Job Discussion Forums

[ibasiram]

Hi all,

A few years ago I completed the distance DELTA, and the workload was really intense - basically on the DELTA you are fighting on three fronts - module 1, 2 and 3 basically need attention all at the same time, and this made things crazy at times. The MA seems to deal with one module at a time - that seems to make things more manageable...

Has anyone done a distance DELTA and then gone on to do an MA in applied linguistics? How does the workload compare?

Thanks for any thoughts you have

[nomad soul]

My understanding of the Delta is that it's a standardized program; the content and delivery are the same regardless of where the modules are completed. However, that's not the case with graduate degree programs, which vary in content, context, course delivery (e.g., synchronous, asynchronous, or onsite), objectives, number of assignments, course credits, etc., so no two programs are alike. Then you add the element of the learner's backgrounds and experiences. For example, someone who's comfortable with academic writing won't have much difficulty producing written assignments. Ditto with conducting research. Time management is a factor as well; some students are better at managing their time than others in order to keep up with the readings, assignments, and discussion board posting. And for those who haven't been in an academic learning environment for some time, there's also a bit of a learning curve.

Anyway, the point is that you can't really make comparisons between what others have experienced versus how you anticipate your own learning experience will be. You'll get a better sense of what online learning will be like for you and what's expected once you start to research potential master's programs that interest you.

[backtothefront]

For help with Delta Module One go to www.deltaexam.org