Study types explained: Online or Online Plus?

If you’re embarking on achieving a qualification in housing, one of the important considerations is how you will study. CIH Housing Academy offer their courses in two different formats:

• Online (online through My Housing Academy)
• Online Plus (online learning through My Housing Academy with additional support by tutor-led online group sessions).

Both formats lead to the same qualification and are designed so that learning can fit around your other commitments. The difference lies in how you engage with the learning and the level of interaction and support you receive.

What both models have in common

Whichever option you choose, you can expect:

• A fully online learning environment
• Clear unit structures, learning materials and assessment tasks
• Clear unit release and submission dates
• Flexibility to plan your study within the assignment schedules alongside work and other commitments
• A focus on real-world housing practice
• Learning that you can apply directly to your housing role.

The key differences between the models

Online: Independent working

As its name suggests, the 'Online' model is fully online. Your study is fully self-directed, allowing you to work through the learning materials accessed through MyHA at your own pace. You can take part in discussion forums and quizzes to consolidate your learning as well.

There are no taught sessions, which many see as a major advantage. You engage and contribute on the days and times that suit you best.

This option works well if you:

• Prefer to study independently
• Learn well through reading and writing
• Do not enjoy, or cannot take time out of the working day for, taught sessions
• Need maximum flexibility due to work and other commitments.

Online learner  |  housing officer

“I liked being able to study in the evenings when things were quieter. Not having to attend sessions meant I could fit learning around my housing caseload and still spend important time with my children.”

Because there are no scheduled sessions, learning can be completed at the times that are best for you. The Online programmes are particularly suitable for confident and experienced learners. Learning through this format requires strong self-motivation. If you prefer talking ideas through ideas or asking questions and listening to the views of others, you may miss the interaction that comes with live teaching and should consider if Online Plus might be a better fit for you.

Online Plus: Structured support with tutor sessions

Online Plus combines the Online experience outlined above with additional small group (usually up to 15 learners) tutor-led sessions for each unit. These are scheduled taught sessions, delivered online, that run alongside your independent study.
 
Online Plus is ideal if you:

• Value scheduled taught sessions for each of the units
• Learn well by listening and discussion
• Want to be able to ask questions and clarify understanding at the start of each unit
• Prefer the camaraderie of learning as part of a group and want the opportunity to network, collaborate with, and support peers through both real-time and deferred sessions and forums
• Appreciate guidance and reassurance around assessment. With the assignment deconstruction, there is less risk of misinterpreting the requirement which can be reassuring - especially if you are returning to study after a break.

Online Plus learner  |  tenancy sustainment worker

“The tutor sessions really helped me understand what the assignments were asking for. Talking it through stopped me overthinking things.”

The taught sessions provide real-time opportunities to network, collaborate with, and support peers whilst sharing experiences across different housing roles and organisations. Engaging with the tutor regularly through the taught sessions can also make it easier to ask questions or seek support via My Housing Academy at other times.

Summary: Which option should you choose?

As a learner, you bring a wealth of experience to your studies. Choosing the right learning format will help you to optimise that experience - whether that’s independent, self-paced study or Online Plus with added tutor-led sessions and peer discussion.

The best choice for you is the one that fits how you learn, how you work, and how much support you want along the way.

Find out more about our qualification offer and choose your course today.

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