Distance learning keeps pupils safe in bad weather

Two educational campuses are making the most of e-learning technology to support its students regardless of their geographical location, it has been reported.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) and Northern Maine Community College (NMPCC) are utilising communication software such as Skype for online tutoring and counselling.

Laura McPherson, director of the academic success centre at NMPCC, is helping those who enrol on the distance learning courses.

She noted how the development is advantageous for the safety of pupils who live far from campus.

"There are times when they just can't make it in for a tutoring session if the weather is bad," she said. "This way, they can access the services we offer from home."

Phil Dubois, a third year business student at UMFK, has compared the communicative set-up to being equally as good as a real-life class interaction.

Last month, schools in Wales were told by the government to consider distance learning if snow forced them to close.