Distance learning versus traditional lectures

I am presently studying a BCompt through UNISA (Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting and Auditing). Next year I want to do my honours BCompt.

I live in South Africa and am not earning a great salary. Because of the Rands weakness to currencies such as the pound and the dollar I feel that I am restricted to South African universities.

If I do the honours through distance learning I thought of using either UNISA (R8400) or Durban-Westville (R10800). These approximate prices don't include text books.

I have another option in that I could study through Fort Hare University (which is situated close to my home). This is not a distance learning university and I would have to attend lectures in the evenings. This costs approximately R14000 excluding text books.

I am doing articles with a local company with the intention of becoming a Chartered Accountant.

My problem is that the company I work for are expecting me to work more and more overtime - leaving me with less time to study. The people who have fixed lectures are excused from working overtime so that they can attend lectures. Big bonus!!!

My question is - should I move away from Distance Learning (which is so much more convenient and cheaper) and attend lectures at For Hare next year. I think that my chances of passing the honours would be better if I had more time to devote to my studies.

What do you think I should do.

I think that I have answered my own question, but what the heck - what do you guys think.

 

My problem is that the company I work for are expecting me to work more and more overtime - leaving me with less time to study. The people who have fixed lectures are excused from working overtime so that they can attend lectures. Big bonus!!!

My question is - should I move away from Distance Learning (which is so much more convenient and cheaper) and attend lectures at For Hare next year. I think that my chances of passing the honours would be better if I had more time to devote to my studies.

What do you think I should do.

I think that I have answered my own question, but what the heck - what do you guys think. [/B][/QUOTE]

Yes, I believe you have answered your own question. Unfortunately, many work places are not really favorable towards obtaining higher education, especially if they are non union.

Anyway, I have learned an employee must look out for himself, most companies in present day merely look at the bottom line, money! Look out for yourself, in order to do this you must prepare yourself!

Take care,

Abner

 

Dear Kye,

Hi there, may I please guide you in the correct direction. Obtain your degree from Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton or other respected USA universities, as UNISA does not carry much weight Sorry to speak the truth.

Sincerely,
Stae.

 

Kye,

There are many professors in the US university system that have their degrees from UNISA.

Your queastion is really one of personal prefrence. If money is the more imprtant issue, you may want to lean towards DL. If you want to have a face to face experience and not have to work the overtime, try the Fort Hare option. It really is a decition based on opportunity costs. Good luck.

 

Obviously, this is absurd. Not only are those U.S. schools beyond your grasp, the very premise is suspect. UNISA is well-respected around the world. Of course, you would be a better judge of that, living in South Africa.

(By the way, the last time I checked, neither Cambridge nor Oxford were "respected USA universities. )

 

I have done a lot of distance learning in my lifetime--but have to tell you of my experience with lectures.

After a year or so with Capella University, I moved to Atlanta. Shortly thereafter, I heard that Nova Southeastern was opening a DBA cluster in Atlanta. At last, I had an opportunity to do something a little more traditional--as Nova's classess involve weekend lectures/classes.

The result? One of my classes was superb--excellent professor. Another was just ok. The 3rd course was just awful--a superbly credentialed professor who could not teach his way out of a paper bag--the class was a total waste of time.

Needless to say, I went back to Capella, found the experience much more to my liking-and went on to get my PhD.

Bottom line: I find distance learning to be much more efficient than listening to lectures.

As Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what yer gonna get.." Same is true with lecturers--some are great, many are just OK, others are a waste of time.