Online distance learning.

Gilbey,

Speaking as a graduate from a residential UK university and an ex-tutor for the Open University I would say the quality of the distance learning experience suffers from the lack of social and casual exchanges within which the course content can take root. My advice to you would be to join or establish a "local philosophy group" to counter the potential deficit.

Would you say my overall learning would suffer from the lack of social exchanges?

Yes...to the extent that fellow students even if not engaged with the same material are an informal sounding board for ideas at a particular level.

When I start my course, I will also have a personal tutor, one which I can contact through E-mail and phone, and I can also talk to fellow distance students in the online "common room". this wont be as good as actually talking to someone face to face but it will help.

While not in psychology i too have considered taking some online courses....best of luck to you and let me know if you do it (who u used) and how it worked out!