The advantages of distance education

With the need to education becoming increasingly more, universities have to find innovative ways on how to hold up the masses.

Although sometimes considered as second best, distance learning has become the answer to many a prayers and the solution to the mass universities are struggling with.

Not just a can you continue with your everyday working routine and tend to your family and other commitments, but you will be able to attend to a full time study course.

What is the value of distance learning, the answer to that is simple, it depends solely on you as the student.  The advantages of distance learning however allows for:

Flexibility

Probably being the biggest advantage of distance education is that depending on your diary and the responsibilities you have you can fit your study time to a time that best suits you. 

Saves time and money

These courses are most of the time a whole lot cheaper for the same quality material, you will also be saving on university accommodation as well as on commuting.

Convenient

Having the luxury of studying for your own home, you can sit in you PJ’s and do the required tasks.  It’s sometimes as easy as dropping your assignment off at the post office and or submitting it online.

Self and community empowerment

Changing you career and future prospects wherever you are not matter how rural the area.  Being from a rural area will allow you to educate those around you as well showing them that everything is possible.

24/7 access to study material and other students

Be included in university life through contact with other students through online learning environments, as well as through direct contact with your lecturers via the provided forums, through emails or by phone.

Although the over-dependence on technology, the lack of discipline or the fact that there is little to no direct contact with faculty could be a few disadvantages of distance learning, many studies have shown this to be a valuable and efficient way of education.   Just believe in yourself and make the best of the opportunities presented.

 

Year of The Artisan &Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Builder

Whether you want to assist in building a community or whether you enjoy working with your hands, this month we take a look at what it takes to become a builder. A builder is responsible for several different jobs surrounding buildings and construction and often assumes the position of contractor during a project. Being a builder has several benefits, although it often demands hard physical work. As a builder, you can be self-employed or you can work for a construction or development company.

As a builder, you are responsible for a variety of things which include:

·         Working with the architect to build according to specifications

·         Planning and buying the relevant building equipment and material

·         Managing several contactors (like tilers or electricians)

·         Understanding the relevant building laws and regulations

·         Managing a team of builders to ensure that the project is completed on time and according to plan

·         Understanding how to accurately and safely operate a variety of equipment associated with the building process.

If you…

·         enjoy working outdoors

·         are skilled and enjoy working with your hands

·         enjoy being accurate

·         have a fine eye for detail

·         have a steady hand

·         enjoy working with others

… then you could be a perfect candidate to become a builder!

Training is a very important part of building, mainly because there are important safety regulations to adhere to during the building process to ensure that buildings are safe for occupation and that they will not be affected by the elements (like wind and rain). If you want to be a builder, it is suggested that you get formal training. It is always an advantage to be able to supply a future employer with certificates and paperwork to prove that you are skilled for the job.

There are several colleges that teach building subjects – you can confirm with the Construction Engineering Training Authority (CETA) whether your college or course is certified. If a course is CETA accredited it means that they comply with the minimum industry standards. This is a good course to choose and you know that your training will be of good quality and your certificate valid.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance you need to realise your dream of becoming a builder. Keep in mind that we also offer loans for all your study equipment – so you do not have to worry about having to buy a level, hardhat or drafting table. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Introducing The New Eduloan Website – 5 Things You Can Do Efficiently

At Eduloan we do everything we can to help you to unlock your potential and pave your way to success. In addition to our educational finance solutions, great customer service and on campus assistance with our branches on many major campuses across the country we now introduce to you the brand new Eduloan website: www.eduloan.co.za.

Developed and enhanced to give you all the information you need on one easy to use platforms, we have made a list about how this useful tool can help you unlock your potential with a simple click of a button.

Apply For A Study Loan Online

You can now apply for a study loan by either downloading an application form in a preferred language of your choice, completing it and submitting it to us or you can complete the process completely online .

Apply For A Study Tool Loan

Whether you need a loan for textbooks, a laptop or tablet, musical instrument, a scientific calculator, a stethoscope or safety equipment, we can assist you with a loan to cover all your study tools and equipment while you study. You can apply for this online or by downloading an application form from our website.

Calculate Your Installments Using Our Repayment Calculator

Find out how much your loan will cost you by using our repayment calculator tool. Just complete all the fields and the system will automatically calculate your monthly instalments for you, including all related fees. You can adjust the monthly instalment by increasing or decreasing the number of months or your loan amount to accommodate your budget.

Access Your Account Information

Do you want to keep an eye on what’s happening on your account? We have an easy access portal that allows you to view your application status, manage your Eduloan account, view your account statement and update your personal details.

View Our Exclusive Laptop and Tablet Deals

At Eduloan, we offer great laptop and tablet deals! When choosing your laptop or tablet, you will be able to select from leading brands like HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell and a whole lot more. Because we know how important the software is, your laptop comes preloaded with a Microsoft operating system and Microsoft office program for maximum performance. Many of our offerings also come with a service warranty. So, in the unlikely event that something should go wrong, simply bring it into the nearest repair centre!

Visit our new Eduloan website today and find out how we can assist you in unlocking even more potential!

5 Reasons Work Experience Can Give You A Head Start

Whether you are in school or still busy with your full-time studies, work experience is a term that might cross your path at some stage. Many schools, colleges and universities encourage students to commit to work experience… but what is all the fuss about? It might be cutting into your holidays or keeping you from going on a trip with friends, but the truth is that work experience can be exactly what you need to give yourself a head start. This week, we look at 5 reasons why you should sign up for work experience:

Reason #1 - Getting direction

Not too sure what industry you would like to work in? Work experience can give you the opportunity to sample different occupations and different industries. By committing to different kinds of work experience opportunities, you can sample the different working environments, assessing which one you enjoy most and which environments unlocks most of your potential!

Reason #2 – Get in touch with the real world

So you’ve already decided which industry you want to work in and perhaps even what job you would like to have… but are you ready for the daily demands? Every job has its challenges, and work experience allows you to get a feel for the environment you will be working in. Whether you have to stand all day, work in an open plan office or whether you have to do all or most of that dreaded administration, there are a host of hidden daily activities that might not be include in your college or university curriculum. Take time to do a couple of days’ work to experience and get a feel for the day-to-day activities to make sure you know exactly what you are in for!

Reason #3 –Identify your key strengths

By working at a company, in your chosen field, you will quickly learn where you core strengths are. Perhaps you are really good with people, or your creative eye can help you add a little more value to your temporary job-description. By identifying you key strengths, you can focus on these to ensure that you position yourself so that you can perform to the best of your abilities!

Reason #4 – Getting a foot in the door

More often than not, who you know is almost as important and what you know. If you can prove to a company that you have the potential, they might keep you in mind when they look to hire juniors at the company. Get to know and understand your industry – it is as important as studying for that degree or diploma!

Reason #5 –You’ve got the power!

When an employer takes a look at your CV, they often look beyond your education and qualifications. Extramural activities, community service and work experience are small things you can list on your CV that will have a great effect. Work experience proves that you took initiative, that you are willing to put in the hours and that you have a better understanding of the working-environment. Make sure that the work experience is related to the industry that you are applying to!

These are just a couple of reasons we think you should pick up the phone or send that email to make contact with a company in your chosen industry. Tell us about your work experience? Comment below and let us hear your story.Whether you are in school or still busy with your full-time studies, work experience is a term that might cross your path at some stage. Many schools, colleges and universities encourage students to commit to work experience… but what is all the fuss about? It might be cutting into your holidays or keeping you from going on a trip with friends, but the truth is that work experience can be exactly what you need to give yourself a head start. This week, we look at 5 reasons why you should sign up for work experience:

Reason #1 - Getting direction

Not too sure what industry you would like to work in? Work experience can give you the opportunity to sample different occupations and different industries. By committing to different kinds of work experience opportunities, you can sample the different working environments, assessing which one you enjoy most and which environments unlocks most of your potential!

Reason #2 – Get in touch with the real world

So you’ve already decided which industry you want to work in and perhaps even what job you would like to have… but are you ready for the daily demands? Every job has its challenges, and work experience allows you to get a feel for the environment you will be working in. Whether you have to stand all day, work in an open plan office or whether you have to do all or most of that dreaded administration, there are a host of hidden daily activities that might not be include in your college or university curriculum. Take time to do a couple of days’ work to experience and get a feel for the day-to-day activities to make sure you know exactly what you are in for!

Reason #3 –Identify your key strengths

By working at a company, in your chosen field, you will quickly learn where you core strengths are. Perhaps you are really good with people, or your creative eye can help you add a little more value to your temporary job-description. By identifying you key strengths, you can focus on these to ensure that you position yourself so that you can perform to the best of your abilities!

Reason #4 – Getting a foot in the door

More often than not, who you know is almost as important and what you know. If you can prove to a company that you have the potential, they might keep you in mind when they look to hire juniors at the company. Get to know and understand your industry – it is as important as studying for that degree or diploma!

Reason #5 –You’ve got the power!

When an employer takes a look at your CV, they often look beyond your education and qualifications. Extramural activities, community service and work experience are small things you can list on your CV that will have a great effect. Work experience proves that you took initiative, that you are willing to put in the hours and that you have a better understanding of the working-environment. Make sure that the work experience is related to the industry that you are applying to!

These are just a couple of reasons we think you should pick up the phone or send that email to make contact with a company in your chosen industry. Tell us about your work experience? Comment below and let us hear your story. 

Four Careers That Touch Lives

There are a variety of careers that touch our lives daily. If you are also interested in furthering your studies and touching people’s lives, there are a variety of career options that you can consider. Here are four careers that might have touched your life as well as those lives around you.

Doctors and nurses touch one’s life from an early age. Whether you require chronic health care or whether you have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups, those who work in the medical profession care for you and your family on a regular basis.

Did you know: The stereotypes some people hold about being a nurse can come from what they know from history about Florence Nightingale, even though the profession has changed over the years.

There is no doubt the role of a teacher is a demanding and rewarding one. A teacher may teach young children who have just started school, or they may teach much older children in a specific subject. One of the largest tasks for a teacher is to ensure that every pupil develops an interest in what they are being taught. Teachers individually and collectively can not only change the world, but improve it, and in the process find personal and professional renewal.

Did you know: There is more than one path towards becoming a teacher and getting the degree you want? Some people choose to study for a BEd – a Bachelor of Education degree. You can also complete a bachelor degree in a specific subject lasting three to four years, and then follow it up with a post graduate course.

Social work strives to address social problems in the country from a social development and a social justice perspective. Social Workers work with people from all walks of life, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable. Social Workers work with individuals, groups, families and communities. If you’re looking for a career with meaning, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options, consider social work.  Social workers are people who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference.

Did you know: Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nonprofit agencies, and government offices.

There can be few more rewarding careers to consider than that of a police officer. While no two jobs are ever quite the same from day to day, this is definitely the case when it comes to being a police officer. A South African police officer has many different duties. The main duty is of course to ensure that law and order is upheld at all times. Crime prevention is just as important as locating criminals, solving crimes and upholding the law. All police officers must take an oath of office.

Did you know: A reservist is a member of the community that performs part time (at least sixteen (16) hours per month) policing functions or activities for the South African Police Service on a voluntary basis without being remunerated for such services?

You can contact your local college or university for more information on furthering your studies. The South African Police Service has more information on becoming a police officer. By deciding to further your studies in one of these fields are demanding, yet extremely rewarding. We would like to thank those who touch our lives and hope that they inspire more South Africans to walk in their shoes.

Eduloan recognises the need for access to more affordable financial assistance for public sector employees (like nurses, policemen etc). Eduloan enjoys a long-standing relationship with government, offering all government employees easier credit approval processes and automatic salary deductions. This special arrangement smooth’s the way ahead for your career path.

At Eduloan, we have several teachers, policemen and nurses as clients and respect the contribution that these people make to our society. If you are a government employee, you can talk to us about how we can unlock your potential.  We are also on hand to discuss how we can assist with education loans for your children and family members too.

Juggling part-time study deadlines and work stress? Here’s how to stay ahead of the game when studying part-time

If you’re fortunate enough to have a job and are receiving a monthly or weekly salary, it can become almost too easy to stop thinking about furthering your education. Living from month to month seems like the only option. However, at one point or another, thoughts of developing your career further will probably start to enter into your mind. 

One of the keys to career success is a good tertiary education, and chances are that if you don’t have a degree or diploma behind your name, your career path might just hit a brick wall and you may lose out on your chance to be promoted within your existing company to a better-qualified candidate, or you might be passed over at the application stage when applying for a job elsewhere due to not having the required qualifications.

One of the best ways to advance your career is to complete industry-specific certifications or go back to school to get a qualification. Unfortunately for many, the idea of going to university or completing a diploma while working a full-time job is daunting. Multiply the stress of a spouse, children, and all the other activities you’ve got going on, and studying for a certification seems like the furthest thing from an actual possibility.

Although difficult, it is quite possible to balance your family, job, and obligations while studying for a degree or diploma. The following are some handy tips to help you on your journey to get the qualifications you’re after and give your career a kick start.

1. Enlist the help of family and friends

If you are serious about doing some form of study then it’s vital to have support from those closest to you. Talk to your partner, family and friends before embarking on a new course and make sure they understand why this is so important. That way, they will understand that you may not always have quite as much time for them as you would like. 

2. Split up the reading

Split up your reading into weekly intervals, preferably as soon as you receive your study materials. Calculate how many days you have and how many pages you must read in order to finish the book. Then create a weekly reading schedule, do some calculations and write out how much reading you must do each day on a calendar. Each day when you’ve finished your reading, cross it off.

Reading an entire text book in a week can be done. However, in order to get a strong grasp of the material, slower and more consistent study can be of greater value. Breaking the reading down into small chunks will give you a sense of accomplishment every day and will help you avoid feelings of panic closer to a test.

3. Sneak it in

Try keeping some review materials on you at all times — even if it is something as simple as a note card with review concepts on it. There are tons of times throughout the day that you will have five to ten minute periods when you are free. These include waiting in a doctor’s office, catching a bus or train, waiting at line in the grocery store, etc. You might as well leverage these times to study. The more time you can “sneak” studying in, the less time you’ll have to devote to studying later in the night when you could be spending time with family or doing something more interesting.

4. Make one sacrifice per day

In order to complete your course you’re going to have to make some sacrifices. Skipping an hour of television per night could make it possible for you to complete your reading and still have some free time later to relax.

5. Create a planned cram

The day (or week) before your exam you’ll likely start to feel rising levels of stress. If you can manage it, take the day off work before your exam. Even if you feel totally confident with the material, having the day off will keep your stress levels down, clear your head, and give you the opportunity to brush up on some of the material that you may have been avoiding.

6. Talk to your employer

If you are advancing your education under your own initiative it’s worth letting your employer know about your plans and goals. Employers would rarely frown upon an employee improving their skills and by keeping them in the know you will receive greater understanding and support when you might need to take a day or two off for exams. 

7. Play to your strengths

People’s learning styles vary dramatically, so what works for someone else may not work for you. If you perform better in the morning, set aside an hour once or twice a week for studying. Students’ concentration spans also vary so keep this in mind to maximise learning either in bite sized chunks or longer periods. The key is to find what works for you and then plan your time accordingly. 

8. Create a study zone

If possible, it helps to have an area that is dedicated to studying, whether that means converting a spare room into a temporary study or tucking a desk into the corner of the living room. If you prefer to leave the house then you could try a quiet local coffee shop or your public library. Wherever it may be, creating this distinction between study time and the rest of your day will help to engage your brain and get you in the mood for learning. 

9. Find a study partner

Setting goals with fellow students can be a great way of overcoming hurdles and boosting your own motivation. Making new friends is often an added bonus to adult learning, and technological developments mean it is now possible for people on distance learning courses to develop such relationships via the internet. If you are considering home study then it’s worth checking if the course provider has a virtual student community, which can effectively replicate the social environment of more traditional educational establishments. 

Often the hardest thing about combining work with study is making the decision to do it in the first place. Once you get started you will probably find that it’s not as difficult as you’d imagined. Choosing a course that allows you to study via distance learning can also be helpful as you can work at your own pace without being tied down to specific timescales. Studying doesn’t have to take over your life: just a few hours each week can make all the difference.