h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Does anyone have any experience of any distance learning courses in the UK? Specifically (but not exclusively) Computeach.

I'm thinking of taking up an IT course with Computeach; I'm only making initial enquiries so far so I don't know what it costs or how long it will take as yet. Can anyone tell me if they have done this and if so how successful was it, how hard/easy was it and do potential employers recognise the qualifications gained?

Are there any courses you would particularly recommend or warn me about?

Anything else I might need to know or want to consider?

F

Anyone?

F

I can't help with Computeach I'm afraid...

*bump*

If they are distance courses, why do they have to be based in the UK, Fathom? I just Googled 'online webmaster course' and got a whole whack of stuff. I'm waiting for a friend of mine in Canada to give me an opinion on good courses, so will let you know when he writes me back.


az

I did a Distance Learning Course with Computeach some years ago. It was the worst thing I ever did, a complete waste of time and money.

They tried to tell me I was a qualified COBOL programmer after doing one introductory lesson. The course started by teaching me the intricacies of magnetic core memory, punch cards and paper tape readers - and this was in 1987.

They may well have got their act together by now, but I would be very careful. Find out exactly what you are getting for your money and keep any written statements as to what will be provided. Before you sign anything, read it very, very carefully.

Most of the qualifications offered by Computeach can be obtained elswhere, so shop around and see what else is on offer.

Donald

Thanks az and Donald. This is exactly why I asked the question. Computeach's advertising is very slick, as is the stuff they sent in response to my initial enquiry, but you can't take everything at face value. Anybody can set up a good PR job but it doesn't mean they can provide a worthwhile course.



F

Lots of colleges (including the one I work for) do distance or on-line learning courses. The portfolios tend to be pretty limited, but a college distance learning course might be a better bet for you than one through a private company.

Distance learning doesn't suite everyone - I did an accountancy qualification on a distance learning basis a few years ago and I found it very difficult - there just wasn't enough support. I managed to pass the first year but lost interest and dropped out during the second year.

The advantage of distance learning is that I can work in my own time and from wherever I am at the moment. I am hoping to combine my studies with a fair bit of travelling during the next year. I would also want to find a job after that period and continue with the course.

I take the point, az, that the course needn't be based in the UK but as I intend to work in the UK I would want to gain a qualification that is recognised here. Highly reputable course qualifications such as the Open University are generally recognised everywhere and I assume there are similar courses available from many other countries. It's just a matter of identifying those that are reputable. Clearly I need to do a fair bit of research yet.

F

I heard back from my friend David, who is a 'webmaster' and does a lot of webpage design work. He says he learned his webstuff on his own and that there are a ton of resources on the web for learning. He suggested learning stuff in this order:

HTML
Javascript

Learn these two (for coding). Then you will need to develop your graphic skills by probably using photoshop.

Afterward, you can purchase software to help you with harder coding but for the most part, you can build stuff on your own without it. Also, you will be able to customize and debug problems far more efficiently if you know how to code.

Try http://www.webmonkey.com for tutorials etc. There will be other links on their site if you need additional tutorials.

Noggin has been checking out the Webmonkey site and says it looks like a useful starting off point.

Hope this helps.


az

F you seem to be combining Computer Based Learning or On Line and Distance Learning. Distance Learning will usually have some contact time. I've just completed the modular part of an MSc and we found the contact time essential. We also looked at similar Masters IT on line and some being offered were expensive and possibly a bit dodgy.

The trend now is for Universities to join forces with a marketing / admin company. They are probably just two years old so it will be interesting to see what experiences develop. Sheffield Hallam and Liverpool spring to mind.

What is needed is very strong admin support to compensate for the fact that you are physically away from the institute. That is where the OU is excellent. Before I started my Masters some colleagues advised doing with OU because of their track record. They have the largest Undergrad in the country.

Make sure you check out any Web based offerings before you spend any money. Good luck, it ain't easy studying without deadlines....

Whoops apologies to the large OU student. Meant to say the largest Undergrad numbers...

az

Thanks guys, your support is very much appreciated.

Noggin, if you decide to do that and want to form a mutual support club maybe we could help each other.

I remember reading somewhere that 'the OU has the largest student body' and wondered if they were dissecting it.

F