Distance learning is offered by many institutions throughout South Africa. Each institution will specialise in a different field of study or offer different courses. Below is a list of institutions where you can study via distance learning:
The Learning Group
- Ember Academy
- Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning
- Skills Academy
- Matric College
The Learning Group
The Learning Group is a distance learning institution that focuses on providing students with Creative Courses, these courses range from Beauty Therapy Courses to Wedding Planning Courses.
Many of the courses that are provided by The Learning Group have been altered to take advantage of the internet.
Courses Offered by The Learning Group are:
Beauty Therapy Courses |
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Digital Photography Courses |
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ICB Courses |
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Interior Decorating and Design Courses |
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Wedding Planning Courses |
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Writing Courses |
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The Learning Group has made it their goal to provide adult distance learning courses that will help their students improve their life.
What Is The Difference Between Interior Designing And Interior Decorating?
An interior designer will design spaces to the customer’s preference, specifications, and lifestyle. This requires the designer to be familiar with building principles and construction techniques.
An interior decorator is on the opposite side of the spectrum. The job of an interior decorator is to stay with the trends, they are to design spaces that are recent and what is considered fashionable. This requires the decorator to know where to source good materials and high quality finishes.
How Can I Apply To The Learning Group?
Option 1: | Visit their registration page and register online. |
Option 2: | Dial their number and connect with one of their professional Student Career Advisors. No: 0800 3900 27 |
Option 3: | Visit their register now page and fill out the form on the left. A professional Career Advisor will call you back. |
Ember Academy
Ember Academy is a college that provides a wide variety of accredited courses for students to study from their home. Ember Academy will help you choose the right courses according to your interests.
Ember Academy uses tutoring techniques that are proven to help students learn easier.
Below is a list of courses they offer:
Accounting And Bookkeeping Courses |
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Beauty Therapy Courses |
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Business Management Courses |
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Design And Photography Courses |
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Educare And Child Daycare Courses |
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Human Resource Management Courses |
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Marketing Courses |
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Occupational Health And Safety (OHS) Courses |
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Office Administration Courses |
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Project Management Courses |
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Supply Chain Management Courses |
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Tourism And Guest House Management Courses |
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Wedding Planning And Events Management |
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Ember Academy offers accredited courses to students, these courses will assist you in gaining skills that will make you a globally desired employee.
How Can I Apply To Ember Academy?
If you would like to sign up at Ember Academy, you can complete this form and wait until a professional contacts you.
If you do not want to wait, you can always give them a call.
Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers a wide range of fully accredited courses that you can study after Matric, they even provide courses you can complete without Matric.
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning is a private college that offers professional and high impact courses that are carefully designed for flexibility. This means that when you study at Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you will be able to study and work at the same time, at your own pace.
The courses offered by Bellview Institute of Distance Learning are:
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Bellview Institute of Distance Learning will help you decide what to study, even if you have not completed your Matric yet or do not plan to complete your Matric.
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning also offers Matric Courses that will help you get your Matric.
Who Is Bellview Accredited By?
Accredited learning institutes are institutes that offer recognised qualifications. This means that there is a much higher chance of you getting a job or even a promotion.
Bellview is accredited by the:
- Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO)
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA)
How Can I Apply To Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning?
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning will guide you through the registration process. They will help you find a course that interests you, get in touch with you, send you books and study material, and set you up for success.
To apply to Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you can fill in this application form OR speak directly to a course specialist if you are unsure.
Skills Academy
Skills Academy strives to provide only the best quality education to South African students.
Over the last few years, Skills Academy has built up their reputation by offering student courses that are easily accessible, and specially designed. Skills Academy also has a bunch of talented, skilled, professional tutors to help you across your journey.
By studying with Skills Academy, you will get free access to study groups, which will make completing one of these courses even easier:
Accounting, Bookkeeping And Finance Courses |
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Beauty Courses |
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CIMA Courses |
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Computer Courses |
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Design And Photography Courses |
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Educare And Childcare Courses |
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Forensics And Policing Courses |
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Human Resources Management Courses |
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ICB Courses |
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Insurance Courses |
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Management Courses |
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Marketing Courses |
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Matric Courses |
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NATED Courses |
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Office Administration Courses |
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Occupational Health And Safety Courses (OHS) |
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Project Management Courses |
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Tourism Courses |
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Wedding and Event Planning |
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Who Is Skills Academy Accredited By?
Skills Academy offers a range of accredited courses, professional institute courses, short courses, and provider programmes. Skills Academy is accredited by:
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA)
- Saiosh (South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)
How Can I Apply To Skills Academy?
If you have any questions or want to register to study with Skills Academy, you can call this number below:
- No. For Local Students (South Africa) –
0800 39 00 27
- No. For International Students –
+27 21 838 8250
Skills Academy hours are as follows:
Monday – Thursday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Friday | 08:00 – 16:00 |
Saturday – Sunday | CLOSED |
Matric College
Matric College is a tertiary education institution that specialises in providing students with a second chance to get their Matric Certificate. They also give students the opportunity to upgrade their Matric Certificate.
Besides Matric Courses, Matric Colleges also offer short courses, and accredited courses.
With Matric College, you will get quality education from the comfort of your home. If you are ever unsure about something, they have professional staff on hand that are easy to contact.
Courses that are offered by Matric College are:
Adult Matric Course |
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Matric Equivalent Courses |
(Requires you to first complete National Certificate: ICB Bookkeeping)
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Study Without Matric Courses |
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ICB Courses |
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Accredited Courses |
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Matric College believes in giving everyone an opportunity to further their studies and achieve their dreams, no matter of past qualifications.
Who Is Matric College Accredited By?
Matric College does their best to make sure that all their students are comfortable with their accreditation.
Matric College’s accreditation includes:
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Umalusi
How Can I Apply To Matric College?
Matric College offers Adult Matric. If you want to apply to Matric College to get your Matric, you can fill in this form. A friendly Course Expert will get back to you.
If you are interested in one of the many other courses that Matric College offers, you can contact them using one of these methods:
- Landline:
012 762 7100
- WhatsApp:
072 799 4195 OR open a WhatsApp chat
- Consult A Course Expert:
All Matric College’s students are important to them. If you want to contact a course expert to help you, here is a link to all the course experts’ personal information.
Matric Colleges hours are as follows:
Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 08:00 – 12:00 |
Sunday | CLOSED |
After the CoronaVirus forced schools to close their gates to students, learners were forced to find a new way to continue their schooling. For this reason, over 400 million enrolled into a distance learning institute. This put distance learning into the spotlight.
Distance learning institutions offer courses online, this removes the need for face-to-face contact, making it a safer option than traditional learning.
Not only that, but distance learning came with a bunch of other benefits that people were not aware of before. Such as the absence of travelling costs.
What Is Distance Learning?
Distance learning makes your home your classroom. Distance learning eliminates classrooms by giving you all your classes online.
It’s rise to popularity was mainly caused by the global pandemic; CoronaVirus. At the time, distance learning was a safer alternative than contact learning. However, its popularity never died because of how convenient it is.
According to a study, many students prefer distance learning over contact learning. This is understandable because your home will naturally be a less stressful environment than a school/ college.
There are many types of distance learning, choosing the right one for you is important.
What Are The Different Types Of Distance Learning?
- Synchronous Distance Learning
- Asynchronous Distance Learning
Synchronous Distance Learning
The word “synchronous” means at the same time. Because everything is done at the same time, synchronous distance learning has strict deadlines. This type of learning will involve communication that is done live.
The communication is often done through chatting online, telecommuting, or sitting in a virtual classroom.
Synchronous Distance learning is considered one of the best distance learning methods, this is due to the fact that it is more engaging than other types of distance learning programmes.
Asynchronous Distance Learning
This type of distance learning is less strict with deadlines than synchronous distance learning. “Asynchronous” means not at the same time, so the schedules of the students and the lecturers often do not meet up.
Communication for this type of learning is done through text or bulletin boards. Asynchronous Distance learning also gives learners more freedom and flexibility.
This one factor has made asynchronous learning very popular among students.
Differences Between Synchronous And Asynchronous Distance Learning?
Synchronous Distance Learning | Asynchronous Distance Learning |
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What Are The Benefits Of Distance Learning?
Distance learning has become the learning preference for many students, and you may be asking yourself why.
Distance learning provides students with flexibility. Because distance learning can be done anywhere at any time, learners who have other responsibilities like paying bills and working can do both.
Below are 4 reasons why distance learning has become so popular among students:
- No Commute Needed
- Learning At Your Own Pace
- Some Prefer The Home Environment
- It Teaches You Time Management Skills
No Commute/ Accommodation Fees Needed
When you study via distance learning, everything is done online, so there is no need to travel. This is a great advantage considering gas prices. This also eliminates the worry of being late for classes.
Another advantage is the accommodation fees. Many tertiary education institution’s accommodation fees are a bit pricey. By studying through distance learning, accommodation fees are a thing of the past.
Learning At Your Own Pace
Whether you are a night owl or a morning person, distance learning can be done at whatever time of day suits your schedule.
This lets students who take a bit longer to learn, study at a pace that suit them, giving all learners an equal opportunity to pass.
Some Prefer The Home Environment
Sometimes the buzz of people and the college environment can make it hard to stay concentrated. Studying at home will take away the stress and distractions that come with a public space.
It Teaches You Time Management Skills
Distance learning leaves you to your own devices, this means that you have to manage all your time effectively and by yourself. This will become a valuable skill in the workplace.
How Does Distance Learning Affect Students?
Distance learning will affect each student differently. Some students will love the isolation, while others might hate it completely.
There is ongoing research regarding the impact of distance learning on students.
Some factors that will contribute to how a student feels about distance learning would be:
- Internet Connection
Your internet connection will greatly impact your view on distance learning. Having a good internet connection can be seen as an unfair advantage, but this purely depends on what kind of distance learning you are doing. Most distance learning colleges lean away from synchronous learning for this reason.
- Mental Stability Of The Student
If a student suffers from depression, there is a high possibility that leaving them isolated without any physical contact would only worsen their condition. However, students with anxiety will probably perform better, because of the lack of pressure.
This subject is a very subjective argument.
- Issues Of Engagement
Some learners need a teacher’s guidance most of the time. If this is the case with you, the recommendation is that you either get a personal tutor or reconsider distance learning.
How Is Distance Learning Different From Traditional Learning?
The main difference between “distance” learning and “contact” learning is the distance the student and the teacher/ lecturer are apart.
Distance learning is done in a virtual classroom, this means that everything is done online. Contact learning is done in the classroom, meaning that there is much more engagement between teacher and student.
Some other differences are:
- Time Taken To Finish The Programmes
- Technology Involved
- Cost
- Location Restriction
Time Taken To Finish The Programme
Unlike traditional learning where there is a set time to complete tasks and assignments, distance learning lets you finish tasks at your own pace.
Technology Involved
Distance learning is technology based.
Distance learning requires you to always check your emails. On rare occasions, you might need a headset/ webcam.
Cost
Contact learning will have you paying expenses like, travelling, accommodation, and lunch. Distance learning removes the need to pay for those things since you will be studying from your home.
Distance learning will, however, require you to pay for your study material. Even with this factor, distance learning still costs less than on-campus courses.
Location Restriction
All classes are done online via distance learning, this removes the need for a student to go to a certain location.
Should I Do Distance Learning?
It depends on what you want.
Distance learning has become the go-to learning alternative for many students, due to how convenient and cheap it is. Distance learning will be perfect for you if you prefer to make your own schedule, work in comfort and enjoy studying alone.
Below are 4 more perks of studying through distance learning:
- Study From Anywhere
Distance learning is done through the internet, this means that you will be able to study from anywhere at any time as long as you have a reliable internet connection. This reason alone has made distance learning grow in popularity.
Studying through distance learning will offer you the flexibility to study during the day or throughout the night. Whatever suits you best.
- Study At Your Pace
If you have trouble with deadlines or the fast-paced environment of traditional learning, distance learning will take away most of that pressure.
This creates equal opportunity. All learners, no matter how slow or fast they learn, will all be given the chance to complete their studies and achieve their dreams.
- Study And Work At The Same Time
Most people have responsibilities like paying bills, and this makes very little room for free time. If this is the case, then distance learning will be perfect for you.
As mentioned in the first point, distance learning offers you flexibility. Meaning that you will be able to work and study in your free time.
- Affordability
Travelling and accommodation fees getting you down?With distance learning, those fees are eliminated.
The cost of living has gone up and become expensive, distance learning will help you save a few thousand rands a month that could be put to better use. You do not need to study at a certain location, since learning is done virtually.
If you really want to study via distance learning, below are a list of institutions where you can do just that:
- The Décor School (In conjunction with The Learning Group)
- The Learning Group
- Ember Academy
- Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning
- Skills Academy
- Contact details (For Local Students) : 0800 39 00 27
- Contact details For International Students: +27 21 838 825
- Matric College
- Contact one of their Course Experts
What Have We Learned?
There are various distance learning institutes like The Décor School, The Learning Group, Ember Academy, Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, Skills Academy, Matric College. Together, these institutes offer a range of courses you can choose from.
There are 2 main difference types of distance learning:
- Synchronous Learning
- Asynchronous Learning
Distance learning comes with many benefits. You will be able to study at your own pace, it is affordable, and it allows you to study from anywhere.
Author: Tyla Groenewald
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 12, 2022