Remote from What? Perspectives of Distance Learning Students in Remote Rural Areas of Scotland

dc.creator	Ronald Macintyre
dc.creator	Janet Macdonald
dc.date	2011-05-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-07-20T22:12:06Z
dc.date.available	2015-07-20T22:12:06Z
dc.identifier	1492-3831
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/dca1f66f24cb494fa0941f7337a621cc
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/14977
dc.description	Distance learning is seen as the obvious answer for remote learners, and the use of online media is expected to overcome any access difficulties imposed by geographical distance. However, this belief may be obscuring our understanding of the role that location and individual circumstances have in shaping student experience. This paper explores the variation in experiences of remote rural students who study with the Open University (UK). The researchers found that perceptions of remoteness depended on geography, but were also relative to individual circumstances. With respect to students’ sense of connection with university staff and peers, most mentioned their contact with their personal tutor. Networks with peers were less common, a matter of concern if peer networks are integral to fostering improved retention and progression. In this particular context, distance education may be playing an important and distinctive role for remote students by providing opportunities for connections with like-minded people.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	Athabasca University
dc.relation	http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/847/1797
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/1492-3831
dc.rights	CC BY
dc.source	International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Vol 12, Iss 4 (2011)
dc.subject	Distance learning
dc.subject	remote students
dc.subject	learning communities
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Special aspects of education
dc.subject	LC8-6691
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	Remote from What? Perspectives of Distance Learning Students in Remote Rural Areas of Scotland
dc.type	article