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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Education
    3. What to learn, where to learn

    Distance learning

    Distance learning can give you the freedom and flexibility to learn when and where you want and at your own pace. You can study a wide range of subjects at any level. It can be ideal if the subject you're interested in isn't available nearby.

    The benefits of  distance learning

    Distance learning makes use of information and communications technology to provide innovative ways to learn. It covers learning remotely on courses such as home study or 'self-study' courses, which can include e-learning. It may appeal to you if you:

    • want to learn when and where you want, at your own pace
    • have commitments which make it harder for you to go to a regular course
    • have mobility or health problems that make travel or attendance difficult
    • live a long way from a training provider
    • work irregular hours or shifts
    • Learning and education

    How distance learning works

    A variety of media is used to help with learning and to provide communication between learners and tutors. These include:

    • traditional written materials, such as books and manuals
    • television and radio broadcasts
    • online information
    • online groups
    • video conferencing
    • email support
    • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

    MOOCs offer university-level courses without the need to complete an entire programme of studies, often at no cost. You can select courses form any institution offering them. There are no entry requirements. However, they don't always lead to formal qualifications.

    Your tutor can support you by phone, email, online or post. You might be able to talk to other learners by email or website discussion groups. This helps you learn from the rest of the group and comment on each other's work.

    To get a feel of what e-learning is like, try taking a free taster course online. If you don't have internet access at home, you can get free access at libraries. Staff will also be able to help you.

    The Open University

    The Open University’s distance learning model offers flexible study options that can be pursued from any location, supported by online resources, dedicated tutors, and study forums. Students can manage their learning around personal schedules and choose from part-time or full-time pathways toward recognised qualifications. Support services include guidance from tutors, assessments through coursework and exams, and networking opportunities. Financial assistance is available through tuition fee loans, allowing many students to start without upfront costs.

    • Open University
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    What to learn, where to learn

    • Carers and learning
    • Choosing where to learn
    • Distance learning
    • English, maths and IT
    • Learning for leisure
    • Learning in your community
    • Returning to learning
    • Training and learning for work

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    Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk 

    If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

    Carer's Allowance

    Call 0800 587 0912
    Email 
    dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

    Call 0800 587 2750 
    Email 
    customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk

    Disability Living Allowance

    Call 0800 587 0912 
    Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

    Employment and Support Allowance

    Call 0800 587 1377

    Jobseeker’s Allowance

    Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

    Personal Independence Payment

    Call 0800 587 0932

    If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

    For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service.

    For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service.

    For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit.

    If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section, then for queries about:

    • Restrictions or regulations — contact the Department of Health
    • Travel advice (including self-isolation) — contact the Department of Health
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the Department of Health or Public Health Agency

    If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

    For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

    Application and payment queries can be emailed to ema_ni@slc.co.uk

    For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency.

    For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk

    For queries about your GRONI account, email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk.

    For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email HSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk.

    For queries about:

    • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
      contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
       
    • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
      contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

    If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

    For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

     

    For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

    For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email dcu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

    For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

    If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

    If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads.

    For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service.

    For queries or advice about rates, email LPSCustomerTeam@lpsni.gov.uk

    For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact Smartpass - Translink.

    If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly.  We don't have access to information about you.

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