Open and Distance Learning – Studying at homeOpen learning means studying at home or at work. On some open learning courses you might be sent a list of books to read and exercises to complete. Other courses might use videos, audio-cassettes, computer software or watching TV programmes. Often you will have contact with a tutor or teacher – this might mean through email, phone calls or going to a college or centre for some meetings or sessions. This way of learning is very flexible, and is often suggested for Deaf and disabled people as you can build it directly around you. It does have a downside. It means you have to be very motivated and do not get the social support of mixing with other people who are interested in the same things as you are. Some further education colleges have ‘flexistudy' courses that are a mix of working at college and working at home. Many colleges or universities offer open and distance learning courses and there are some national organisations that only offer this form of learning.
The Open College of the Arts The college offers discounts on its courses to people receiving welfare benefits and they have practical experience of adapting courses and course materials to meet the needs of Deaf and disabled people. You can contact the Open College of the Arts by post: By telephone (0800 731 2116) or textphone (01226 205 255) or fax: 01226 730 838 By e-mail: open.arts@ukonline.co.uk Or by their website. This will take you out of the artist’s resource site and straight to the Open College of the Arts’ site (www.oca-uk.com)
The Open University The Open University is the largest open learning institution in the country. It runs a wide range of courses from short 14 week introductory courses to higher degrees (including arts-based degrees).
Depending on what you study, financial support may be available and the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) may be payable. To find out more about Disabled Students' Allowances on this site, follow this link [LINK]. You can contact The Open University by post: By telephone (01908 653 231) or fax: 01908 655 072 By e-mail: general-enquiries@open.ac.uk Or by their website. This will take you out of the artist’s resource site and straight to The Open University site (www.open.ac.uk)
National Extension College The National Extension College runs distance learning courses with support from tutors. They offer study across a number of subjects including GCSEs, A levels, marketing, IT skills, small business courses and counselling skills. They also have experience in working with Deaf and disabled people. You can contact the National Extension College by post: By telephone (01223 400 350) by fax (01223 400 325) By e-mail: info@nec.ac.uk Or by their website. This will take you out of the artist’s resource site and straight to the National Extension College site (www.nec.ac.uk) 
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The Open College of the Arts 
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