Online Course Types

OverlyAnxious
OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
edited September 2021 in Education and skills
I've been looking at doing an online course recently, mainly to give some structure to my days and something to work towards for a sense of achievement.

I was tempted by an A level but the exam would be pretty much impossible for me as I couldn't get to the exam centre.  (Considered reasonable adjustments but there isn't enough flexibility for me even then.)

So I'm wondering if there are other types of course with online exams?  Something recognisable and higher than GSCE level would be ideal.

(Obviously needs to be something that won't affect my old style ESA either!)

Comments

  • MarkM88
    MarkM88 Online Community Member Posts: 3,119 Connected
    How about a BTEC Level 4? They seem to be assignment based. 
  • Ross_Alumni
    Ross_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,611 Championing
    Do you have any idea of the sort of subject you would look to study @OverlyAnxious? 
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    Ross_Scope said:
    Do you have any idea of the sort of subject you would look to study @OverlyAnxious? 
    I was interested in Physics for an A level, but don't think it'll be possible in other assessment types.  So trying to look at it from the other angle and work out the type of exams I could do from home at flexible times and then see which subjects would be possible from there.


  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 200 Contributor
    Open university courses are all done at a distance.
    Degrees are much easier than A levels.
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    Thanks but I've just had a look at the fees on the OU and that's definitely out!  :o 

    I've seen quite a few people saying degrees are easier than A levels.  Why is that out of interest?
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    edited September 2021
    woodbine said:
    Udemy do a range of paid for and some free online courses 

    https://www.udemy.com/courses/free/
    I did a photography course through a similar site a couple of years ago which was good.  I'm looking for something more formal(?) this time though, lasting a year or two for some long term structure.  :)
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Hi @OverlyAnxious, 

    If you were initially interested in Physics A level, I am wondering if you have heard of Access to Higher Education (Science) or any other level 3 Science programmes? These would be the equivalent of A level but they would perhaps be more accessible for you. They mostly include coursework and there are many online options for these. My university experience teaches me that when people say degrees are easier than A levels it is usually because assessments are in multiple formats, tend to involve fewer exams and involve more independent study which means you can choose your learning style and pace. I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or require additional guidance with this, please do not hesitate to reach out again  :)
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    woodbine said:
    OverlyAnxious said:
    Thanks but I've just had a look at the fees on the OU and that's definitely out!  :o 

    I've seen quite a few people saying degrees are easier than A levels.  Why is that out of interest?
    I was reading that funding might be avaliable or even student loans for the OU???
    Yeah, I didn't know that, it looks like anyone can get student loans for OU courses the same as normal ones, but I don't think it's really fair in my case.  I'd never be in the position to pay them back and would feel incredibly guilty about essentially wasting public money on something that's only for my benefit.  It would be different if I thought it would lead to a career in future.  I must admit, I do like the idea of a degree now it's been suggested though!  Maybe something to keep in mind for future. :smiley:
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    L_Volunteer said:
    Hi @OverlyAnxious, 

    If you were initially interested in Physics A level, I am wondering if you have heard of Access to Higher Education (Science) or any other level 3 Science programmes? These would be the equivalent of A level but they would perhaps be more accessible for you. They mostly include coursework and there are many online options for these. My university experience teaches me that when people say degrees are easier than A levels it is usually because assessments are in multiple formats, tend to involve fewer exams and involve more independent study which means you can choose your learning style and pace. I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or require additional guidance with this, please do not hesitate to reach out again  :)
    Thanks L, I hadn't heard of the access courses.  It looks like one of those would be completely free in my position as well.  Sadly the science one is too broad for me.  I really don't get on with biology unfortunately!  I have the same problem with history...I have a strong interest in it, but it involves a lot of illness & injury that I can't deal with. 

    Regarding degrees, independent study is good for me.  I self taught much of my college work (10 years ago now!) as I didn't cope with being in the classroom well by that point.  I'm not good with an individual project or dissertation type assessment though, I much prefer question & answer type assessments, which is the main thing that puts me off degrees.
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Hi @OverlyAnxious, 

    Thanks for sharing more information about your strengths and interests with me. I understand that a more general programme could be more difficult for you. I am more of a social sciences fan myself and I struggle with the natural sciences. However, I have found some online Access to Higher Education programmes in Physics and Mathematics and Physics, Mathematics and Engineering if they would feel more manageable for you  :) I would recommend using your strengths and interests to select a course that feels appropriate for you  :)
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,750 Online Community Programme Lead
    OverlyAnxious said:
    woodbine said:
    I was reading that funding might be avaliable or even student loans for the OU???
    Yeah, I didn't know that, it looks like anyone can get student loans for OU courses the same as normal ones, but I don't think it's really fair in my case.  I'd never be in the position to pay them back and would feel incredibly guilty about essentially wasting public money on something that's only for my benefit.  It would be different if I thought it would lead to a career in future.  I must admit, I do like the idea of a degree now it's been suggested though!  Maybe something to keep in mind for future. :smiley:
    Education is never a waste and self-development is really important for everyone. You should go for it. Look around at some of the courses and see if any spark your interest. 
    If you're unsure, maybe try one of their free courses at OpenLearn just to get you back into studying.
  • tru88le
    tru88le Posts: 200 Contributor
    Oracle are now providing free access to their online training for Oracle Cloud certification.and other Oracle services.
  • Matt1
    Matt1 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    OverlyAnxious said:
    I've been looking at doing an online course recently, mainly to give some structure to my days and something to work towards for a sense of achievement.

    I was tempted by an A level but the exam would be pretty much impossible for me as I couldn't get to the exam centre.  (Considered reasonable adjustments but there isn't enough flexibility for me even then.)

    So I'm wondering if there are other types of course with online exams?  Something recognisable and higher than GSCE level would be ideal.

    (Obviously needs to be something that won't affect my old style ESA either!)
    Hi Overly Anxious, 
    If you are looking to do a course without exams, look at vocational courses, there are loads out there. I hate exams, I go into them and can't remember anything, so I found the vocational route so much better for me. 
    I recently completed a course with https://www.learndirect.com/ and have to say that it was the best thing I did. There was no pressure in attending lessons or exams. 
    Happy to chat more or explain further if you have any questions. 
    Matt 
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,208 Championing
    Thanks Matt,

    I've had to put this idea on the back burner for now but it's something I'm still hoping to revisit in future.
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Good luck @OverlyAnxious. We are all rooting for you  :)
  • Matt1
    Matt1 Online Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    No worries, if you ever want to speak to someone about online courses, give me a shout, I would be more than happy to share my experiences. 

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