecturer at the end of a session but I find myself confident with independent research.

Living: Unconventional is my style and learning in this hybrid manner enables me to embrace this. I can pack up my four walls and learn from anywhere without hesitation.

PART-TIME VS FULL TIME

Experience: Communication is harder with a full-time course. You have to remember everyone is working a half week. Yet without my half-week, I wouldn’t be seeking as many experiences elsewhere. Such as starting our own Substack blog for the course or entering the Porthleven Prize of which I’m a 2023 finalist.

Learning: More time to gain insight. Some like to consume their subject all in one but I’ve always been a slow burner. Giving myself the time that suits my learning style makes me feel empowered and at ease.

Living: My routine hasn’t altered as much as before. My life has still has new possibilities, but I more downtime than I would if studying fulltime.

IS THIS TYPE OF LEARNING FOR EVERYONE?

Part-Time: I wanted to fully embrace my subject. For this I needed to maximise the time spent whilst having the flexibility to take on other projects. Consider both your learning style and other living needs.

Online: Don’t compare online learning with pandemic learning. This isn’t the pandemic, you are free to roam as you like; this is flexible learning. Decide if the medium suits you and your course instead. As a nomadic boater studying travel and nature, being able to log on from anywhere was the ideal choice for me.