Study is based on learning resources custom-designed for the distance learner, with freephone and email access to lecturer, and other support services.
The greatest disadvantage for distance learners is that some live in non-conducive environments such as rural areas, where access to the internet may be challenging.
All video and audio material, including views of the classroom and lecturer, plus microprobe, hand-specimen visualiser and petrological microscope video feed can be streamed so that distance learners can participate.
Even with 25 teaching assistants, the 32-year-old lecturer struggled to keep track of her sprawling class, which included students from four different campuses and distance learners in other countries.
This connectivity also helps the distance learner to interact online with other students, as well as receive support from tutors and lecturers or supervisors.