Typically there will be short, intensive periods called contact phases during a distance learning course where students and tutors meet up, often in a residential setting. These contact phases may be once or twice a year and are not always in Sheffield. We have a number of students following courses in the Middle and Far East, for instance, and we arrange for the contact phases to take place in their own country. Distance learning may involve essays, reading, project work, case studies and various other of the items described here. It can be an extremely effective and convenient way of acquiring new professional skills.
Group work is a realistic way of building team skills, trust and communication skills.
As a working paradigm it is very common in the workplace and is a vital skill to master. In group work you will share resources, perspectives and abilities with others and, crucially, you will learn how to deal with the pitfalls of slow progress and frustration at poor communication or relationships and uneven effort or ability. Working with IT Most courses use computers and IT as a specific professional working tool, such as using a computer-aided design package, or as a way of compiling, drafting and presenting information in reports, essays and project work. It is also increasingly significant as an information gathering tool, with all students enjoying access to the Internet and to our range of on-line specialist databases. More and more of our learning resources are geared towards this flexible use of the technology.