Why online distance learning?
Thousands of our students have asked that same question and found the answer: a way of learning that works for them. Online learning with RDI is about being part of a vibrant and supportive learning community that will help you achieve your goals. It is about high quality content that uses video and audio as well as text. It is about you receiving frequent feedback and regular support from highly qualified academic staff. It gives opportunities to network with people internationally as RDI students are drawn from over 100 countries across the globe. Online learning uses technology to allow you to access content in ways that fit in with your lifestyle. It is also quality assured by our own well proven processes and those of our university partners. And it represents great value.
How does the learning process work?
Through our dedicated ilearn platform you will have access to a whole range of support. This begins with an induction process that familiarises you with the techniques needed to learn effectively.
Following this you are given access to your first module. Once you have this you will find materials that can be used either online or downloaded, which is supported by access to an online library.
"Distance learning is actually more effective than being in a conventional learning setting."
US Department of Education (2010)
You will also have an academic tutor who will help you through the material and provide opportunities for online discussion. A forum is made available for discussion with the tutor and other students. If you have specific study problems we have support tutors to help. There is also assistance given by our dedicated programme co-ordinators who are there to help with any non-academic query. As with all programmes there is a need to complete assessments and we help you master a full range of methods to ensure you the best opportunity to progress.
The RDI learning experience provides you with the same opportunities that you would have in a bricks and mortar institution:
- - interaction with fellow students and academic staff
- - access to library resources
- - support to help overcome specific problems
- - effective administration
- - feedback on work
The difference is that this is all packaged in a way that meets your individual needs.
You decide where and when you want to study and the pace at which you will progress. Our awards are all validated and issued by respected UK public universities so you can be assured that they will be recognised worldwide. Learning through RDI provides you with an opportunity to manage your own learning to achieve a UK qualification equivalent to that studied through conventional attendance.
Online learning is an effective way of studying. Research from the US Department of Education (2010) suggests that it is actually more effective than being in a conventional learning setting. RDI has a vision to change your world through innovative learning. Our unique delivery model has helped to change the lives of thousands of our students and those around them and can help you change yours.
ilearn is ...
- Home to over 8,000 current students in 150 countries worldwide
- The only place for students offering materials, assessment, tutor access, study groups and interaction with other students
- Being able to access your materials 24/7 - fitting your studies around your life
- A positive mix of individuals, ideas and networks you can join
- Constantly updated and refined to ensure the best student experience possible
- One of the many reasons why students choose to study with RDI and succeed to graduation
- There to support you and ensure you are confident in your studies - with Student Support coordinators there to help you progress and enjoy your time as a student
- Where students are engaged by expert academic support who bring the subjects to life through online discussions, workshops and feedback
Inspirational, Interactive and International
The flexibility and powerful simplicity of ilearn is perfect for people with family commitments, careers or even first-time learners who have little experience of the online world. We offer a full ilearn induction to all students, building your confidence and ensuring you know how to utilise ilearn to your advantage. The built-in study manager offers you a consistent check on key deadlines and updates from your online tutors and events, so that you can plan your study time effectively.
A student’s point of view
ilearn offers students the best opportunity for success because it delivers and supports learning when it is needed. One of our many MBA students highlights how ilearn empowers her with online assessments:
"Speaking to a colleague also doing a Masters degree, I found it interesting the differences between our courses. She had to print, bind and post her essay 4 days before the deadline to make sure it was delivered. As satisfying as the feeling is when binding and posting your essay, I must admit the process where I am able to login (at any time) and just click the submit button is wonderful. Within seconds you feel the adrenalin leaving your body and you can sit down without worrying about the work getting lost in the post.
And what if I need to make a change? No problem, make the change to the document. Save it and upload it again. Done. So I sit here very smugly having finished my last two assignments, they are both sitting in the world wide web somewhere, while my friend is waiting for news of her assignment’s arrival after an excitable journey through machinery, vehicles and delivery by the men in red."
