There are three modes of Distance Learning at SCS: 1. Regular Correspondence Mode (notated as R in the brochure) Course materials for Regular Mode are paper based. Students will receive the Distance Learning package (with notes, timetable and all relevant guidelines) about two weeks after the enrolment deadline of the school term. They will be asked to study the assigned chapters according to the timetable. Assignment exercises are compulsory for all students and should be submitted via regular mail. Instructors will usually mark and return the assignments in 4-6 weeks via SCS to students. 2. Internet Mode (notated as I in the brochure) Online course materials access and assignment submission are facilitated on SCS I-mode Platform. Students will receive the web account (password and login) information about two weeks after the application deadline of the school term. All course materials, timetable and relevant guidelines are on the web. You will be asked to study the course notes and textbooks according to schedule. Assignment exercises are compulsory for all students and should be submitted online. Instructors will usually mark and upload the assignments onto your web account in 4-6 weeks. 3. E-Learning Mode (notated as e in the brochure) Some of the courses will be delivered through e-Learning platform which is different from I-mode platform. Students can access all course contents and interactive exercises after logging onto the platform. Additional textbook is usually not required in these courses. Face-to-Face tutorial (notated as T in the brochure) Some courses have tutorial sessions to reinforce students' learning. Instructors may elaborate real case examples which support the topics. Students are welcomed to raise questions and are recommended to participate in the discussions during the sessions. Tutorials will usually be held at weekends. About Enrolment Enrolment for the 2009 Spring e-Learning Courses Application deadline: January 12, 2009 (Monday) Commencement date: January 19, 2009 (Monday) Enrolment for the 2009 Spring Term (Round 1) Application deadline: March 16, 2009 (Monday) Commencement date: April 6, 2009 (Monday) Enrolment for the 2009 Spring Term (Round 2) Application deadline: April 13, 2009 (Monday) Commencement date: May 11, 2009 (Monday) Terms and Conditions 1. The Distance Learning Courses are open to all aged 16 or above. No formal educational qualification is required except when otherwise specified, while applicants should refer to the syllabus of the respective courses for suitability. In case of dispute, admission will be at the discretion of the School Director. 2. To enrol on a course, please return the completed "Enrolment Form For General Courses & Self-learning Packages" (please click here to download) to our enrolment centres and settle the tuition fee with one of the following methods of payment: (1) Cheque or Bank Draft; (2) Cash Payment; (3) Visa or Master Card. Also, students can apply programmes through "Online Enrolment" in our website. Please read carefully and understand the relevant Procedures & Guidelines before submitting an online enrolment form. 3. Fees paid are not refundable. Transfer of enrolment from one course to another can only be made subject to the approval of the School and payment of an administrative charge of HK$100. The application should be made at least a week before the commencing date of the enrolled course. 4. Internet mode students are expected to have basic knowledge of using computer and Internet. They are not allowed to submit homework via Regular Correspondence. And the tuition fees do not cover any charge for using Internet. 5. The School will dispatch Distance Learning package to students before course commencement date. Regular Correspondence mode students will receive all materials through regular mailing. Internet mode students will access online materials with an access account and password provided by mail. 6. Student enrolled in the courses may require to purchase the textbook(s) after settling the tuition fee and receiving the Distance Education Package. Most textbooks are available in major bookstores and details will be furnished along with the package. Distance Learning Tips To be a successful distance learner you must think about your learning habit, your time, your commitment and motivation. The following tips may be helpful to you: Your learning styles There will be no formal classroom meeting except some courses with limited tutorials. It is important for you to develop yourself as independent active learner given that you still have the virtual community of learners in the same course. There are as many learning styles as there are individuals with a network for sharing plus an instructor as a facilitator. Time Management Having a good strategy to allocate an effective and efficient study plan for you is an important first step: a. What time of the day could you concentrate on your studies best?    Some students study best in the morning while some others are "night owls". It boils down to knowing your study habits.     b. What kind of studying environment suits you best?   Some students are accustomed to silent studying environment (e.g. in a library) while some others prefer some noise in the background. Thus knowing your distraction-free environment is your second step. Learning through collaboration By staying connected with the instructor or fellow students, you could reap the benefits of exchange of ideas and collective wisdom, stay motivated and seek consultation. Channels like online forums, emails, instant messengers or other virtual resources could help. Online Information Online dictionaries, books, databases and even encyclopedia are more accessible than ever. Be sure to identify the information sources which are relevant to your specific studies and which allow you to enjoy the success while at the same time saving the cost of purchasing reference materials. Additional Information For recent Distance Learning conferences, please click here For trends in Distance Learning and the Internet, please click here For WebCast Archives, please click here