Distance education is an alternative way of studying that is suitable for some individuals for various reasons.
Many distance education programs target adults. At the UP Open University, for example, most of the programs are post baccalaureate degree programs. Many of the students have employment, family responsibilities, and social and professional obligations. They desire to upgrade their
qualifications in terms of skills and/or knowledge with the hope of improving their income-earning capabilities, either as an employee or as a self-employed individual. Their responsibilities, however, limit their opportunities for further studies in the traditional, classroom-based courses.
Some cannot attend regular classes because their work require traveling or because the hours are very irregular. Some have to take care of their children or an elderly or sickly relative. Some may be based in a place
where there are no nearby educational institutions that would meet their requirements. Some may not have the capacity to pay for the cost of frequent travel to a campus.
“Distance education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational
and administrative arrangements.”
Question/s:
Does UPOU provide its students with the opportunity to qualify and take board examinations, such as the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), so that learners will also have the opportunity to become licensed teachers?
