The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning

Article Written By: beng

The fact that so many people are opting for online programs over regular classroom based education might suggest that there is some merit to this mode of learning. And for some students, there is a great deal to be gained: Whether it is a much wanted promotion at work or a career shift you are looking for, distance learning programs can help you achieve your objectives without throwing your current lifestyle off balance.

But distance education is not for everyone. The following are some pros and cons to help you decide whether or not online education makes sense for you.

The Pros

Since distance learning programs don't require you to be physically present in a classroom or follow a predefined timetable, you are free to set your own schedule. Distance education provides you the flexibility to complete your coursework from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace. Have an important chore to run in the morning? No problem—log in to complete your schoolwork that afternoon or later that night.

Many students who take online classes are full-time professionals looking to get ahead in their careers by completing undergrad or graduate degree programs. But even if you re not currently working full-time, distance learning courses offer you a flexible schedule that allows you to learn and earn at the same time, so that you can attend school plus hold down a regular job and pay your way through college.

Since you can complete a distance learning course from anywhere, you are not bound by geography. You can choose any school that offers the program you want, no matter where it s located—anywhere in the country, or even internationally. Plus, if you ever relocate, you don t have to worry about transferring to another school.

There may not be a lot of difference in tuition and fees when you compare online and traditional degrees, but distance education actually turns out to be more economical. You save on costs like fuel, parking, books, child care, and more. And since so many of these programs are self-paced, they can offer you the opportunity to graduate in less time than a traditional program. Less time spent in college equals lower educational costs.

It make use of sophisticated technology to impart education. By accessing study material electronically, submitting assignments via websites, and participating on online forums to interact with professors and classmates on a day-to-day basis, distance learning students can become more technologically savvy than their classroom counterparts.

The Cons

Despite its popularity and growth, the quality and validity of distance education is often questioned. The biggest reason for this prejudice against distance learning is the presence of online diploma mills” that hand out fake degrees. The only way to beat this bias is to make sure you earn your online degree from a properly accredited institution.

Many students consider the lack of interaction—both student-student and student-professor—one of the biggest disadvantages of distance learning. Online classes can make them feel isolated, and they may find it difficult to form long-lasting relationships with their classmates or establish a rapport with their instructors.

It is primarily self-directed. This may not work very well for the students who need more instruction and supervision from their professors, particularly for the more complex parts of their coursework. Self-directed learning can make a student a self-starting and independent learner, but it s not for everyone.

The temptation to procrastinate can be immense as you are on a self-imposed schedule. Therefore a student needs to be focused, disciplined, and motivated to complete the program.

By taking classes online, students do miss out on the activities associated with campus life. From cultural events to inter-college games, from prom nights to graduation, distance learning students don t get to experience the spirit of college. But some students consider that a small price to pay for getting the quality education that may have otherwise been beyond their reach.

About the Author

Independence University (IU) has been delivering career-focused distance learning programs for over 30 years offering graduate degree programs in a variety of educational fields.

You Can Link Directly to "The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//culture-and-society/online-education/the-pros-and-cons-of-distance-learning.html

This Article Has Been Published on Thu, 19 May 2011 and Read 236 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Online Education

Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Online Degree Program
Business Degree Options at Associate Level
How to Succeed in College
Furthering Your Education and Career with an Online Master's Degree
How To Become A Secondary School Counselor
Grad Schools In California Offer Degrees In Drama Therapy!
Beginning Your Dream Work as an Educator
Online Associate Degree Programs Are the Best Way To Earn a Degree!
Flexibility of Taking Online College Courses
Find a challenging new career through Accredited Bookkeeping Courses
Major In Conflict Resolution At Accredited Online Universities
Why Distance Learning Are Good Education Options?
Are You Sincere Enough To Pursue MBA Courses from Home?
How to Choose an Online Degree Program
Are Online Study and MBA Correspondence Beneficial?
MBA in Finance Helps Your Career Growth
A Hands-On And Rewarding Career Beckons You
Distance Learning Courses - Giving Right Attitude to Aptitude
The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning
The New trend Of Online MBA Programs
Choosing Distance-Learning Criminal Justice Colleges
Distance Education: Easier Than Ever
Online Distance Learning Degree for Rural Students
Online University - fulfilling the dreams of many
Distance learning allows you to study and work together