Distance learning- anyone done it?

Hi Guys,
 
I am embarking on a distance learning degree (Religion and Theology) with Oxford Brookes University.
 
Has anyone got experience of distance learning, for example the Open University?
 
I am a little worried because I have four essays to do within the next 6 weeks, and not much more than a reading list and some limited online content to go on!
 
Is this normal?
 
Does anyone have any distance learning tips/thoughts?
 
Thanks.

Hi mate,
I'm in my fourth year of distance learning study.
The key, really (obvious, I know) is to get ahead and stay ahead.
Next up is to make use of your tutor wisely - if you're stuck, you're stuck, so don't feel bad about contacting him.
Some people form local study groups but I never have the time.
Be absolutely clear about referencing - are you using Harvard referencing, for example?
Final tip - leave what you've written for a few days before submitting it - best way there is of finding errors/typos etc.

Hi Righty, thanks for replying. Yeah I think its Harvard referencing. I'll look into that in closer detail.
 
I'm planning on getting ahead and staying ahead, but there's so much to do and I haven't studied anything in a good couple of years. 
 
It pretty much feels like 99.9% self directed study, does this sound about right? There doesn't seem to be much guidance, for example.

Hi mate, I'm doing maths and statistics and the deal is basically: get some books, read them, scratch your head, ask a couple of questions on the intranet, scratch your head some more, phone your tutor, get a semi-cryptic reply, scratch your head some more, sleep on it, wake up with a better idea of what you're supposed to be doing, write some stuff down at 6:30am while drinking coffee, fret a bit while in work, come home, read some more, say "ah", write down the answer.
 
In all seriousness, yes, it's likely to be largely self-directed, which takes a lot of ancillary study skills you might need to develop.
 
The on-your-own-ness can be a bit isolating but, at the end of the day, if you want it badly enough, you'll struggle through.
 
One thing I do at the start of each new course is contact my tutor/paper marker and establish what style they want. Some want every move you make on paper, others are happy to let you take large jumps without writing them down.
 
I imagine there's an analogy to that with your subject.
 
Sillynarbie is another member here who could probably offer good advice - he's given me a few kicks up the passage via PM.