Distance Learning Advantages:
- Distance learning does not require commuting. This saves you money and time that you’d otherwise spend on travel back and forth to school. You can schedule learning around other aspects of your personal and professional life.
- You can complete most of the classes at your convenience. Most of the classes are asynchronous, which means you don’t have to attend a lecture at a particular time and place. You can review the assignments and do your homework during off-hours or from home.
- Live anywhere, study from anywhere while pursuing the education of your choice. You don’t have to live in the same city or the same country to attend the learning institution of your choice. You can study wherever you have access to a computer and Internet connection.
- Gain extra knowledge. You can transfer the computer and Internet skills that you’ll gain in the process of your distance learning experience to other facets of your life.
- Self-paced learning. For slow and quick learners. This reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
- Accessibility. Online classes address physical accessibility issues that some people with limited mobility encounter when taking traditional classes. You don’t have to worry about gaining access to a classroom or sitting on uncomfortable desks. Instead, you can use your comfortable furniture in your home while enjoying free movement and a chance to further your education.
Of course there were disadvantages.But not any more.
- Costly and complex technology with careful planning of the equipment and facilities. For online learning, you must own a computer (with access to the Internet). This required technology is not always available. Some learners may also be afraid (technophobic) of technology.
If you own a computer and have access to the Internet this clearly is no longer a problem in todays society. Therefore this argument is lo longer valid for most.
- Advance planning. Both the instructors and students involved in distance learning may need to make sacrifices at times to get things done in time.
As we all know you can now log on at ant time at continue the course without having to miss a lesson. In fact you can repeat the lesson as may times as needed to accomplish your goal.
- Hidden costs. If you work for the military for example, and you are on the ship, how do you get your materials? They may need to be mailed in advance incurring extra shipping and handling costs.
This in some cases may still be true but you can rest assured there are no hidden costs you see all the costs and what you pay for upfront. There are no hidden charges.
- Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom setting, a student’s performance can be immediately assessed through questions and informal testing. With distance learning, a student has to wait for feedback until the instructor has reviewed their work and responded to it.
With online testing simulations feedback is now instantaneous. While in traditional settings Tutors and Teachers still have to take home exercise books and homework to mark every night.Plus with online assessments there can be no more excuses like the dag ate your homework.
- Distance learning may not be acknowledged by all employers. Although most employers do acknowledge distance learning, certain employers do not. Students who want to work for a specific employer upon graduation should be sure of that employer’s perspective about online education.
This has not been the case for several years. Employers recognise online certification and qualifications more now than ever before.
- Distance learning does not give students the opportunity to work on oral communication skills. Students in distance learning courses do not get the practice of verbal interaction with professors and other students.
This is not the case with the learning package that the Distance learning has recommended and reviewed. In fact there is an opportunity to use the package for a six day trial before you finally decide weather this program will suit you.
